ALL ABOUT ME! I'm taking stock of my successes (before turning 30) as well as amping up/strengthening a few of my personal projects. Check out some of the things that I'm working on:
1) I run an editing and proofreading website. If you need help editing a book, manuscript, essay paper, thesis or dissertation, please check it out at http://www.paper-perfect-editing.com
2) I'm an artist. My home site, featuring my surrealistic oil paintings, is http://www.derekmurphyart.com
3) I run an English Summer Camp in Taiwan. We focus on practical English and ESL conversation, fluency by providing an English Immersion Environment. See more at http://www.englishculturecommunity.com
4) Finally, I'm a writer/researcher. I focus on religion, history, and spirituality. I have a lot of articles, and some books, at my website http://www.holyblasphemy.net
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Quality editing and proofreading for your English documents
I've redone my proofreading and editing site again; if you need editorial services, copy editing, proofreading or help for essays, papers, books, etc - I have the best prices around and offer great service:
http://www.paper-perfect-editing.com
http://www.paper-perfect-editing.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Superstition, ghosts and magic in Taiwan
Taiwan seems like a very advanced, modern place with open minded people. I was recently reminded that this is not true; I'm using 'ghost money' to paint a painting, which has garnished some strong reactions. Ghost money is money that you burn to give to ghosts, or deceased relatives, or gods to placate them. If you run over a cat (as my student, who is a doctor did recently) and feel bad about it, you can burn ghost money with pictures of cat food and toys on it. Besides money, you can burn plasma TV's (made of paper), food or lots of other things, which will then be transferred to the spiritual world, ready to use.
When I die, please somebody burn me effigies of Pam Anderson.
This is pretty similar to the Egyptian practice of burying the dead with useful items for the next life. It's a nice thought, an interesting cultural facet, and universally believed. Doctors, engineers, lawyers, students... the boundary of 'Taboo' is not simply that, in using the ghost money, I'm doing something inconsiderate that some people might not like; it is a personal belief that using the ghost money is unlucky, will attract misfortune to me.
Gosh I hope not - but I have a strong idea for a painting and want to do it; it only works with the ghost money, so I'm going ahead. However, I doubt any gallery in Taiwan will display it, and of course no one in Taiwan would want to buy it and put it in their house.
I don't understand why though; the stores are filled with STACKS of ghost money; why don't the ghosts go hang out in the stores? Why isn't selling ghost money unlucky? Surely ghost money has it's power in its application; the intentions of usage. Ghost money represents and preserves the intention of being generous with the dead of with the gods; otherwise it's just paper.
When I die, please somebody burn me effigies of Pam Anderson.
This is pretty similar to the Egyptian practice of burying the dead with useful items for the next life. It's a nice thought, an interesting cultural facet, and universally believed. Doctors, engineers, lawyers, students... the boundary of 'Taboo' is not simply that, in using the ghost money, I'm doing something inconsiderate that some people might not like; it is a personal belief that using the ghost money is unlucky, will attract misfortune to me.
Gosh I hope not - but I have a strong idea for a painting and want to do it; it only works with the ghost money, so I'm going ahead. However, I doubt any gallery in Taiwan will display it, and of course no one in Taiwan would want to buy it and put it in their house.
I don't understand why though; the stores are filled with STACKS of ghost money; why don't the ghosts go hang out in the stores? Why isn't selling ghost money unlucky? Surely ghost money has it's power in its application; the intentions of usage. Ghost money represents and preserves the intention of being generous with the dead of with the gods; otherwise it's just paper.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
德瑞克墨菲(Derek Murphy)當代亞洲藝術
作品瀏覽
台灣當代藝術/ 當代亞洲藝術德瑞克‧墨菲 (Derek Murphy)的創作擅於玩味宗教象徵與大眾文化之意象，試圖尋求深伏於各式爭議性議題之下的光點。德瑞克作品最出色之處，是在於他處理圖像所展現之精妙 度與創新性。他的手法並非如一般的模式，即循環利用同樣的意象與主題，以便廣泛呈現一大綜合概念。德瑞克的每一作品，內容上通常沒有太大的關聯性，但風格 總有一定的機制在運作，亦有幻化不定的詭譎元素穿插於中，更有他所繪的一個個臉龐，泛現困惑與慌恐。
Work 創作
德瑞克的創作擅於玩味宗教象徵與大眾文化之意象，試圖尋求深伏於各式爭議性議題之下的光點。
德瑞克作品最出色之處，是在於他處理圖像所展現之精妙度與創新性。他的手法並非如一般的模式，即循環利用同樣的意象與主題，以便廣泛呈現一大綜合概念。 德瑞克的每一作品，內容上通常沒有太大的關聯性，但風格總有一定的機制在運作，亦有幻化不定的詭譎元素穿插於中，更有他所繪的一個個臉龐，泛現困惑與慌 恐。
構圖之取材，不論是各式的拼貼或一疊疊的照片與圖像影本，德瑞克皆有辦法捕捉並烘托出影像中所蘊涵的混沌與荒謬感，縱然媒材是”靜物”影像亦能如 此。他擁有非凡靈巧的能耐，熟稔於即刻辨悉文化宗教領域中極具衝突性的元素，勾繪出頗具爭議性與駭異的題材，使其創作充斥著一股強烈的生命力，展現一番剌 激的魅力，俘獲他人可尋，但不可見悉。
作品瀏覽
Is it Surrealism? 是超現實嗎?
