Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Where is my house? / 我的房子呢?

人對於想擁有的東西會隨著年齡改變,雖然我還是一樣熱愛旅行,但是最近這幾年,我更想要有一間自己的房子,儘管近期內我仍得寄住在父母家,那並沒有澆熄我的渴望,事實上,我覺得自己好像患了「缺乏寓宅暴躁症」,當爸媽遠行回來時,我的症狀便極度明顯,我原本溫和的個性就會變得易怒,不想和雙親交談。

People long for different things at different ages. I am still passionate about traveling, but in recent years, the desire for owning an apartment of my own has grown so strong. For certain personal reasons, I will have to stay at my parents' for another few years, but that does not stop me from dreaming of buying my own place. As a matter of fact, I have been diagnosed as a patient of LAAC, Lacking an Apartment Choler. When my parents return from a long trip, my symptoms will become especially obvious. For example, I am generally very calm and nice, but then I'll turn into an irascible person, not in the mood for chatting with my parents.

只有我一人在家時,客廳總是丟滿了我的畫具,偌大的空間裡迴響著收音機傳來的古典樂,貝多芬、蕭邦等輩相當自在,真是再愉快也不過了。不過父母親一返家,我們的客廳可就熱鬧了,我的莫札特必須使盡吃奶的力量才能和電視機裡的八卦主持人相抗衡,當然啦,有時可能是綜藝大哥大的魔音繞耳,假如老爸一時興起,還會來個京劇,光是我就覺得夠頭痛了,更不要說那些古典樂的先輩。

When I am home alone, my paints and paper are thrown everywhere in the living room. I'd play classical music and it sounds so lovely echoing in the large space. I believe that Beethoven and Chopin are as happy as I. However, when Dad and Mom are there too, our living room is more than crowded, auditorily speaking. My Mozart has to fight hard against the loud voice of gossipy hosts on TV. Sometimes Dad watches Chinese opera, which he never did in the previous 57 years in his life. I myself feel so tortured with so much noise in the same space, not to mention the heavyweight ancestors in classical music.

但是但是,這些都比不過一個更重要的理由,那就是,當我旅行多日回到家時,總是會驚嚇地發現,我精神上賴以維生的畫畫小桌被收起來了!就某種程度而言,這很像是校長趁我不在時,偷偷把我辭掉,家人無法理解我的錯愕,不過如果我有自己的房子,這個悲劇就可以避免。

Yet, the above-mentioned instance does not compare to one most important reason. That is, whenever I return home from a trip, I am always shocked to find that my little drawing table, which I depend on SO MUCH spiritually, is gone! To a certain extent, it's like the principal at school fires me without my knowledge when I am away. My family hardly realizes my panic, but if I have a house of my own, I can avoid the tragedy.

Winky說,丹麥人十八歲就搬離家裡,有時候我免不了會想,假如過去的十三年是獨立居住的話,人生應該會很不一樣吧!沒關係,在我第二個十八歲之前離開也不算遲,現在就當作是為我的小屋努力的階段!

Winky said that Danish people move away from home at the age of 18. I sometimes can't help wondering how my life would be if I had been on my own feet for the past 13 years. Well, it won't be too late to move out before my second 18th birthday. Now, I'll just have to work hard for my future little place!

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Rebirth / 重生


花了一陣功夫才把作好的新圖檔上傳,原來一年沒有碰部落格的網頁設計,多多少少有生疏的感覺。暑假前就計畫著要換主頁版面,不過靈感始終枯竭,還好最後還是趕上夏季的尾聲,這次的圖樣裡終於有小房間,也有明信片,希望我的舊雨新知多多支持,小房間的燈會永遠亮著!

It took me a while to upload my new design during this weekend. I guess all this mess had something to do with the fact that I hadn't revised the layout of my blog for a year. I had planned to come up with a new look for my blog before summer vacation, but I had a serious artist block then. Luckily, I still made it before the end of summer. Well, there are finally my little room and postcards all in one. For the visitors of my little room, thank you for your lovely support, and more important, the door will be open for you always!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

about flying / 關於飛行

起飛的時候,能夠毫無顧慮,不回頭看過去的一切,就是無上的幸福!

