“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisioned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we’re partisans of liberty, then it’s our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!” 

― J.R.R. Tolkien

Z.A. Wicke is an author and illustrator based in the United States. Their artistic work focuses on visual storytelling and character design, most often in service of their written works. The vast majority of their work, both written and visual, takes place in the fictional world of their creation, Aliquis.

Selected Publications

2020: Chrysalis, Sonder Anthology

2020: The Siren in the Shell, Sonder Anthology

Solo + Collaborative Exhibitions

2021: Robot, UFO, Off Planet Alien Dim Art House, Springfield, IL

2021: Flash Point || Liminal Lost UIS Visual Arts Gallery, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL

2021: UIS Art Students League Showcase UIS Access Gallery, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL

2020: UIS Senior Preview Show UIS Access Gallery, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL

2019: Forthcoming: (Un)Noticeable UIS Access Gallery, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL

2017: UIS Art Students League Showcase UIS Access Gallery, University of Illinois Springfield, Springfield, IL