超現實主義狹義而言指的是像達利等畫家的畫風，基本上超現實一詞，可追源至佛洛伊德的潛意識與夢之解析。然而，超現實主義現已廣泛用來描述繪畫創 作，形容 其傳達意念頗為真實，但呈現手法卻是異常甚至是駭人的。事實上，德瑞克認為自己的風格實為”後現代荒謬主義”，承襲超現實派大師馬格利特及小說家卡繆之理 念。
荒謬主義背後隱涵之哲理，即是人所能理解的終究是有限的，因此號稱絕對真理之存在甚是荒謬。然而，此番荒謬並非悲觀，而是藉此愉悅並幽默風趣地體驗人生，縱然一切了無意義。
Statement 聲明
我的畫作展現出我樂觀的天性，我幽暗的諷世性，與我精神之深邃。我深深敬畏這世界的力量，倍受其暗藏的喜悅所驚動，並為其頑劣難治的意識形態垃圾所 震怒。頑腐不可變通的信念，是密佈這整個世界的電欄: 標籤、區別、分離、譴責。只要我沒有這些，我也不會有什麼基準來批判他人或讚揚自己。我希望能藉由巧妙玩弄敏感話題，得以將焦點轉注於情感的藩離幕帷，這 也是定義我們為何的關鍵。我遊浮於常理之外，並深為神秘的驅動力所傾迷。我活在無息的掙扎中，試圖平緩內在多重自我之間針鋒相對的衝突，而畫布即為兩方皆 能平等對言之論壇。無論如何，我是我的時間的產物，而我所能做到的，是分享我的視野觀維所見的這世界。
作品瀏覽
New Taiwan Contemporary Asian Art Exhibition
I know I know; I shamelessly crammed that title full of keywords. This way anybody searching for Asian art, contemporary art in Taiwan, art exhibitions in Asia or something like that may find out that I, Derek Murphy, am having my second exhibition this year in Tainan, Taiwan. I'm well on my way to being a career artist.
The gallery is called Gallery 102, it's a small but elite gallery in Tainan county. I've added some details on my Facebook page, and I'm also posting about it on my main website, Derek Murphy Art.
If you happen to be in Taiwan (Tainan) and desperately need to look at or buy an American contemporary surrealist's Asian art (oil paintings) then stop on by, below is a map:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ed Murphy Planning, Development and Land Use Consulting, Oregon
I made a website for my father but it's getting no visitors! It's beautiful; go check it out:
Ed Murphy and Associates is a land use planning and development group centered in Portland, Oregon. Ed Murphy has handled projects throughout the state of Oregon and is connected with key players in the planning and development field.
Whatever your project; he's the man to get it done.A foreigner's perspective of Taiwan
I've been asked (repeatedly - and forgotten several times - and now am under strict moral obligation to finish) an article about my impressions of Taiwan. It is due at the end of the week, and although I'm very sleepy, I'm going to go ahead and write it.
There are many reasons people come to Taiwan; but I'm willing to bet that most people's are as random and unplanned as my own. Unless you have family in Taiwan or some previous connection here, foreigners thinking of going to Asia will probably go to Japan or Korea (if they want to teach English) or China (if they want to learn Chinese). Taiwan is, for most Westerners, a place that sounds a lot like 'Thailand' and makes a lot of cheap plastic toys.
After living in Italy, I was suffering from the claustrophobia of a stint at my parents' house and dating a girl that had studied Chinese. Although I'd planned on heading to Japan, I got a return email from someone in Taiwan who said they could offer me a job right away; and thinking that I could (romantically) 'pave the way' for a co-escape from America, I bought a ticket and left.
That was six years ago. I remember my first meal (and many more to follow) from 7-11; the loneliness of being a foreigner during Chinese New Year while everybody else is with their family; the strong and exotic flavors of the local food; and trying to remove the plastic top from my first cup of tea instead of poking it with the straw.
My 'job' turned out to be an agent, who passed me onto another agent, who took me to Chiayi and from their to even smaller towns. Although I had no intention of working or living so far from Tainan, which I'd specifically chosen for its size and culture, I did a handful of 'teaching demos' for schools; I remember feeling the absolute panic and embarrassment of standing in front of a group of children with a book and having no idea what to say or do. Like many foreigners who come to Taiwan, I'd never taught English before.
Eventually I found a job and stuck with it for a year. After that I found another. Although teaching English lures many people to Taiwan, they soon learn that Taiwan has its own gifts to offer. Being a foreigner is a lot like being a movie star in Taiwan. People stop and stare. Kids point. Girls giggle. If given the opportunity to talk with you, people will feel happy and confident that they've made a foreign friend. If you're lost, someone will probably volunteer to be your personal tour guide, get you to where you need to go and then invite you home for tea. If you go to a restaurant, you'll probably receive free samples of all their famous dishes.
At least twice I've run out of gas and had the mechanic give me his own scooter so I can go and get more from the station.
Why am I still here? I've gotten so comfortable with my life in Taiwan I'm not prepared to go anywhere else. I can work very little and afford good food and a nice place to live; I can go shopping and buy anything I need at any time of day (or night); the Taiwanese are insufferably kind, helpful, smart and friendly; and there is always plenty to do.
I'm usually so into my routine that I forget its a 'foreign' culture; luckily there are reminders - like the old man who sells cotton candy from a rusty old cart at 3am; the flashing disco ball set outside cell phone shops to attract new customers; the days when traffic all over the city shuts down to make way for a throng of worshipers carrying their gods from one temple to the next; the sudden, house-shaking firecrackers that go off some mornings at 5am.
