Monday, April 21, 2008

Hungarians / 匈牙利人

在最近一封我和「小房間」的駐布達佩斯代表─匈牙利小姐的通信中,她引了這麼一段話來說明匈牙利這個民族:當美籍義裔的物理學家、同時也是諾貝爾獎主Enrico Fermi〈1901-1954〉,被問到他是否相信外星人的存在時,他回答:「他們就存在於我們之中,但是自稱為匈牙利人。」想了這段話好幾天,這個圖面就浮現於我的腦海。

In my latest correspondence with the rep of Little Room from Budapest--Miss Hungary, she quoted some words to describe the Hungarian people. When Enrico Fermi (1901-1954, Italian-American Nobel Prize winning physicist) was asked whether he believed extra-terrestrials existed, he replied, "They are among us, but they call themselves Hungarians." This quote obsessed me for a few days, and then voila, here is the image...

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Miss Motomiya / 本宮小姐

當你去旅行到另一個城市時,會優先拜訪以下的哪一類景點?
1) 百貨公司、購物商圈
2) 植物園、動物園
3) 美術館、博物館
4) 廟宇、教堂
5) 咖啡店、酒館

When you travel to a new city, which of the followings will you put on the top of your visit list?
1) department stores, shopping areas
2) botanical gardens, zoos
3) art museums, all kinds of museums
4) temples, churches
5) cafes, bars

今天和本宮小姐閒聊時,她說她最想拜訪的景點是廟宇,尤其是龍山寺,倒不是因為她本身是佛教徒,而是她到世界各地,習慣和當地的神祉打招呼,表示尊敬。大概是因為這樣,這次她的作品以龍為主題,好像和神話也可以扯得上邊。

Today when I chatted with Miss Motomiya, she said she would like to visit the temples in Taipei, especially Long-shan Temple. It is not because she is a Buddhist. She just wants to say hello to the gods when she travels to different places of the world as a sign of respect. I guess this can explain why the theme of her work this time is connected to the mythical animal--dragon.

這讓我想到,每個藝術家都有自己的核心主題,我喜歡探討很瑣碎的情緒、平凡的日常生活、片段的畫面,不過聽香小姐這麼一說,下次我到廟裡一遊時,應該也要好好探討一下廟宇的建築和神祉的造型,如果還可以習得用超脫世俗的眼光看待世間的一切,我應該會更豁達吧!

This conversation reminds me that every artist has his or her core subject. I like to explore very trivial feeling, ordinary daily life, and fragmental moments. However, on learning Kaoru's point of view, next time when I go to the temple, I should be more patient and try to take a closer look at the architecture of the building and sculpture of the icons. If I am lucky enough to master the art of viewing the world with detachment, I will be free from many worldly restraints.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

historic shot / 熱血寫真

這一天在關渡公園快要告一段落時,來自日本的藝術家本宮香拿出相機來記錄當天的工作進展,雖然她不喜拍照,但是看在我每次都辛苦地幫她打雜,便欣然答應。左三穿著工作服的就是Kaoru,而兩旁分別是熱心的義工和工作人員。

That day, when we were about to call it a day in Guandu Park, Ms. Kaoru Motomiya, the artist from Japan, took out her camera to record the progress of her work. Though I'd learned she was not fond of being the object in photos, she accepted nicely our invitation to take a picture together. (I assume that had something to do with my hard labor work for two days.) You can find Kaoru second from the left. On the right were the volunteer and staff member of the park.

這張照片對於在全球各地不斷參展的Kaoru來說,可能只是在台灣留下的一小步足跡,對我而言,卻無限珍貴,除了記錄著我曾有如此熱血的時刻,也代表著我的心願,希望有一天,也有人能被我這樣影響著。

This photo might be nothing other than an ordinary record of a few days spent in Taiwan for Kaoru, who travels around the globe all the time for exhibitions. For me, it means a lot. On the one hand, it reminds me of my burning passion and also my wish--I hope one day, there are people who can be influenced by me, in this way.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

these artists / 藝術家

最近的我,充滿了憤怒,與其說是針對任何人,不如說是我對自己內在的反動,而這樣強烈的情緒,讓我很認真積極地尋找出口,所以我並不覺得整件事是負面的。

Lately, I've been filled with wrath. It is targeted not so much at anyone as at myself. The overwhelming emotion prompted me to look for exits, with a more serious attitude than ever. Therefore, I don't think of it as a negative experience at all.

