HOW THE FOG IS BREWED in Bohemian Switzerland

With the coming of autumn and its signature mists, author Jitka Čapková arrives with her third children’s book, Jak se vaří mlha (How the Fog is Brewed), published by the Divus publishing house. Jitka Čapková is an author, illustrator, and teacher of classical art techniques in the graphic design department at the SPŠ (Secondary Technical School) in Varnsdorf. Two of her drawings on Himalayan paper were recently selected for the Betty Butter Better themed auction, which focuses on contemporary art. The auction gives more visibility to female artists, and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the Perla association, which, together with the Divus publishing house, runs the Nová Perla cultural hub in Kyjov near Krásná Lípa.

We spoke to her in the following interview about how children’s stories are born, where she finds her inspiration, and what the world of art means to her.

How did it happen that you have written and illustrated three children’s books over the last two years?

With Ivan, the legendary publisher of art publications, we met at the Perla café. We haven’t known each other long, but working with him suits me perfectly. At first, I thought he would give me advice or edit my texts, but on the contrary, he gave me absolute freedom. He answered my questions with more questions. For example, when preparing the first children’s book, he asked if I wanted to hand-draw the text myself. So, using his own words, I answered: “Why not?” – and in the end, that experiment turned out beautifully.

Since you’ve only known each other a short time and have published three books in the last two years, how much time do you need for a single book?

In my mind, I have a vision of writing and illustrating ten books. I sometimes carry ideas around for several years. I worked intensively on the first and second books for about 3 to 4 months, but Jak se vaří mlha has required the most work so far. I first pondered this question during a trip to Saxon Switzerland two years ago, so if you count the initial idea, the book took roughly two years to create.

Do you have someone specific in mind when you prepare your books?

Alice má rybu

What are the print runs for your books?

I always try to ensure that both the production and the print run are environmentally friendly, so they usually come out in editions of around 500 copies. Besides illustration, I am also dedicated to fine art, I teach, and I try to be involved in smaller, local neighbourhood events.

Two of your graphic prints made it into the Betty Butter Better themed auction, which specialises in contemporary art and dedicates more space to women. What kind of auction is it?

First and foremost, it is a unique initiative. Betty Butter Better focuses exclusively on contemporary art and gives significant space to female artists. For me, it’s an adventurous insight into the art market world – there is no certainty in auctions, only suspense. My drawings might be auctioned off for the starting price, or not at all, but I don’t worry about that. I feel good about being part of an auction that isn’t afraid and offers only contemporary art and only female artists. Of course, I would love it if the auction earned me enough for another children’s book, but it’s not a condition for me.

When and how does the auction take place?

The auction will take place on Saturday, 4 October from 8 pm and will be online, so anyone can participate from anywhere. You just need to log into the Livebid auction system. Part of the proceeds will go to support Perla. There will be around 40 female artists in total in the auction. It will certainly be an interesting evening.

At the end of the interview, Jitka Čapková highlights the Betty Butter Better auction, where her work can be supported. Follow her work, new books, and projects, and let yourself be inspired by a world where fog, art, and children’s imagination come together to create a beautiful story.

For more information on Jitka Čapková’s work, follow her Instagram (IG).