Thursday, June 29, 2006

Muse in the suitcase / 旅行箱裡的繆思

獻給蕙玲
我知道不是每個人都和我有著相同的狂熱,要找到願意傾聽的人並不容易,不過我很幸運,我的繆思總是很溫柔地聆聽,和我做意見上的交流。如果有一天,我因為插畫的夢想,能夠到全世界旅行,我得把繆思放在行李箱。沒有靈感時,把行李箱一開,馬上又會畫思泉湧。每個人身邊都要有這樣的朋友,人生才不算白活啊!

Dedicated to Hueiling

I know well that not everyone has the same frenzy for art as I do. It's not that easy to find someone who is always all ears. Fortunately, my Muse listens to me patiently and gives me helpful feedback all the time. If I can travel around the world because of my illustration dream, I'll have to put my Muse in the suitcase. When my inspirations run dry, she will supply me with tons of new ideas unconditionally.

Everyone gotta have friends like that by their sides to make life livable!

Monday, June 26, 2006

Drama Queen's first movie / 戲劇女王的處女秀

近來我的友人紛紛朝多角化的生涯規劃,我很幸運地被大家看重,跨刀友情贊助。密友張小蕙因電影拍攝課需要,找我飾片中的女主角,可真是一圓我多年的實力派女優星夢。不過小蕙走的是紀錄片路線,所以我只需呈現最真的自我,包括我那豪邁的走路姿勢。

前幾天接到小蕙通知,便靈機一動,順便為尚未出世的紀錄片作業畫張海報,片名就叫做「雙面女郎」,希望這次新嘗試會為我帶來前所未有的機會。那麼,我們坎城影展上見吧!

Lately my colleagues have been planning other career developments than teaching. I have been very lucky to be part of their projects though I barely know why. Huei talked me into being the lead actress in her film class assignment, which made my "drama queen" dream come true. However, she majors in documentaries, so all I have to do is be myself. I even have to walk the way I do as usual, which is not very beautiful.

I was very excited when Huei called me up the other day. I was inspired by her assignment and drew a poster for the documentary yet to be made. As you can see, the film is titled "Woman in Disguise." Well, I hope the try will bring me unprecedented opportunites. I'll see you in the Cannes film festival then!

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Rain / 雨

May is the plum rain season on the island. Somehow, with the global climatic change, it has rained more than usual these two years. Even though I have learned not to dislike rain, the downpour can be quite a spoilsport. It takes away my desire to dress like a lady and sometimes I just wish I could stay home all day long instead of running in the rain frantically.

Well, there are always ways to survive. Since I can't stop the rain, I should live with it. I don't care how people think of my attire anymore. Every day I go out with my Birkenstock flip-flops though I've been critized for my purposeful sloppiness. When the rain wets my toes, they do not feel annoyed. What's there to worry when they know they'll dry up again, without shoes and socks to stop them from breathing?

PS: This is not a super painting, but it's my first acrylic piece on canvas! Thank you for looking.

五月是島上的梅雨季,隨著全球的氣候變化,這兩年的初夏,雨沒有節制地下著,人的心情難免會受到影響。傾盆大雨時,就算打扮地再美麗,也會被淋成落湯雞,看起來怪悲慘的。有時候我多希望可以整天躲在家裡,不用為了出門工作辛苦地在雨中奔跑。

幸好,我很快地就找到適應雨天的方法。拋開眾人的眼光,我穿著舒適的伯肯夾腳鞋,不在意他人的批評。大雨淋濕我的腳趾頭,它們也一派自在。反正濕了會乾,沒什麼好擔心的,少了鞋子和襪子的束縛,它們愉快地呼吸、享受下雨天。

﹝註﹞這是我的第一張壓克力帆布作,請多指教!

