Artistic Journey & Creative Achievements
Tina Winterlik | Zipolita
1991–2026
An independent artist, photographer, blogger, digital creative and storyteller. My work spans photography, painting, murals, web design, digital media, environmental art and independent publishing.
Education & Early Career
1991–1992: Selkirk College
1993–1994: Professional Photography Diploma, Langara College.
1995: Art Show – Indigenous Regalia.
1995–1999: Digital Imaging Technician.
1999: Art Show – Silent Mentors (Vivid Legacy), architectural photography, Gallery Eleven Eleven.
1999–2000: Freelance Photographer, Cook Islands.
Photography, Digital Media & Mexico
2000: Sina Training – Web Design.
2000–2001: Design Imagivity dotcom – Portfolio and E-commerce Website.
2001–2002: Freelance Photographer and Artist, Mexico – Watercolour, pen and ink.
2000–2003: Photography, Web Design, Print and Digital Imaging.
2004–2007: FairyFotosLady – YouTube Channel and Marketing Materials.
2008–2012: Freelance Photographer and Artist, Mexico – Adventurez in Mexico Blog and YouTube project.
Art, Mentorship & Creative Development
2010: Social Media Course, Emily Carr University. Blog redesigns and digital creative projects.
2011–2012: Mentored by Ron Hedrick – Created a series of 50 black-and-white oil paintings. Art shows at Bean Around the World.
2012–2013: Freelance Photographer and Artist, Mexico. Short films and art exhibition in Zipolite.
2014: Interaction Design Certificate, Emily Carr University. Development of Zipolita's Travel Amigo App.
2015–2016: Art Show – #SaveOurCoast. Peace Prayer Flag Project. Social Media Management. Designed six photobooks.
Community Art, Murals & Mexico
Mexico has been an important part of my life and creative journey since 1997.
Over the years, I have volunteered with Pina Palmera in Oaxaca, Mexico, contributing my artistic skills through mural painting and community art.
I have also painted numerous murals at the posada where I stay in Zipolite.
Throughout my time in Mexico, I have gifted and shared many original paintings with people and places along the way. Not every painting needs to be sold or exhibited. Sometimes art is simply something to give and share.
Independent Art, Painting & Publishing
2016–2025: Continued independent work as an artist, photographer, blogger and digital storyteller. Development of online creative projects, environmental art, painting collections and independent publishing through Zipolita.
Ongoing creative collections include:
- Water Is Life – Mermaids, whales, otters, waves, forests and the natural world.
- The Fire Next Time – Environmental themes, nature, forests and humanity.
- The Changerz / Changerzz – Creative projects exploring technology, society and change.
- The Alchemy of Ivy Mae – An independent magical realism, LGBTQ2S+ and eco-fiction storytelling project.
Public Art & Murals
Public art projects include:
- Mermaid Under the Bridge – Marine-themed mural near the Burrard Bridge and Senakw.
- Gray Whale Family tribute mural near Kitsilano.
- Marine-themed mural at Trafalgar Street and Point Grey Road.
2026 – Art Against Stigma
November 19–22, 2026
Exhibiting 20 original paintings at Recovery Café, 620 Clark Drive, Vancouver, as part of the 30th annual Eastside Culture Crawl.
Featuring paintings from the Water Is Life and The Fire Next Time collections.
An opportunity to bring together environmental art, creativity and community.
Online Portfolio & Independent Publishing
Through my online presence, including Zipolita, I have independently published thousands of posts covering art, photography, people, places, culture, environmental issues and current affairs.
My blog has become an ongoing creative archive, portfolio and independent publishing platform.
Artist Statement
I create because I believe art can tell stories, raise questions, inspire conversations and connect us with the world around us.
My creative journey has never been limited to galleries or traditional exhibitions. It has taken me across countries, into communities, onto walls, onto canvas and onto the internet.
Sometimes I exhibit my work. Sometimes I give it away. Sometimes I simply share it.
Art has always been about more than selling paintings. It is about leaving a little colour behind.