It is an ultimate bliss that you do not look back with any worry during take-off.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

fresh for 30 days / 賞味期限30天

特別銘謝小黑、小白、小比以及怡如。

Special thanks to Jason, Vincent, May and Tiffany.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Taipei vs London / 台北和倫敦之間

你說,最近倫敦下起毛毛雨來了,但是人們不見得愛用傘,其實英國才是可以優雅撐傘的好地方。在台灣,我們下雨天或艷陽天都不能沒有傘,偏偏這裡不時刮颱風下暴雨,讓我們撐得好狼狽啊!

You wrote that it has started drizzling in London, but not everyone uses an umbrella. As a matter of fact, the mild rain in Great Britain makes it a perfect place for carrying an umbrella like an elegant lady. In Taiwan, we can't do without umbrellas on both rainy and sunny days. Yet the weather often goes to extremes. It's either fierce typhoons or torrential rain. Does God know how much efforts we make to hold the umbrellas firmly in our tiny hands?

Monday, August 13, 2007

Postcard of good will / 善意的明信片

前一陣子去日本旅行時,因為急需修補這半年來心靈上累積的疲勞,我對於寫明信片興趣缺缺。主動問候友人需要無限的熱情,那是我全身上下充滿能量時才辦得到的事,而今年夏天的遠行完全是為了我自己。

A while ago, on my trip to Japan, I couldn't afford to write any postcard because I was eager only to heal the trauma I've suffered at work during the past half year. It takes tons of enthusiasm to send a greeting to friends, and that is possible merely when I am full of vibes. As a matter of fact, I took the trip this summer completely for myself.

我們在松山市的道後溫泉街道上閒晃之際,我無意間發現了一美術館的指標,就算它的規模小至導覽書隻字為提,我還是想一探究竟。我們於正午時分太陽高掛,在無人的巷弄裡摸索,seki美術館就隱身於一棟棟樸實的民宅中,但是裡面高雅的設計和平靜人心的氛圍,可又是另一片天地,儘管整棟房子只有兩名館員和我們兩名訪客,我們可是走到哪,館員便親切地幫我們開老式的音樂鐘及影片操作。更值得一提的是,館內的畫和我們造訪過同樣規模的美術館相比,可是在水準之上。院子裡還有小小的造景,讓我挺想在美術館裡打發一整個下午。

While we were strolling on the streets in Odogo, I accidentally found the sign that points to an art museum. Even though it's so small in size that the tour guidebook doesn't mention any word about it, my curiosity was aroused. We wandered at noon in the quiet neighborhood. When we were about to give up, we found Seki Museum right there, hiding among other houses for residential use. However, inside, it is so amazing, whether in terms of the decoration or the atmosphere. There were only two ladies working in the whole building, and two visitors, a.k.a. my mom and I. But their service was more than perfect. The ladies took care to turn on the music clock and DVD player for us at the right time. What was more important, the paintings were far better in quality compared with those in some other museums we had visited on the same trip. There is even a tiny yet lovely yard specially designed so that when visitors look out from the room, they feel calm and relaxed. I have to say that it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend the whole afternoon there.

要離去之前,我還是忍不住在櫃檯買了張明信片,想為這趟低調的旅行留一點紀錄,沒想到館員見我如此喜歡藝術,居然挑了好幾張,讓我選一張當作美術館送給外來客的伴手禮,我驚訝地說不出話來,不過我一眼就看上之前很有感覺的一副作品,道謝之後便決定,把這張充滿善意的明信片寄給自己。

Before we left, I couldn't help but buy a postcard as the souvenir of this low-key trip. One of the ladies, detecting my love for art, offered to give me one for free. I was so moved that I could only wow with smiles all over my face. I went for a postcard with one painting that impressed me at first sight. After thanking her, I decided to send the postcard of good will to myself.