Friday, June 23, 2006

Courage Box / 勇氣盒

最後一天上課,外面陽光白亮亮的,好心情從幾個星期前慢慢地在心頭上蔓延。未到達終點以前,可以率性地說,之後我們就各自分道揚鑣,那一刻到來時,滿懷的開朗有點輕輕的感傷,因為我想看到你成長之後,可以親口對我說,對,人生的道路要一直往下走才能看到它完整的風貌、生活沒有你當初想像的困難、你開始知道自己要的是什麼、你也學到如何享受生活‧‧‧我居然有些在意,自己沒有辦法和你一起長大。

On the last day of class, the sunshine outside was so dazzling. Anticipation of the coming summer break had built up since the early June. Before the last day, I could say to you wilfully that we didn't have many days left together and you would no longer be my responsibility. But when that moment came, my light mood became kind of heavy. I'd like to hear you say to me after you grow up, "I've learned to go on living to see the whole picture of life; Life is not as difficult as I thought it'd be; I've found what I was looking for; I know now what it means to enjoy every moment of life." It's funny how I begin to mind not being able to grow up with you.

每當你哭喪著臉和我訴說生活上的困難,我總是很平靜地和你說,目前的路雖然走得坎坷,但是我相信你會好好的,泰半時你用半信半疑的眼光看著我。你要相信我,因為我的年紀幾乎是你的兩倍,因為你這麼努力地向前行,你付出的一切不會付諸流水。我最怕的是,你不再相信自己。

Whenever you came to me, tears streaming down your cheeks, I always looked at you calmly, saying, "The present moment might be difficult, but you'll be fine." Most of the time you responded with that doubtful look in your eye. You have to trust me because I am almost twice as old as you, because your efforts won't come to nothing. What scares me the most is, you no longer believe in yourself.

對於迷惘的你、膽怯的你、沒有信心的你、不快樂的你、絕望的你、沒有目標的你、害怕的你、孤獨的你,不被了解的你、負面的你,我要送你勇氣盒,傷心難過的時候就打開它,自我安慰,要不然,請你記得,人生永遠不只你想的那樣,會有更好更糟的時候,而我們活著,就是要走過這一切,才會體驗最終的美好。

For those who are confused, timid, diffident, unhappy, despairing, lost, afraid, lonely, not understood, negative, I want to give you a courage box. When you are baffled and frustrated, please open it and you'll find treasures that lift your spirits. If not, please bear in mind, life is more than you think you know. There are better and worse moments. And living is all about going through moments just to experience its ultimate beauty.

祝福你‧‧‧

With all the good luck in the world...

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Dance / 跳舞

上個週末婚禮結束之後,可愛的新郎醉得不醒人事,他一邊繞著英文,一邊解衫,最後被趕上床睡覺。我想像他因為結婚,興奮地過了頭,忍不住舞動身軀。他醒了之後還會記住這個有趣的畫面嗎?

Last weekend after the wedding banquet, the adorable bridegroom was completely drunk. He couldn't help speaking English (which he normally doesn't do) and taking off his clothes at the same time. It was not until the bride came back that he was put to bed. So I decided to take him as the theme for this week's Illo Friday. He dances wildly in full glee. I am wondering, does he remember what he did?

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Wedding Gift / 結婚禮物

再過幾個小時,我就要去參加妳的婚禮,除了滿心的期待外,其他都是最誠懇的祝福。我把這些感受做成小小的禮物,希望你們一直愛著彼此,因為彼此過得更精采。

In a few hours, I am going to your wedding banquet. My heart is filled with happiness and best wishes for you two. I turned these feelings into a humble gift, hoping that you are always in love with each other and that your life will be forever beautiful.

剛開始,我們都在尋找關係的平衡點。因為太喜歡彼此,所以我們小心翼翼,有時甚至隱藏真實的自己。

In the beginning, we were both looking for the balance in our relationship. We liked each other too much. We were much more cautious than when we walked on ice. Sometimes we even hid our true selves.