There's a tantalizing mixture of tradition and modernity in Taiwan that just doesn't get old...
Ok, lame ending I know. How'd I do so far?
There are many reasons people come to Taiwan; but I'm willing to bet that most people's are as random and unplanned as my own. Unless you have family in Taiwan or some previous connection here, foreigners thinking of going to Asia will probably go to Japan or Korea (if they want to teach English) or China (if they want to learn Chinese). Taiwan is, for most Westerners, a place that sounds a lot like 'Thailand' and makes a lot of cheap plastic toys.
After living in Italy, I was suffering from the claustrophobia of a stint at my parents' house and dating a girl that had studied Chinese. Although I'd planned on heading to Japan, I got a return email from someone in Taiwan who said they could offer me a job right away; and thinking that I could (romantically) 'pave the way' for a co-escape from America, I bought a ticket and left.
That was six years ago. I remember my first meal (and many more to follow) from 7-11; the loneliness of being a foreigner during Chinese New Year while everybody else is with their family; the strong and exotic flavors of the local food; and trying to remove the plastic top from my first cup of tea instead of poking it with the straw.
My 'job' turned out to be an agent, who passed me onto another agent, who took me to Chiayi and from their to even smaller towns. Although I had no intention of working or living so far from Tainan, which I'd specifically chosen for its size and culture, I did a handful of 'teaching demos' for schools; I remember feeling the absolute panic and embarrassment of standing in front of a group of children with a book and having no idea what to say or do. Like many foreigners who come to Taiwan, I'd never taught English before.
Eventually I found a job and stuck with it for a year. After that I found another. Although teaching English lures many people to Taiwan, they soon learn that Taiwan has its own gifts to offer. Being a foreigner is a lot like being a movie star in Taiwan. People stop and stare. Kids point. Girls giggle. If given the opportunity to talk with you, people will feel happy and confident that they've made a foreign friend. If you're lost, someone will probably volunteer to be your personal tour guide, get you to where you need to go and then invite you home for tea. If you go to a restaurant, you'll probably receive free samples of all their famous dishes.
At least twice I've run out of gas and had the mechanic give me his own scooter so I can go and get more from the station.
Why am I still here? I've gotten so comfortable with my life in Taiwan I'm not prepared to go anywhere else. I can work very little and afford good food and a nice place to live; I can go shopping and buy anything I need at any time of day (or night); the Taiwanese are insufferably kind, helpful, smart and friendly; and there is always plenty to do.
I'm usually so into my routine that I forget its a 'foreign' culture; luckily there are reminders - like the old man who sells cotton candy from a rusty old cart at 3am; the flashing disco ball set outside cell phone shops to attract new customers; the days when traffic all over the city shuts down to make way for a throng of worshipers carrying their gods from one temple to the next; the sudden, house-shaking firecrackers that go off some mornings at 5am.
There's a tantalizing mixture of tradition and modernity in Taiwan that just doesn't get old...
Ok, lame ending I know. How'd I do so far?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Studying in Taiwan: Losing Face
When I came to Taiwan I was a cocky young kid; I was sure I understood the concept of 'face' enough not to make a big deal about it. "It's just about being polite and respectful; we have the same idea in Western Countries." But today I'm thinking about face in a whole new light...
I consider myself a respectful person. I am cautious, slow to speak, and choose my words carefully. I almost always try to send a balanced, polite email when I request something. But my requests are often ignored. Maybe it's because I'm always seeking external confirmation ('am I doing this right'?) and asking for help when I should be doing things on my own. Or maybe it's because I'm asking questions that I shouldn't.
In Malta, they raised our tuition fees by about 30% one year. That's a hefty hike. And since Maltese students don't pay tuition (only international students), and since the quality of the education hadn't improved, I felt that they were taking advantage of international students to fund private domestic affairs - and I was outraged. I send a scathing letter to the dean, the board, all the top brass, asking 'where is this money actually going??' Basically I was a small thorn trying to empower myself with rights which I didn't have.
I haven't changed much. Now I'm in my (4th year) Master's of Foreign Languages at NCKU in Taiwan. Last semester, after I had been accepted in the PhD program, someone at the department counted up my credits and found out I was short. This was entirely my fault... although I didn't do it on purpose, I must have miscounted. It is a shame that nobody at the university looked at my credits earlier, but I understand it isn't their duty. (Ie... it isn't in their job description). I'm not bitter, or jaded, or angry at anybody - at least not with my rational mind. But this year I'm taking the extra semester I need to get the final credits I need to graduate, and I'm a little worried.
Now I know that nobody else is going to be looking out for me, holding my hand, helping me select the right courses, which brings me to the very practical fear that, at the end of the semester, I will again be told that I got something long and still cannot graduate; at which point, I will be extremely upset at the lack of support of my department. Sure, strictly speaking, it isn't anybody's responsibility, and sure, even though the courses are in English, and a lot of the supplementary materials, forms, and information is in Chinese, it isn't their fault that I can't speak Chinese.
However - most universities or support staff that have international students do take care of them. They are quick to anticipate needs, and make the already complicated transition of studying abroad easier. Sadly, not so with my department.
Here is where the concept of face comes in: maybe it's true I ask for too much help. Maybe my imperialistic sense of entitlement is overbearing. I'm already pretty sure my nagging has alienated the faculty of my university. (I wouldn't nag if they would just answer my questions). But at the same time, I'm freaking sick of being in school, being off scholarship (for my second year), a little peeved that I'm not starting the PhD program as planned, and horrified that I'm playing some nightmarket game, tossing darts blindfolded, and that at the end of the semester they're going to hand me a cheap toy and say "You lost! Want to play again?"