說這張明信片救了我似乎太誇張,但是那肯定是我對日本民族的深刻印象〈去年在義大利連要個裝明信片的塑膠袋都得付錢呢。〉如果你還有些熱情可以在這個夏天發揮,有個自行創作明信片的好機會,Benq的明信片生活美學比賽進入最後倒數17天,儘管時間如此有限,請不要放棄為自己或為他人寄幾張明信片。

It would be an exaggeration to say that this postcard saved me, but it certainly will remind me again and again how kind Japanese people can be. (Well, last year, when we were in Italy, we were requested to pay even for the small and thin plastic bag for the postcards.) If you still have some passion this summer, there is a good chance for you to make your customized postcards. There are still 17 days left before the deadline for Benq postcard contest. Even with so little time, don't give up the chance to send yourself or your beloved ones some postcards.

Benq明信片生活美學比賽網址:

Link to Benq postcard contest:

http://www.benqfoundation.org/benq-award/


Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Drifting on the sea / 漂流的旅行

最近收到如雪花般的訊息,來自自去年開始合作的線上藝術家,原來我們手繪的札記環遊世界的途中,就這麼和大家失去了聯絡,經由熱心的組長聯繫,這些小鴨們正安然地在美國某位藝術家的家中休息。雖然每個人貢獻的頁數不超過六頁,但想到如果這世界上唯一的一本書最後不知下落,多少還是會感嘆:「殘念啊!」

Lately I've received tons of email from those online artists I worked with last year. Our collaborative journal book was missing on its journey around the world. After Rebekah's search, the ducks are actually taking a break somewhere in the U.S. Though everyone contributes no more than six pages, I would lament if the one and only book got lost.

其實艾瑞‧卡爾寫「10隻橡皮小鴨」的靈感便來自1992年,有艘載著各式各樣玩具的貨船翻覆至海中,於是這些玩具,包括鴨子,便展開了海上之旅,最後有些進入大西洋,並且被發現。看來鴨子若沒有行遍萬里路,和其他同儕相較之下不免遜色,與其擔心,不如讓小鴨們玩得盡興,我們就好好等著牠們一路累積下來的故事吧!

In fact, Eric Carle's inspiration for the book 10 Little Rubber Ducks originated from a piece of news in 1992. A ship with all kinds of toys, including rubber ducks and other bathtub toys fell overboard and washed up on shores all around the world. It looks like if ducks do not have the experience of traveling to every corner in the world, they will not deserve the name of "ducks." As for us, we should kick back and wait for their return and all the adventures they've met with on the way.



去年我為小鴨寫了個以慶生為主題的插曲,咪咪的寵物鴨要過生日了,她想了各種別出心裁的慶祝方式,有參加游泳大賽、大啖北京烤鴨,不過最後還是決定邀請來自各國的鴨子朋友來開生日派對。從這些畫裡看到一年多前的自己,還真是有些懷念呢!

Last year I wrote a short story based on birthday celebration for the ducks. The birthday of Mimi's pet, Duckiki is coming up. She thinks up many "special" ideas, like taking part in the duck swim meet and feasting on Peking duck. In the end, she decides to invite the duck friends from other countries for a lovely party. In these pictures, I get to see what I was like a year ago. To be honest, I kind of miss my old self!


Sunday, August 05, 2007

Beautiful summer nights / 美麗的夏夜

大概是上帝知道我這個夏天很萎靡,便讓我接連著兩個週末都過著文藝美少女的生活,直到這一兩個星期,我才有每年夏天那種因為忙於喜歡的事物而欲罷不能的感覺。

God probably knew that I had been kind of downbeat this summer, so I was invited to participate in some arts gatherings during the past two weekends. Finally, I started to recall how wonderful it was to be busy with something I was crazy about and how I had to go on and on.