就在我這麼需要和外在的世界接觸之際,剛好有機會參與關渡公園舉辦的第三屆「自然裝置藝術季」,於是我很難得地近距離觀察入選的藝術家,還有一同前來幫忙的義工。我的工作雖然只是做粗工,幫忙搬竹子撿石頭,但是同時我看到了藝術家的態度,這些人的名字輸入Google都可以找得到數個相關的網站,不過他們的外表卻不能夠再更簡樸了,創作的時候,就算是在炙熱的大太陽底下,依然一心一意;沒有漂亮的言詞,可是對於他們的作品,卻充滿執著和堅持。他們自己都說,單純做這一行是很難維生的,但他們仍然義無反顧地走下去。我想我對自己生氣的原因應該是,我的堅持不見了。

Righ when I was in urgent need to be in contact with the outer world, I was blessed with an opportunity to be part of the third Outdoor Sculpture Festival held by Guandu Park. I thus could observe the selected artists and other volunteers at a closer look. My job was no more than carrying materials and picking pebbles for the artists, but in the meanwhile, I witnessed the artists' attitude toward art. Their names, when keyed into Google, lead to tons of websites, yet they can't care less about their looks. While creating their works, even exposed to the sun, they were so single-minded. They are not eloquent speakers; however, they have such strong commitment to and insistence for their ideas. A lot of them said it is impossible to earn bread by doing only installation art. Still, they go on without any second thought. I guess, the reason for my anger should be that my insistence was gone.

今年的主題是全球暖化,在座談會上,藝術家呈現過去的作品集,也稍微帶過目前在關渡公園進行的作品,每個人創作歷史的軸心和保護地球息息相關,藝術家相信藝術是可以達到某種呼籲的效用,也講求和大自然的和諧並存。其實座談會上人並不多,我不知道藝術家從其他國家千里迢迢飛來,在台上看到台下只有幾十個人,會不會失望,但身為台下的觀眾,雖然我只是一個人,我卻如此地被感動,因為我的藝術一直都是為了自己,他們讓我看到了很大的世界,提醒著我要走出去。

The theme this year is about global warming. In the seminar, the artists not only presented their past works but also mentioned the projects in progress in Guandu Park. Everyone's art concepts are so related to protecting the earth. The artists firmly believe in the power of art, which can be used to remind every human being that our globe has been seriously damaged. They also stress the idea of making their works part of nature. There weren't many people present in the seminar. I don't know how the artists felt since they had flown from their countries to Taiwan, only to see a handful of participants. As the audience, I didn't count much, but I was deeply moved. My art was always for myself. They showed me a vast world, inviting me to take a step and join people.

回家之後,我想了一下自己因應這個主題可以做的事情,從今以後,我也要用我的方式關心環境、善加運用藝術,而不是只活在我小小的、狹隘的生活圈裡。如果你也需要一些感動,請在4月18日之後到關渡公園一遊,展覽會持續到九月,可是期間藝術家的作品會經歷許多改變,種植的種子會冒出芽來、雨水會重新塑造石頭、枝幹,這些是自然界會帶來的驚喜,而藝術家的設計稿裡已為它們預留了空間。

After going home, I gave some thought to what I could do in response to this issue. From now on, I want to show my concern for the environment in my own ways and make better use of art rather than just live in my own small, narrow world. If you need some stimulation, please take a trip to Guandu Park after April, 18th. The exhibition will continue until September, but during the five months, the artists' works will undergo many changes. The planted seeds will burgeon, rain will reshape twigs and stones. These are the surprises from nature, for which the wise artists have left room in their designs.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

shake off the reins / 脫韁

我的心就要飛出去了,畫畫是暫時的鎮定劑。

My heart is about to fly away. Painting is the temporary sedative.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

traces / 痕跡

生命裡的每個過客,就算和我們只有短短的交會,都會在我們身上留下痕跡‧‧‧

Every passer-by in our life, despite the short stay, will leave traces in us in one way or another...

Thursday, March 27, 2008

re-definition of the norm / 常態,重新定義

人和人之間的關係,存在著微妙的平衡,一旦碰觸到彼此的死穴,大戰就會爆發。我的死穴就是害怕大戰爆發,所以我會隱忍著,但是我並不舒服,有一天我還是得面對內心的掙扎,接受衝突就是人生的一部分。

There is a subtle balance in our relationships with others. Once our Achille's heels are stabbed, a world war will break out. My Achille's heel is fear for the outbreak of the war. For that sake, I hold back all my negative feeling, but I do not feel comfy. Deep in me, I know one day I'll still have to face the reality and accept conflicts as part of life.

知你如我,卻被我們之間的近距離蒙蔽了,但是,我不會再讓步,就算我得一輩子生活在衝突之中‧‧‧

You should know me more than anyone else, but you are so blinded by the lack of distance between us. However, this time, I won't give in, even if I have to spend all my life living in endless conflicts.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

the best moments / 最好的時光

畫畫對我而言,原本是件很私密的嗜好,不過自從這個可愛的小子誕生,而且長大到可以理解我在做甚麼,我原本安靜的世界就變得熱鬧無比。

Painting, for me, was a very private activity. However, after the birth of this adorable baby, my originally quiet world has become merrily noisy, especially now when he is old and curious enough to join me.