So I've sent them an email voicing my fears and asking them to help me check my credits. This should not be a big deal - if they were friendly and helpful in the first place, I wouldn't feel that I'm overstepping my position. Am I being rude? By voicing my fears about the end of this semester, I'm calling attention to what happened at the end of the last semester, and implying indirectly that - if only they had helped check my credits before - I wouldn't be in this current crisis (which is TRUE - but by bringing it up even indirectly, am I causing them to lose face? Does 'losing face' just mean making people feel bad in order to get what you want? If I were Chinese/Taiwanese, would I just 'accept my fate' as bad luck, and stoically persevere?)
I feel like the culturally correct thing to do is pretend I don't need any help, check all my own data 10 times, make sure I have everything... or maybe ask my school classmates to do it (which I've done for most of the past 3 years.)
My main problem I guess is that I try to improve everything I'm involved in. This is the way the system is - but the system runs without care or concern of its students. This is Taiwanese culture, where individuals are supposed to work hard to keep up with the (frivolous) demands of the organizations; the organizations become stagnant dinosaurs, propped up by reputation rather than sheer innovative quality. I either want to grab the wheel, and make things better, or I want to get the hell out.
What do you think about this? Am I a whiny nuisance?
I consider myself a respectful person. I am cautious, slow to speak, and choose my words carefully. I almost always try to send a balanced, polite email when I request something. But my requests are often ignored. Maybe it's because I'm always seeking external confirmation ('am I doing this right'?) and asking for help when I should be doing things on my own. Or maybe it's because I'm asking questions that I shouldn't.
In Malta, they raised our tuition fees by about 30% one year. That's a hefty hike. And since Maltese students don't pay tuition (only international students), and since the quality of the education hadn't improved, I felt that they were taking advantage of international students to fund private domestic affairs - and I was outraged. I send a scathing letter to the dean, the board, all the top brass, asking 'where is this money actually going??' Basically I was a small thorn trying to empower myself with rights which I didn't have.
I haven't changed much. Now I'm in my (4th year) Master's of Foreign Languages at NCKU in Taiwan. Last semester, after I had been accepted in the PhD program, someone at the department counted up my credits and found out I was short. This was entirely my fault... although I didn't do it on purpose, I must have miscounted. It is a shame that nobody at the university looked at my credits earlier, but I understand it isn't their duty. (Ie... it isn't in their job description). I'm not bitter, or jaded, or angry at anybody - at least not with my rational mind. But this year I'm taking the extra semester I need to get the final credits I need to graduate, and I'm a little worried.
Now I know that nobody else is going to be looking out for me, holding my hand, helping me select the right courses, which brings me to the very practical fear that, at the end of the semester, I will again be told that I got something long and still cannot graduate; at which point, I will be extremely upset at the lack of support of my department. Sure, strictly speaking, it isn't anybody's responsibility, and sure, even though the courses are in English, and a lot of the supplementary materials, forms, and information is in Chinese, it isn't their fault that I can't speak Chinese.
However - most universities or support staff that have international students do take care of them. They are quick to anticipate needs, and make the already complicated transition of studying abroad easier. Sadly, not so with my department.
Here is where the concept of face comes in: maybe it's true I ask for too much help. Maybe my imperialistic sense of entitlement is overbearing. I'm already pretty sure my nagging has alienated the faculty of my university. (I wouldn't nag if they would just answer my questions). But at the same time, I'm freaking sick of being in school, being off scholarship (for my second year), a little peeved that I'm not starting the PhD program as planned, and horrified that I'm playing some nightmarket game, tossing darts blindfolded, and that at the end of the semester they're going to hand me a cheap toy and say "You lost! Want to play again?"
So I've sent them an email voicing my fears and asking them to help me check my credits. This should not be a big deal - if they were friendly and helpful in the first place, I wouldn't feel that I'm overstepping my position. Am I being rude? By voicing my fears about the end of this semester, I'm calling attention to what happened at the end of the last semester, and implying indirectly that - if only they had helped check my credits before - I wouldn't be in this current crisis (which is TRUE - but by bringing it up even indirectly, am I causing them to lose face? Does 'losing face' just mean making people feel bad in order to get what you want? If I were Chinese/Taiwanese, would I just 'accept my fate' as bad luck, and stoically persevere?)
I feel like the culturally correct thing to do is pretend I don't need any help, check all my own data 10 times, make sure I have everything... or maybe ask my school classmates to do it (which I've done for most of the past 3 years.)
My main problem I guess is that I try to improve everything I'm involved in. This is the way the system is - but the system runs without care or concern of its students. This is Taiwanese culture, where individuals are supposed to work hard to keep up with the (frivolous) demands of the organizations; the organizations become stagnant dinosaurs, propped up by reputation rather than sheer innovative quality. I either want to grab the wheel, and make things better, or I want to get the hell out.
What do you think about this? Am I a whiny nuisance?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Surgery for better English.
Oh. My. God.
"Speaking English with a native accent has become such a status symbol that some parents reportedly put their children through the clinically questionable surgery of snipping the thin tissue under the tongue to make it longer, helping the children to pronounce the "R" sound better."
I wonder if this actually works. I'm going to guess 'fuck no'. Asians who grew up in America or other English speaking countries speak perfectly. Their little Asian tongues haven't kept them from reaching full linguistic capacity. Which means that this news only confirms how terrifically, horrifyingly weird and bizarre Koreans can be.