上個週末隨小蕙的紀錄片聯展下高雄,在可愛的高雄電影圖書館,和一群陌生的文藝愛好者,欣賞半年前一群上紀錄片研習課的老師完成的作品。現場的觀眾人數不多,但是大家對於片中的主題都深有感觸,雖然這些片都是老師們的第一次,質樸的技巧不掩情感的真摯。想到當初每一個人都為了單一的目標堅持到底的精神,怎麼說我都很感動。

Last weekend I went down to Kaohsiung with Huei for her documentary exhibition. In the lovely museum of films, we watched the documentaries made half a year ago by a group of teachers who had attended a film workshop. There weren't many viewers, but the themes spoke to everyone. It was a new experience for all the teachers, but the sincere feeling outshone their primitive skills. I was very touched on thinking how everyone had persisted for one single goal.

這個週末,旅居法國的Lilou回台灣來,受到大辣出版社的邀請,在誠品信義館舉辦一場去法國學漫畫的演講會。說到和Lilou的相識,其實是因為去年夏天買了一堆大辣出版的歐漫書籍,有些是經由Lilou翻譯,我便對她有了印象,好巧不巧,去年底的中時部落格大賽她也參加了,想不到今年還有機會親眼參加她的演講。

This weekend, Lilou, who now dwells in France, was invited by Dala Publisher to give a speech on studying Bandes Desinees in France. Speaking of my encounter with her, I first got to know her name in the books translated by her last summer. She also took part in the blog contest held by Chinatimes at the end of 2006. It was amazing that I had a chance to see her in person this year.

本來我對於信義誠品的巨大有些卻步,我喜歡有家庭味的小書店,所以每年去誠品的次數屈指可數,不過昨天的演講很小型,在推理館舉行,我們在有著木質地板的空間裡,被滿滿的書籍環繞著,這是我第一次參加書店裡的演講會,是很令人欣喜的經驗。因為是第一次和Lilou見面,心想等演講完再和她相認,雖然她在演講之中並不知道我有沒有出現,居然還提到我,我像小孩般又感動又開心,很久沒有被這樣鼓勵了。

I hadn't visited Eslite Bookstore, Hsin-y branch often because of its gigantic size. I go more for smaller bookstores, so I had had some doubts before yesterday evening. However, the speech yesterday was on a mini-scale, held in the detective novel room. In the room with wooden floor, we were surrounded by tons and tons of books. This was my first time going to a speech in a bookstore, and I have to say it was very delightful. I planned to go to Lilou after the talk, but she mentioned my name during the speech even thought she wasn't sure if I was there. Like a child, I was very very excited and moved. I hadn't been encouraged like that for a long time in art.

Lilou除了聊有關在法國讀漫畫的經驗,也不斷地告訴大家,藝術是讓大家認識台灣的另一種管道,她不但自己一直在這個領域耕耘,也相信台灣有許多有潛力的人才。我則看到一個很努力推動夢想的人,即使不是最具影響力的人物,但是她是充滿光芒的。連坐在我身旁的胖小弟都從頭到尾乖乖地把演講聽完了。

Lilou not only talked about her own experiences of studying B.D. in France but also telling us that art is a very efficient means of promoting Taiwanese culture. She has been working hard in this field and also believes that there are many people with potential in Taiwan. I saw in her a soul going all out for her belief. She might not be the most influential person, but she is definitely full of light. Even the little fat boy next to me sat through the whole speech!

演講後在和Lilou小聊的過程中,又和前一陣子剛做完畢業作的灰色獸相認,她帶著唯一一本付梓的作品,大家紛紛露出讚嘆的眼光,希望就在不久的將來,她能找到出版社,讓我們每一個人都能擁有她的作品,甚至在現場便趕緊把她推向出版社主編呢!

After the speech, I had a very short chat with Lilou and then came forward another young artist—Grey Monster, who had just finished her book for graduation from college. She had with her the only printed book, and everyone wowed at its quality. We prayed hard that she would find a publisher soon and then we each of us would own a copy of her book. We even pushed her forward to the editor present!

