Though there is much news on the 'art' front, it will have to wait till my next post. Because today I am feeling nostalgic about my Taiwan visit. There is a story I have not had an opportunity to share, and it is one of those experiences that when I am old and grey (okay, older and greyer), I will pull out and wrap myself in like a warm fuzzy blanket.
As if the whole magical TIQE experience weren't enough, there was a component that took it over the top. I mean, who wouldn't revel in a week of luxury hotel, fabulous meals, stunning artwork and being surrounded by the warmest, most caring people in an exotic locale? But there was one extra element that cinched it as a Top Ten in my memory bank. And that is the connection with the artists themselves. I grew up with two brothers, but I left Taiwan a member of an incredible new family - I have sisters!
I know Patricia Gould well from our many SAQA connections over the years, but it was wonderful to have time to share thoughts on computers and technology gadgets, with which she is a whiz. She introduced me to eWallet, and if you have trouble remembering all your usernames and passwords, it is a godsend. Always laughing, she was great fun to spend time with.
Though I had met Misik Kim from Korea last year in Houston and she is in my Viewpoints 9 group, I finally had a chance to get to know her better, and she is delightful. She is very much the embodiment of her artwork: calm and composed, graceful, with a depth that quietly commands respect and attention. Still waters run deep.
I had met Hsin-Chen Lin in Houston, and was charmed by her warmth and energy, but those same qualities were multiplied exponentially when I watched her in action in Tainan City. It took my breath away to witness her creations--and I don't just mean her stunning art quilts: landscapes filled with colour and movement, and all done BY HAND (her constant rejoinder to me as we strolled the exhibition and I oohed and ahhed over the breathtaking work). No, she organized an event so complex and flawless that I was
mesmerized.Every detail had been carefully planned, organized and executed - the visiting artists wanted for nothing (transportation, student kits, translators, workshops, meals, tours, gifts); the workshops ran like clockwork in a beautiful space, with bento box lunches and bubble tea provided midday; the seminar was superbly organized with all the equipment--mic's, remotes,
projector--working perfectly; the banquet was sumptuous and we were whisked to and from our hotel swiftly and efficiently. Her wonderful daughter Pei (who must feature in a blog post on her own) and sweet husband, Mr. Wu, played prominent roles in helping things run smoothly and making us all feel at home. And through it all, Hsin-Chen smiled, she laughed, and she put everyone at ease. The French have a name for women like her: formidable!
I could not believe my luck in finding Aussie Sue Dennis just a couple of
rooms down the hall from me. She, too, I had met at a SAQA conference in Athens and she is in my Viewpoints9 online group. We became fast friends, and if you've met her, you know why: her wicked sense of humour and frankness make you feel instantly like you've known her for years. I had the good fortune to sit in on her leaf-printing class and can see why she is a much sought-after instructor. There is never a dull minute with Sue and I hope to visit with her after my teaching gig in New Zealand (which is still two years off, but exciting to plan for).
My final reminiscence is about Jin Yuanshan (We called her Ms Jin as none
of the anglos could pronounce her first name properly!) Hsin-chen had shown me her stunning work in the exhibition before I met her, but when she showed up at the hotel, it felt as though we had been friends all our lives.
There was an instant connection with this very talented artist. Her impeccable attention to detail and precision was evident in her astonishing quilt made of floral medallions where each petal was made of hand-rolled silk organza. She astonished us all when she presented each of us with a brooch, a ring and matching earrings made using this technique. We think she must never sleep! I have many group photos where all the artists are proudly showing off our colourful jewelry. She showed both Sue and me how to roll the petals, and we managed one each - it would take many years for me to make enough to make one blossom!
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Location:Ottawa
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I have two pieces in the exhibition, one of them Nereids, which the purchaser generously agreed to ship overseas for me. This means he will be without the work in his home for many months - and he would not allow me to reimburse him for the shipping costs. I am so blessed to have such a kind friend and such an ardent supporter of the arts and artists. 
Around the same time, sadly, we lost our beloved golden retriever, Wilson, who was suffering with Cushing's Disease. It didn't take my daughter long to pay a visit to his breeder and lo and behold, didn't he have some puppies ready to come home! :) So puppy training has taken over our home and who has time to grieve when dealing with the energy levels of a puppy! 