See the article here:
http://www.21stcentury.com.cn/story/23727.html
"Speaking English with a native accent has become such a status symbol that some parents reportedly put their children through the clinically questionable surgery of snipping the thin tissue under the tongue to make it longer, helping the children to pronounce the "R" sound better."
I wonder if this actually works. I'm going to guess 'fuck no'. Asians who grew up in America or other English speaking countries speak perfectly. Their little Asian tongues haven't kept them from reaching full linguistic capacity. Which means that this news only confirms how terrifically, horrifyingly weird and bizarre Koreans can be.
See the article here:
http://www.21stcentury.com.cn/story/23727.html
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Inspired Artists Day Four
Day four of our trip was designated to shopping and fashion; I had my fill of art yesterday and my head is still spinning from sensory overload. I collected lots of magazines, business cards, and ideas to expand my career as an artist. Now it was Funky's turn. As mentioned, we didn't make it to Danshui, and we also didn't get to the Jade market - another place I was hoping to get to.
Taipei has lots of shopping options. Around Taipei 101 is probably the most 'high class' fashion area - all the big expensive brands and malls. We were looking for bargains and inspiration, so instead we went to Ximending (the area around the Ximen MRT stop). Ximending is a popular place for teenagers so it has tons of fun, trendy, not too expensive clothes and accessories; it's also just a fun place to hang out. Spend some time in the indoor malls in the center of the shopping blocks to find interesting specialty stores.
In the evening, we took the MRT to Tienmu, and upper-class area above the Shilin MRT stop. Tienmu has a brilliant weekend flea market that has grown very popular. This is the place to dig through piles of 2nd hand clothes, pick up strange or exotic knick-knacks and souvenirs, bargain for a deal. Up the street from the market are some pretty great clothes stores as well. Sometimes they have live music or other arts on the weekends too.
We hope you enjoyed our trip!
Thanks for watching!
Contemporary Art and Fashion Taipei
Day Three of our 'Taiwan's Best Trip' Journey started with a 5 hour bus ride from Tainan to Taipei. The high speed rail option almost 3x the price; and although it's about 3 hours faster, we were relying on the sleep time.
We got to Taipei around noon and checked in to our hotel. 'Budget' hotels in Taipei will still cost at least $50usd; there are other options - like private rooms in the hostels, but they're about cramped for two people. We would have chosen CityInn or the Dandy hotels - both very modern and artistic - or the hotel 72... but I booked too late and we were stuck with 'Welcome Hotel' - which was fine, but a bit overpriced.
We headed straight for the Taipei 101 area to find the Art 2009 fair and got a nice surprise - next door, also in the Taipei World Trade Center this weekend was the 'In Design' fashion show; a collection of works from the fashion departments of many of Taiwan's universities. This was perfect for our theme so we spent some time here before heading into the Art 2009 area.
I had come prepared with business cards and a portfolio, but was a little intimidated by the high-class gloss and glamor of the presented artworks. Something to grow into at any rate. We stayed late and didn't make it to Danshui as planned; Danshui is a beautiful area though - go if you get the chance, it's 35 minutes outside the city on MRT. We got lots of pictures of the art and fashion designs - watch our video to see!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Inspired Artists Day Two
Today started with a late lunch at Tainan's best restaurant, 'Chikan' (named after the Chikan towers, which is just down the road. Specializing in traditional Taiwanese specialties, and with a very cool decoration scheme, this place is not to be missed. Visit their website: www.chikan.com.tw.
Next, we headed out to Anping. 'Old Street' in Anping is the oldest section of Tainan. Although the Dutch fort has been redone, there are several authentic monuments that are several centuries old. The 'tree house' and the Anping museum (near the elementary school) are nice places for pictures. Old Street itself is an artistic stretch of narrow alleyway, full of handicrafts, seashells, snacks and toy stores. On the weekends this place is packed, so avoid the rush. At the end of Old Street, (between the Anping Fort and the Guanyin Buddist Temple) the fun continues with about 100 stalls selling food, collectibles, and hosting carnival-esque games. It's kind of like a nightmarket, but open from pretty early. We found lots of traditional Asian art here; and surprising mix of ancient and modern symbolism.
After Anping we went through Haian Road. This area (near the JungJeng shopping area) is full of late night coffee/tea/snack shops. It's become extremely trendy - it's the place to hang out with friends late at night playing cards. Several years ago the city commissioned a series of murals by local artists. The project has grown and today there are a dozen pretty interesting art installations to visit; you'll find Taiwanese taking pictures here any night of the week.
If you don't like coffee, head up Gongyuan Road to the Amory - one of the oldest (and still very popular) bars in Tainan. The Armory has always been a friend of the arts, sponsoring exhibitions and live music performances. http://armorypub.com.tw/
We hope you enjoyed our brief tour of Tainan city. In a few hours we're getting on a 6am bus to Taipei. Can't wait!
Inspired Artists Day One
Unfortunately, after recent typhoon Morokot, much of Eastern and Southern Taiwan is inaccessible. Our plan was to start day one in Meinung to visit the Meinong Umbrella Factory, but the best we could find was a train-bus-taxi combination... and one website said, in effect, if you aren't bringing shovels to help dig, don't come. (There's great info about the Meinong Umbrellas here and here. For directions, visit here.)
Add in the fact that yesterday we spent the day in the hospital (Funky tripped and got four stitches in her chin), and you'll understand why we've decided to let Meinong go and focus on Tainan for the first two days.