和Lilou道別之後,我和灰色獸繞出一間又一間的書屋,我說,這些書真叫人興奮,不過我最希望的當然是,有一天印著我名字的書就擺在上頭,她心有所感的同意,然後我們一路走到車站,一路討論夢想,我還可以想像有一天她去法國唸書的遠景。

Upon saying goodbye to Lilou, Gray Monster and I walked out of rooms and rooms of books. I said, I was so excited to see these books, but I dreamed of seeing one with my name on it one day. She nodded hard at my words. On our way to the metro station, we chatted about our art dreams, and I even imagined her going to France for further studies one day.

美麗的夏夜裡,我如此深刻地記起自己對很多人許過,要繼續畫畫的承諾,更重要的是,這是我對自己的期待和要求。還好,我的身邊有這麼多還有夢想的人。

At beautiful summer nights, I thought of the promise I had made to so many people, that is, I have to go on painting. What's more important, it's what I expect of myself. Fortunately, there are still around me so many people who dream.

Lilou的歐漫介紹網站是:

The link to Lilou's introduction on European Bandes Dessinees:

http://mypaper.pchome.com.tw/news/lilou

Lilou的漫畫手札網站是:

The link to Lilou's works:

http://blog.roodo.com/lilou/

灰色獸的作品介紹:

The link to Gray Monster's works:

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Romance in the air / 曖昧

升高三的暑假,世界被瓜分成兩個極端,外頭精力過盛的大太陽好像都不需要休息似的,但是開了空調的教室裡,如黑色深海,浮游生物懶懶地、疲累地,使勁要抓住隨水波逐流的考卷,卻始終有種力不從心的感嘆。

During the summer break before the 12th grade, the world is divided into two halves. The hyper sun outside seems to have endless energy. It burns on and on and on. But the air-conditioned classroom is the deep dark sea. The sea animals are lacking in drives and vibes. They try hard to grab the test papers carried by the sea waves. Yet the flesh is so weak...

終於,撐到週五,十二點的鐘聲響了,不顧外面熊熊燃燒的陽光,孩子們像被釋放的獄囚,一哄而散,就算冒著被曬黑的天大危險,怎麼樣都要出去晃一圈。有些冷清的教室裡,剩下帶便當和等著訂餐的女孩。待我再回過神,視線裡突然多了名男性,啊,是年輕貌美的代課老師。此時,我的身邊圍上了幾張嘴,竊竊私語關於老師的可愛和同學的迷戀。

Finally, thank God it's Friday. When the bell for the noon break rings, kids rush out like prisoners that have been kept in jail for ages, regardless of the blazing sun. Even at the risk of getting a tan, they have to go out to take a breath. In the quiet classroom are girls with lunch boxes and those waiting for the delivery. When I raise my head again, there is a man in my sight. Ah, it's the young and beautiful substitute teacher. At this time, I am suddenly surrounded by some chattering mouths, introducing to me the teacher's charm and the girls' crush.

之後一分鐘發生的美麗以慢動作進行,靦腆的老師就要離開,女孩大方地邀請他留在教室用餐,他拉著門努力地想一想,不出幾秒,又走了進來,女孩的開心沒有說出來,可是那美好的曖昧在空氣裡流轉著,瞬時深海變成色彩柔和的花田。

What happens afterward takes place in slow motion. The shy teacher is about to leave, but girls invite him to stay for lunch. He holds onto the doorknob, thinking hard. Within seconds, he comes in. Girls do not scream or shout, but the fragrance of romance spreads in the air. Within a second, the deep sea becomes fields of flowers of pastel colors.

