a little place to call my own (art and fashion blog)

Today I'll share a review for Ward No. 6 ( Палата № 6)  a short story by Anton Chekhov. First published in 1892, this story is still relevant. It criticizes society (especially its treatment of mentally ill) through observing one doctor's existential crisis. While telling a story of one doctor's burnout, Ward No.6 opens many interesting questions about human suffering and the meaning of life. While I was in Split, I stumbled across an Italian edition of this story in a that antique/second hand bookshop I told you about, so I bought it.  Short stories are a great choice whenever you're pressed for time. I have already read this story in Croatian a couple of times. Possibly I had also listened to some of the  Russian audio-versions on YouTube  at some point, but I'm not certain. I'm actually listening to the above mentioned and linked audiobook while I'm putting this post together, just to refresh my memory. You can read this short story in English for free on

 Hello! Today I will review Damen kapric, a novel by Ankica Topić, a Croatian author.  If I'm not mistaken this was my first read from this writer.  Ankica Topić is from Makarska , so from the same region in Croatia as yours truly ( Dalmatia ). I'm mentioning the region because it is relevant to understand the novel's humour.  As in most other European countries, in Croatia you will find cultural and linguistic  differences between regions, something that is often used for comic effects in books, TV shows and movies. In this particular novel, the author often contrasts Croats from the South with those from the capital (that is continental  Croatia).  Damen kapri c is a wonderfully funny novel that starts of as a family comedy with elements of romance, but soon turns darker and evolves into a mystery of some kind. An interesting novel for sure. I'm not sure is an English translation available yet.  The novel is named after a (possibly Hungarian?) cake.  I wasn't abl

 Hello readers! Today I'll review The Aspern Papers by Henry James. Published in 1888, this novella is a lovely classic that stood the test of time. A perfect choice if you're short on time but would like to get introduced to Henry James or just enjoy some of his writing. I'm no stranger to this author myself.  I've read many works by him. I even reviewed Henry James on my blog quite a few times  here  (   Four Meetings) here (The Portrait of a Lady) , here ( Washington  Square ). I might even do a special post about him on this little place to call my own ( sharing with you all of Henry James' works that I have read so far) but today I'll just focus on this beautifully melancholic  novella set in Venice.  If I recall well, I borrowed this particular book from a library some time ago. I do like to read books in physical  form if possible, but if you prefer online reading, you can find a free version of this classic on wikisource and other sites.  This novella co

 Happy Friday! Today I'm back with another FASHION ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY post.  This pretty regular feature on my blog is all about visual art and fashion. I don't typically post every Friday, though. In fact, it's been a while since I've shared one of my fashion illustrations .  The reason why I haven't been posting my fashion illustration is because I've been more focused on painting landscapes (mostly seascapes).  Throughout this year I have been investing a lot of energy and time into painting the seaside (and sea in particular). I don't think that will change any time soon. Nevertheless, yesterday I managed to steal some time to make some fast fashion illustrations.   While I was shopping for art supplies the other day, I remembered to pick up some Steadler (not sponsored) watercolour pencils I used in the past. If I hadn't, I probably would have thought of making these fashion sketches. As you might remember, I often use watercolour pencils when I wa