Day One Agenda: NCKU campus, Beimen Road, Confucius Temple, JungJeng shopping area.National Cheng Kung University is a big promoter of the arts, and also has a beautiful campus. The 'banyan tree park' has become almost a national symbol... at any rate it's a beautiful place to relax and walk around. The university has only recently expanded it's arts program, commissioning about a dozen new sculptures (the campus looks like a 'statue park' there are so many of them around now). They also have a very nice, newly renovated art gallery.
The university campus is directly behind the Tainan train station (if you go out the back entrance and walk straight up the street, you'll get there.)
The next stop is Beimen Rd. Exit the front of the Tainan train station and turn left - this is Beimen. This is a shopping area full of cheap clothes, gadgets and novelties. There are a couple big bookstores. It's also a great place to buy electronics, or computers. Less known is that Beimen has a great arts supply store with everything you need; you can even order custom sized canvases (a large canvas will cost between 200~500nt). It's just about across from the Caves Bookstore.
If you're looking for a hotel, there are several budget hotels along Beimen (next to or across from Caves Books).
We drove past Gongyuan park (Gongyuan and Beimen Road) and headed to the area around the Tainan's Confucius temple.
The original Confucius Temple was completed in 1666, but some of it has been moved or restored. It is on Nanmen Road, near the Cultural center. The area around the temple is interesting; there are several art stores and boutiques. There used to be a gallery across the street but it has been shut down recently. Still, the long street facing the Confucius Temple is full of crafts and activities.
Finally, we did a little window shopping around JungJeng Street; near the intersection of Haian and JungJeng.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Taiwan trip Augsust update
It's finally here! After all summer - and a devastating typhoon - Funky and I are about ready to do our trip to Meinung, Tainan and Taipei to look at art galleries, attend the Art Taipei 2009 convention, and do some shopping. We'll go next week and start uploading videos and pictures, both here and on the Taiwan's Best Trip Competition website.
Thanks in advance for you support and video hits!
Thanks in advance for you support and video hits!
Banking and name chops in Taiwan
One of the nifty cultural differences in Taiwan (or Chinese culture) is the use of the chop - or a special stamp with the Chinese characters for your name on it. They are cute, fun, cool, and I spent countless hours when I arrived in Taiwan picking out special ones that reflected my personality. 6 years later, specifically yesterday when I went to the bank, I again noted what a huge, frustrating pain in the ass they can be.
You have to have a name chop to do any kind of business, sign forms, contracts, apply for bank/license stuff... not a huge deal, but they don't fit in your wallet, and if your house is as disorganized as mine, tracking one down in a hurry is emotionally taxing.
They used to let me use my thumbprint. Yesterday I finally got them to take a 'signature' - except for them, our signature (which should be a 'mark', fluid, illegible and difficult to forge) is gibberish. So I had to print my name clearly so they could read it - which of course is a huge security risk; thus the need for a name chop.
What am I really complaining about? That they can't just speak English and use signatures like the rest of the world? I had 4 other pieces of ID; a name chop could also be easily forged (although you're supposed to keep the same one FOREVER so that it is exactly the same - heaven knows what they do if they lose one, the new one wouldn't be valid I guess because it doesn't match the old one.)
I suppose it's the Chinese cultural affection for order, safety, regulation, and propriety over more functional concerns that really irks me. But whatever. Not wrong, just different, and I'm a (anxiety ridden) round peg surrounded by square holes.
You have to have a name chop to do any kind of business, sign forms, contracts, apply for bank/license stuff... not a huge deal, but they don't fit in your wallet, and if your house is as disorganized as mine, tracking one down in a hurry is emotionally taxing.
They used to let me use my thumbprint. Yesterday I finally got them to take a 'signature' - except for them, our signature (which should be a 'mark', fluid, illegible and difficult to forge) is gibberish. So I had to print my name clearly so they could read it - which of course is a huge security risk; thus the need for a name chop.
What am I really complaining about? That they can't just speak English and use signatures like the rest of the world? I had 4 other pieces of ID; a name chop could also be easily forged (although you're supposed to keep the same one FOREVER so that it is exactly the same - heaven knows what they do if they lose one, the new one wouldn't be valid I guess because it doesn't match the old one.)
I suppose it's the Chinese cultural affection for order, safety, regulation, and propriety over more functional concerns that really irks me. But whatever. Not wrong, just different, and I'm a (anxiety ridden) round peg surrounded by square holes.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Typhoon Morakot, 2009
I got back to Taiwan just in time for the year's biggest Typhoon. Gusts of up to 112mph, lots and lots of rain - most people don't have to go to work or school, but I have a lot to do! So I got out my full body rain gear and went out shopping. I could drive about 20mph, and see 10 feet in front of me. Things went pretty well most of the time. A couple of times, the strength of the wind drove me into the divider between lanes and I'd get stuck; I just couldn't drive straight no matter what. But I made it to Carrefour, B&Q, and RTmart, where I bought the desk I'd been looking for. On the way back, things were less easy carrying the 4x4 foot box between me and the handles of my scooter. Twice I was surprised by people driving towards me (on the wrong side of the street) - although this is normal in Taiwan, doing it during a Typhoon when nobody can see is just freaking stupid.
Oh yeah, I also bought a pool for my backyard pool party next week - hope the weather gets better.
Oh yeah, I also bought a pool for my backyard pool party next week - hope the weather gets better.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Taiwan seizes cocaine-filled energy drinks!