步出教室之前,我用力吸一大口空氣,再離去。

Before leaving the classroom, I take a deep, hard breath.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

farewell trip / 道別的旅行

你要離開了,我們決定如往常,一同去旅行。旅途裡,炙熱的陽光白花花的,身邊的年輕人著小可愛和熱褲,無止境地擺著可愛的姿勢,相機聲如海浪般,一波接著一波,正盛的青春在我們耳邊嘩啦嘩啦地響著。我們則老僧入定地坐在有點搖晃的渡輪上,感受著周圍的、自己的人生。累了,就坐在露天的亭子裡打盹,旁邊有躲雨的歐吉桑作伴,你說,他眼邊的魚尾紋像盛開過的桃花,我倒覺得那線條漂亮到不行,呼應著我們視線正前方的海灣波浪。

You are about to leave. We decide to go on a trip together, as usual. On our way, the sweltering sun shines with dazzling light. Young people around us wear nothing but tanks and shorts, posing endlessly for cameras that never stop clicking. Like waves of seawater, the powerful beats of blooming youth thunder in our ears. We sit quiet and calm on the slightly swaying ferry, breathing in the air that smells of air-conditioning, sweat and salt. When tired, we take a nap in the open-air pavilion nearby, accompanied by an old man who seeks for shelter from the shower. You make a comment on the wrinkles around his eyes and compare them to flowers in blossom. I am impressed by the beautiful lines. They echo to the bay waves right in front of us.

一整天的熱氣,如我無法定義的情緒,終於在下過雨的傍晚沉澱。我們在漸褪的天色裡漫步,穿過中山大學神秘的隧道,發現藏在後頭的西子灣,發現那片桃花源時,我才感覺,一切就快要有出口。

The heat lasts for a whole day. Finally, it cools down in the evening after the rain. So does my indefinable feeling. When the color of the sky isn't so blinding, we take a stroll. After passing through the mysterious tunnel that leads to Chung-shan University, we discover Shi-tze Bay that lies behind it. On seeing the out-of-the-world sight, I realize, I will find answers to all soon.



我們拿出相機,朝著遠方的夕陽,無法克制地按著快門,我貪婪地想留住那一刻,可是怎麼拍都不夠,於是我又把鏡頭對著周圍戲水的人群,如此一來,等以後我回想這趟旅行時,鮮明的記憶中,我會記得圖像裡每件人事物的位置、顏色、甚至他們各自的心情。我轉過頭,看看你,還在身旁,努力地捕捉別人看不到的鏡頭,那就是你的模樣。

We take out the cameras, aim at the sunset in the distance. We can't help but click the button non-stop. I am desperate to freeze that moment, but no matter how many photos I take, they are never enough. I then focus at people playing in water around me. In this way, when I look back on this trip, I will remember clearly the positions of everyone and everything, even their colors and moods. I turn to you. You are still there, trying to capture tiny details that others are not aware of. That is how you are in my memory.

夕陽漸落,我們一邊持續紀錄天黑之前的光亮,一邊回憶著上次旅行的片段,西子灣和巴里島的海灘是那麼相像,每趟共同的旅行也如此熟悉,但是我們的人生不停向前進,今天和昨天的距離已經很遠,而明天和今天會更遠,我會想念你,不過我了解,每個人都有自己的人生,我多麼喜歡你那邁開步伐的勇氣。

The sun lowers. We keep recording the bright moments before the dark and recall the fragments of our last trip. The beaches of Shi-tze Bay and Bali Island are so alike. Every trip we take together feels so familiar, yet we move on regardless of the beauty of the past. I've already forgot many things that took place yesterday, not to mention the distance between today and tomorrow. I will miss you, but in the meanwhile, I understand that each of us has our own plans for life. And I am so proud of your confident stride.

然後在不知幾點幾分時,太陽就撲通地掉進海中,正要把相機收起來之際,轉過身,另一面的月亮已就位。你大辣辣地、沒有一點離情地說,很快我們又會見面了,我想應該是吧。

At a certain moment, the sun drops without any sound into the sea. When I am to put away my camera, the moon is already on the other side. You grin without any nostalgia, saying that we will see each other soon. I think so too.

我們在紫藍的夜色裡,走向下一站。離開了,我才猛然想起,我們的相機裡,沒有一張合照,但是,我不介意。

In the violet nightfall, we head for the next destination. After you leave, it strikes me that there is not even one picture we took together in our cameras. Well, that's fine...