Iluka artist Aleisha Zappia publishes children’s book Monsters don’t wear ties

ILUKA artist Aleisha Zappia has published a children’s book, Monsters don’t wear ties, that encourages play.

A decade after first illustrating a children’s book, Zappia has realised a goal to write, illustrate and publish her own colourful book.

“I really enjoyed the process of planning and illustrating picture books (but) it wasn’t until last year that I got around to planning my new book, Monsters don’t wear ties,” she said.

“I love developing characters from my imagination and the things I see every day.

“It so different to creating a logo or a brochure like my day to day work; I get to be as wild with my ideas as I like.

“Kids have open minds ready to absorb everything in front of them, so creating things for kids really has no boundaries.

“The idea behind my book is not to grow up too fast, play, explore, just be a kid.

“I guess I myself, haven’t quite grown up – I love to go on adventures, make jokes, play with toys, read comics and picture books and watch cartoons.”

The graphic designer held her first solo exhibition, ‘creatures’ in 2014, featuring more than 30 paintings of animals.

“The majority of my work features animals as subjects; they are my passion,” Zappia said.

“I love to watch them form – feather by feather, scale by scale – as I paint them.

“I’ve been creating art for as long as I can remember, excelling through high school, and in my graduating year of 2001, winning the art and design award.

“In 2002 I received my certificate IV in fine art, followed by my diploma and advanced diploma of graphic design, majoring in illustration and advertising.

“I also continued creating art in my spare time.

“I have also participated in many local group exhibitions, including the 2015, ‘16 and ‘17 City of Joondalup Community Art Exhibition and the 2016 Native Animal Rescue Art Award, where I received the people’s choice award.”

Monsters don’t wear ties can be bought via www.unleishedart.com.