Zidonja was born in Russia in 1938. After going through the excruciating 2nd World War and Stalin's post war period she ended up in Germany. This experience taught her to record what was going on around her with sketches and photographs for future use, which she still does to this date. Zidonja uses the sketches and photography to compose her art.

In 1951 Zidonja,  Vera, Sonja, and her mother came directly to Chilliwack BC to live with her Uncle. She was struck by the beauty of the mountains and she has never lost her awe and extreme Love of the mountains.

Zidonja is a self taught artist who works out of a very private studio away form her home, usually listening to classical music witch also inspires her.

She works with Watercolors, Oils, and recently has taken up pastels which she finds very satisfying. Future plans include taking up sculpturing as well.

Though her extensive travel around the world she has grown to appreciate the beauty of the many places such as Australia, New Zeeland, Fiji, coming down the Amazon to place where Columbia, Brazil and Peru touch. The natives call it the triangle. But the place she appreciates the most is our own Fraser Valley.