I'm home in America (land of fat, selfish people with big houses and cars). Today I had a RockStar Sugar Free Energy Drink, which unlike most other energy drinks including Red Bull, didn't make me sick. Rock on. I have to down 5 big cups of green tea to get anywhere near the caffeine content of coffee (which gives me Migraines); my RockStar has 80mgs. Recently I've been drinking tons of CokeZero, which is basically caffeine and chemicals (and not that much caffeine, actually, around 50mgs). Additionally RockStar has 1000mg of Taurine (which may improve liver function as a free radical), lots of vitamin B's, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Milk Thistle, and Guarana! I'm impressed.
So I tried to search and see if I can buy RockStar in Taiwan, because I'm going back next week and need a supply as a new devotee.
And in doing, I found this article.
Basically, Germany, being the healthy, discriminating EU country that it is, decided to ban "Red Bull Simply Cola," which is flavoured from decocainised coca leaves. I don't know why - but they were unconvinced that coca leaves without the cocaine were still fit for consumption.
Taiwan, and Hong Kong, hoping to jump on the band wagon, followed up by seizing a huge shipment of regular red bull - 17,165 cases Red Bull Energy Drink, valued at USD 781,000 - which doesn't have any coca leaves or anything else questionably illegal.
I found RockStar in Japan.... but so far not in Taiwan, and with the current energy drink debate, it may be awhile. Meanwhile it's 5am and I don't think I'll be able to sleep for days.
So I tried to search and see if I can buy RockStar in Taiwan, because I'm going back next week and need a supply as a new devotee.
And in doing, I found this article.
Basically, Germany, being the healthy, discriminating EU country that it is, decided to ban "Red Bull Simply Cola," which is flavoured from decocainised coca leaves. I don't know why - but they were unconvinced that coca leaves without the cocaine were still fit for consumption.
Taiwan, and Hong Kong, hoping to jump on the band wagon, followed up by seizing a huge shipment of regular red bull - 17,165 cases Red Bull Energy Drink, valued at USD 781,000 - which doesn't have any coca leaves or anything else questionably illegal.
I found RockStar in Japan.... but so far not in Taiwan, and with the current energy drink debate, it may be awhile. Meanwhile it's 5am and I don't think I'll be able to sleep for days.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Our entry video
OK - here's our video. I've uploaded it on YouTube and the official website. The soundtrack is Rilo Kiley (I should probably change it to something that's not copyrighted.) I wanted to put in a lot more but screw it. It gives you a sense of who we are.
It's 5:31am - I can't sleep because the heavy Taiwan rains and thunderstorms have made my pillows musty... and because I went out dancing in Kaohsiung last night and didn't get home till 6am. So! Here are some photos of me and Funky, to keep visitors occupied. Tomorrow we'll make and upload a video. Funky and I are both 'struggling' artists, so the chance to get out there, interact with the real world (of fine art and fashion design, respectively) and make some connections would be great for us. By experiencing our trip "Contemporary Art and Fashion in Taiwan" with us, you'll get an insider's view to Taiwanese culture: from the traditional arts of historic cultural centers like Tainan and Meinung (paper umbrella and lantern painting, early Taiwanese architecture, temples, antiques, wood carvings, jade statues, brush paintings) to the modern contemporary art movements of Taichung and Taipei, (fashion design, design styles and organizations, and Taiwanese painters), you get to experience Taiwanese culture through its forms of artistic expression.
Check back for updates, and go vote for our tour of Taiwan's traditional and modern art.
Check back for updates, and go vote for our tour of Taiwan's traditional and modern art.
Contemporary Art, Traditional Art, Taiwan
I'm entering Taiwan's Best Trip competition. The Taiwan government is trying to increase tourism by letting teams plan a 4 day trip - the best trip gets to actually do their itinerary, and have it paid for! Moreover, the winning team could get 1,000,000nt ($30,000 USD) to use for a 1 month long tour of Taiwan. I really wanted to go to Penghu island this summer, and my first thought was of course to go there. Penghu is so relaxing and beautiful.
But - we need to have a strong 'theme'. I don't think "I want to go to _______ and hang out and have a good time and relax" would be a winning plan, so instead I'm focusing on traditional art and contemporary art. We'll start in Meinung for paper lantern and umbrella painting. Then Tainan for woodcarving, temple decorations, antiques and puppets. Finally up to Taipei to explore the real contemporary art scene. We'll hit all the big galleries, and even make it to the ART TAIPEI 2009 fair, a huge 3-day event featuring the best galleries and artists in Asia. Of course I'm going to be promoting my own paintings as well.
Funky will come with me, as a fashion designer, so she can also do some research on shopping and style trends in Taiwan. We need your vote:
Friday, June 5, 2009
Literature Conference Taiwan
I just came back from a literature conference and have some thoughts. First of all - conferences are stupid. They are a platform for academics to promote themselves and their papers, which were written only for conferences and have very little implication for anything or anybody else. Papers are delivered to a small crowd of students, who are most likely required to be there, and organizers. (At least - literature conferences in Taiwan although I suspect many conferences are like this in any field). The conference was about English teaching, globalization, and seeking out an authentic Asian Identity.
Globalization was used in the sense of 'East and West Dialogue and interaction' or 'cross fertilization of cultural identities.' This vision is a myth, a farce, a comforting lie.
The truth is that globalization is a one way phenomenon. In predominately white societies which are infiltrated by large immigrant communities, the particular customs and languages of the marginalized - even when they become the dominant group - do not often spread universally. Instead there are ghettos and neighborhoods where the imported foods, languages and customs are used. The white, middle-class, suburbs remainly thoroughly untouched.