我們對彼此不滿時,誰也不肯退讓,愛情的蹺蹺版忽上忽下,我們像是走到死角,又傷心又絕望。

When we argued, no one was willing to give in. The see-saw of love went up and down. We were locked in a dead corner, depressed and frustrated.

現在我們要結婚了,我們或許不如剛開始那樣地瘋狂熱戀,但是我們一步步地走到今天,對彼此更了解,也學會如何自在相處,我們會好好的,對吧親愛的?

Now we are getting married. We might not be so madly in love like before. But these years have taught us more about each other and how to be at ease in our relationship. We'll be fine, right, my dear?

Friday, June 16, 2006

Adeline Inc. / 雨傘女王

辦公室裡的阿得琳最近因為定時收看時尚設計節目,看著看著便萌生偉大的夢想,「為什麼我不朝設計方面發展呢?」在我的鼓勵之下,阿得琳選擇她最喜歡的傘業,很認真地計劃起新事業。而我也湊湊熱鬧,雖然我們只有一張兩面的企劃稿,我卻不自主地想到將來她飛黃騰達的日子。

阿得琳吳,人稱「雨傘女王」,台灣時尚設計界奇葩,幾年前從沒沒無聞的英文教師開始設計生涯,未受過任何專業訓練,但是憑著她對時尚的敏銳嗅覺和不停吸收新知,走訪民間調查普普階層女性的喜好,阿得琳獨特的見解和品味獲得大眾的喜愛。她旗下的設計師游x淳,不僅擅長設計,尤其偏愛插畫,最新一款的人物主題傘更獲得廣大迴響。阿得琳的消費對象囊括各個階層,有定價低廉的制式傘,更有針對金字塔頂層專門定製的個性傘。阿得琳可說在台灣掀起了一陣雨傘風,現在阿得琳更延攬國外設計師,計劃打進國外市場,毫無疑問,阿得琳將會刷新歐美用傘的視野。
以上新聞由記者游小淳於台北報導

該上班去了‧‧‧

Adeline, my dear colleague, has watched the show "Project Runway" on a regular basis lately. It then dawned on her, "Why not try designing?" With my cordial encouragement, she chose her favorite item-umbrellas. She was very serious about planning her future career. I want to be part of this too, so even though we have only two pages of career outlines, I am alreadydreaming about our success.

Adeline Wu, whom people call "Queen of Umbrellas," is a miracle in the Taiwanese fashion world. She started her designing life a few years ago. At that time, she was nothing more than an English teacher, not known to many people. Never professionally trained, Adeline made her way into the fashion circle with her stunning sensitivity to vogue and demanding efforts. She accumulated experiences by making research on women's likes and dislikes when it came to umbrellas. Her unique tastes and viewpoints regarding fashion made her who she is today. Her top designer, Ms. You, is adept not only in the design field. She is especially expert in illustration. The latest line of products, featuring characters on umbrellas, has caused a shopping frenzy among female consumers. Adeline targets at every class of buyers. You can choose mass production to cut down the expenses. Meanwhile, there are also tailor-made umbrellas which are especially for top-class clients. Now Adeline has invited world-famous designers from name brands such as Anya Hindmarch to help her conquer the foreign markets. It is believed that Adeline will once again amaze the fashion world.
Reported by ~Chuen You in Taipei

Well, it's really time for me to go to work...

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Girls in Love / 戀愛中的女孩

應該是從前幾個禮拜開始,星期二成了女孩們的戀愛日,星期三當我跨進教室,準備和進度大戰時,女孩的臉上散發出喜咨咨的紅潤光澤,其他人不忘在旁起鬨幫腔,結果就這樣瓦解了我的嚴肅心防。

Since a few weeks ago, Tuesday has become girls' love day. When I walk into the classroom on Wednesday, ready for a new day's battle, there's always one girl whose face glows like that of an angel. Others never hesitate to make fun of her. Then I totally collapse and sometimes just forget how much we fall behind the schedule.

