Featured Finds
Perfect playful addition for children's bedroom or playroom that captures the imagination!
Original works of art by celebrated artist and children's book illustrator, Sami Suomalainen.
Sami Suomalainen (1941-2019) is recognized as one of Canada's most gifted modern artists for his creative spirit in children's book illustration.
Born in Tuupovaara, Finland, he exhibited an artistic talent at a young age, winning his first prize at the age of four from the Faber company. He immigrated to Canada in the mid 1960s and settled in Toronto where he attended the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University). After his studies, he began working as a full-time artist and illustrator. The artist's style was expressive and playful, catching the attention of well-known authors.
He was most loved for his illustrations in numerous children's books which have been sold worldwide in all major languages. His work is featured in many book illustrations, most notably with children's author Robert Munsch's Mud Puddle and The Dark.
Sami was also an accomplished musician, playing both classical and flamenco guitar, and he composed a series of instrumental guitar pieces. In addition, he was an active member of Toronto's arts community and Toronto's Finnish community and volunteered in many charitable initiatives and community projects.
The artist's paintings are held in major art collections across North America, Europe and Scandinavia, and in the Art Collection of the Library and Archives Canada.
Children's book illustrated by Sami Suomalainen include:
Wall Fiction is pleased to offer these original paintings and to be working with the artist's estate.