於是「畫畫」成為小方認識的前幾名動詞之一,我並沒有很認真地對他講解整個流程,不過他居然偷偷學起來,還一副有模有樣呢!
Thus, "painting" is one of the first verbs in Von's limited vocabulary. To be honest, I have never explained to him "how" to paint, but he is always there observing me and learns everything by heart!
小方興致來時,便拉著我嚷嚷「畫畫」,當我說:來吧!他會全身扭動地衝進我懷裡,然後我們就又笑又鬧地開始我們的作畫時光。
When Von is in the mood, he will tug at me, crying, "Paint, paint!" As I say, "Come on!," he rushes into my arms, shaking and dancing all the way. Then we will start our happier-than-ever art class.

如果在小方往後漫長的人生裡,還記得小時候這般愉快的回憶,就算將來只是個平凡人,他的快樂一定會讓他在悲傷的人群裡閃閃發光。
If, in Von's long life to come, he still remembers the wonderful moments in his childhood, then even as an ordinary person, his happiness will make him shine in a crowd of sad people.



Sunday, March 16, 2008

driving log / 上路手札

在駕照過期數年之後,我又再度回到路上,說實在,我對於速度並不能感到任何快感,其實是有些驚恐,不過想到很多有關將來的考量,還是硬著頭皮上路去。我盯著俐落的儀表板,試著說服自己,駕駛的技術一定能讓我的生活便利性更灑落,但是我的決心在無意間走上單向道、而且幾乎就要擦撞到名貴的賓士時,化成一攤水。

Years after the expiration of my driver's license, I am back on the road again. Well, the truth is, I am not at all excited about speed. On the contrary, "fright" is how I feel about it. Still, I muster up the little courage I have, taking into account many factors, especially those concerning the unknown future. I stare at the neatly designed dashboard, attempting to convince myself that the ability to drive will lead to a better life. However, my determination melts when I find myself on a one-lane road, about to hit an expensive Benz, or in other similar situations.
世界上應該沒有教練能忍受我這種少數根筋的駕駛,但是認命的John發揮他積極樂觀的精神,在我想偷懶的時候,忽視我想逃避的慾望,認真地設計課程、不厭其煩地講解、碎碎唸的時候還被瘋狂的駕駛頂回去,過了而立之年,還有和父親單獨相處的機會,再可貴不過,而且每次都有意料外的小插曲,我們的路上時光就是兩人的冒險故事集。
There wouldn't be any coach who can tolerate such a daydreaming driver like me. Yet, John never fails to look on the bright side. Whenever laziness gets hold of me, John'd always ignore my desire to run away. Instead, he prepares lessons for every weekend, explains traffic rules again and again. When he grumbles, he would be shouted at by the crazy driver. It's actually a rare opportunity to spend time with one's father past the age of thirty. There are always unexpected stories awaiting us on the roads, so our driving log is full of adventures belonging to us two.

可惜的是,我們戴著小丑帽的教練車就在我要大顯身手倒車入庫之際,決定漏油罷工,於是我們在炙熱的豔陽下,空曠的路邊試圖把車修好,最後,深怕同樣的事件發生在高架橋上,我們落寞地留下車,搭計程車離開。原本John對我恐怖的停車技術還無奈地抱怨,不過因為我們共同經歷了戲劇化的情節,回程上我們心有靈犀地保持沉默。
Sadly, while I was about to back our car with two clown hats on the front for parking, it decided to go on a strike by leaking oil. We tried to fix the car under the hot sun at the empty roadside. At last, in case that the same incident might happen on the viaduct, we left in a taxi with our Cefiro there on the spot. One moment ago, John couldn't help sigh and complain about my parking skills. Nonetheless, because of our dramatic experience, we remained silent, glad that we had been there for each other.
不管我有沒有成功,起碼我知道,不會再有人更愛我了。

Whether I make it or not in the end, at least I've been reminded again--no one loves me more than John.

Friday, March 14, 2008

looks of love / 愛的樣子

我的愛裡,只有玫瑰花和美好的生活,年輕如你,卻已熟知愛的不同面貌,可能是看似囉嗦的細心叮嚀,也許是為了聆聽的沉默寡言,因為你看到愛的各種面相,所以那些人性的缺點也不能矇蔽你清明的視野。

I see only la rose + la vie en rose in my so-called love. Despite your tender age, you have known the looks of love inside out. It might be seemingly annoying acts of constant reminders, or it might be intended silence as a listener. Because you are so familiar with the various forms of love, those human flaws can't blind your clear vision.

於是,在你大大的心裡頭,連年長的我也顯得小小的。

Thus, in your "big" heart, even I, the older one, appear to be rather "small."