當我問發生了什麼事,小女生便大聲鼓譟:「某某人IN LOVE!」剛開始有些哭笑不得,心想,16歲的少女還真是容易動情。接著,我不顧形象地大喊:「不公平!為什麼我沒有IN LOVE!」雖然我很清楚熟女尋找愛情的負擔太多,我卻忍不住和女孩們玩起來。我說:「快借我看照片,不過我們得先上點課,把進度趕完,再給自己來點獎勵!」

When I ask them what's wrong, all the young gals shout out loud, "XX is IN LOVE!" At first, I was really amused. I thought, how easy it is for 16-year-old girls to fall in love! Then, regardless of the fact that I am THE TEACHER, I would yell back, "IT'S NOT FAIR! How come I am NOT IN LOVE!" I know well the reason, but I can't help playing with them. I'd say, "I want to take a look at the photo! But before that, we need to start the lesson. Afterwards, we'll give us some rewards by sharing your love story!"

然後女孩們開心地和我分享一見鍾情或天雷勾動地火、一發不可收拾的愛情,我們沉醉於其中,又過了美好的一節課。十六歲,多麼美麗的年齡啊!

Then girls share with me with joy their stories of love at first sight or how they hit it off with boys they meet outside the school. We often get so carried away and the class ends in laughter and hope. Sixteen, what a beautiful age!

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Crazy Olivia 40 / 瘋狂奧莉薇 40

奧莉薇看著幸福的鯊魚夫婦驚覺,「我也要加油了!」

Olivia, looking at the happy shark couple, realizes that it's time to give love another shot!

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Crazy Olivia 39 / 瘋狂奧莉薇 39

啊!原來是鯊魚先生找到了真愛,奧莉薇急著去當海上婚禮的見證人。

So it is the shark that has found his true love. Olivia is invited to be the witness of their sea wedding.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Crazy Olivia 38 / 瘋狂奧莉薇 38

一年後,奧莉薇匆匆地騎著她鍾愛的腳踏車,她究竟要前往何處呢?

One year later, Olivia rides her beloved bike in a hurry. Where is she heading for exactly?

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Crazy Olivia 37 / 瘋狂奧莉薇 37

奧莉薇離情依依地和鯊魚先生說再見,結束短暫的海上生活。

Olivia says goodbye to the shark, which has become her very dear friend. She thus draws an end to her short life on the sea.

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Crazy Olivia 36 / 瘋狂奧莉薇 36

鯊魚先生很好奇為何奧莉薇居然拒絕了「海中蛟龍」,她說,她還是比較喜歡陸地上的生活和騎腳踏車自由自在的日子。

The shark is very curious about the reason why Olivia turned down Mr. Sea Dragon. She tells him that she prefers the carefree days of riding bikes on land.

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Best Wish / 最美的祝福

昨天,將要離去的小女孩來找我,卡片裡這麼寫著:「你也要一直畫下去喔!」我的內心滿滿的感動,這是我收過最美麗的祝福。我會好好地遵守我們之間的約定‧‧‧

Yesterday, a girl that was about to graduate came to me with a lovely card. She wrote, "Don't stop painting. You have to go on and on and on..." I was so touched that no word could describe my feeling. This is the best wish I have ever received. I will keep our promise and never stop. Even the end of the world can't stop me...

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Crazy Olivia 35 / 瘋狂奧莉薇 35

但是奧莉薇接下來的舉動還真是令人跌破眼鏡,她趁「海中蛟龍」不注意時,用力推了他一把。

However, to the shark's surprise, Olivia does something really unexpected. She pushes Mr. Sea Dragon into the sea when he is off guard.

「海中蛟龍」哇哇大叫,一邊喟嘆自己的命運悲慘。

Mr. Sea Dragon screams and shouts. In the meanwhile, he laments over his difficult life, which is full of sad misfortunes.