Meet the Artist

Welcome to my little corner, where the ancient craft of fore-edge painting comes to life. 

My name is Anita and I'm the artist behind The Peculiar Bunch.

Ever since I was little, I've found magic in the quiet corners of stories, in the way a book can carry you into unknown worlds. Through my work, I try to capture that same sense of awe, that childlike ability to let every story feel like a dream.

My love for words has led me to graduate in Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Zagreb. However, I've always felt the pull toward visual arts too, toward creating with my own hands. 

Upon graduating, I moved to the United Kingdom, the homeland of fore edge painting, yet I didn't discover this beautiful craft until later, during its revival a few years ago. I fell in love the moment I painted my very first book, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Very fitting, that's where my own adventure began.

Today, I paint from my studio in the south of Croatia, often accompanied by my faithful assistant, Oscar, an eleven year old rescue, who can usually be found ''helping'' as I paint. 

My books have crossed oceans on the way to new owners, whether as a special anniversary gifts or gentle nudges for younger generations to discover the joy of reading. 

I find inspiration in folklore, classical tales, and epic stories of love, destiny, and perseverance in the face of darkness. I see each piece I create as a quiet tribute to this old craft but also as an heirloom, made to be cherished and passed on through generations to come.