Although western movies are interested in Asian things, (Asian cities, Asian culture, and Kungfu certainly) the cinematic production (and often cheap knock-off or Americanized stereotype) of 'Asian-ness' really more of a sell-out than a symptom of a deep respect for Asian way of living. Americans daily lives have not become more Asian; they are not offering three sticks of incense or burning ghost money. In other words they are not adopting any asian beliefs or values, just the external representations or visuals - the 'eye candy': Decoration to add an exotic flair, the hint of spice and mysticism and faraway places.
The same is not true in countries such as Taiwan, which is seeing a remarkable and sudden shift in values. "Globalization" has meant the proliferation of consumer mega-stores like Costco and Carrefour and ToysRUs, where Taiwanese can purchase the lifestyles they admire from TV, movies and magazines, and restaurants like Friday's and Burger King and Pizza Hut where they can ruin their health in the good ol' American way. The last few years have also seen an army of coffee shops which serve cake and sandwiches slowly replacing the ubiquitious tea stands. Huskies and golden retrievers, not native to the tropical island, are sold at high prices and bring with them a lift in social status, as do SUV's.
National identy for the Taiwanese is, historically, a complicated subject. There were some Chinese immigrants. Then there were the Dutch, then the Spanish and Portuguese, then the Chinese pirates, the Japanese, and finally Chiang Kai-Shek and his band of runaways from China's cultural revolution. When the Japanese were here, Taiwanese were taught Japanese language, customs and values. Cities were organized via a Japanese design. Buildings were built Japanese style. With Chiang Kai-Shek they become Chinese again, sort-of. Actually each generation is most likely a mix of various foreign influences - including to an extreme degree the modern youth, which is heavily influenced by Korean, Japanese and American cultures.
Nowhere is this modern confusion with authentic identity and values formation so prosaically (?) apparent than in the field of foreign language studies. Taiwanese study English literature or Asian American novels and at the same time ask themselves how they can strengthen their 'Asian Identity'. This aim is noble and well-noted: Asians need to study English to interact globally, but in doing so they risk losing their own Asian way of looking at the world. However - the lack of relevant English materials for contemporary Asian scholars (Asian as in living and working in ASIA. Not immigrants to the west, or 2nd or 3rd generation American Asians) has lead to the careful study and reproduction of critical ideas concerning topics that have little to do with modern issues actually confronting contemporary Asians. At the same time, 'Asian Identity' is being openly discarded by the majority of Asians, even those who can't speak Chinese. Traditional customs, ceremonies, styles of dress are all simply dying off. Perhaps, in cases where they were overly restrictive or sexist, for the better.
Adding a strange and bizzare twist to the conference - which while pretending to be about Asian Identity and globalization actually focused exclusively on Gish's the Love Wife, a story of Americans with Chinese blood but no Chinese heritage and adopted children from China - was the religious element.
One paper actually suggested using THE BIBLE for values formation in Asian countries!! This is, in my view, like kicking them while they're down. The Bible is absolutely a product of Western culture. Helping Asians 'find themselves' and their values using the Bible... well, it may not be as stupid as I think it is. But the idea that Asians can find their own culture or cultural values through the Bible is definitely ridiculous. Even more strange, was a paper on how Asians wanting to learn English could read Buddhist texts that had been translated into English. My brain hurts.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Life Changes
Oops. I had 'finished' my MA in FLL at NCKU, practically, and already been accepted to the PHD program, when they told me I was ONE CREDIT SHORT! So I need an extra semester... however in order to get the Taiwan Scholarship like I want I actually have to wait until Fall 2010 to start my PHD. OMG! Basically, I have to wait a whole year just for one tiny freaking credit. That's stupid, and it sucks. On the other hand: I wasn't feeling happy about doing the same old thing anyway, I've been dreaming about travels and adventures and now that I have an extra year, I can work on some goals that aren't school related. And that's GREAT. 1) I'm getting healthy. Today I'm cooking a healthy chicken soup. I'm not eating sugar, bread, processed foods and lots of other bad things. 2) I'm determined to learn Chinese, at least more, so I don't feel like an idiot. 3) Now that I can't depend on the scholarship, I'll actually get a job and save some money 4) I want to go to Japan for a few months (probably teaching English), I also want to spend a month in India, and travel to China and Vietnam. These are all things I can do in this 'extra time'. If I have leftover time, I can improve my thesis, try to publish a book, have some exhibitions and.... rule the world? Who knows. But probably I need a bread from the paths and goals I've been relentlessly pursuing, to do some things just out of interest or fun.
Meanwhile, I've been reading Ayn Rand's "Virtue of Selfishness", which is concretely identifying some of the problems in my psychology and thinking, and urging me to chose a wiser, more intelligent lifestyle based on reason, not emotion. :)
Meanwhile, I've been reading Ayn Rand's "Virtue of Selfishness", which is concretely identifying some of the problems in my psychology and thinking, and urging me to chose a wiser, more intelligent lifestyle based on reason, not emotion. :)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Learning Chinese in Taiwan
I've recently become determined to learn Chinese. I'm 'lower intermediate' now, I can talk on the phone and order things and introduce myself. I don't have any problems getting what I need which is why I haven't gone to the next level.
BUT: people judge your intelligence by your language ability. It's sad but true. So in my first couple years in Taiwan, people would say - "you've only been here how long and you can speak Chinese? You're so smart!" and now people say "You've been in Taiwan how long and you still can't speak Chinese?!" and I feel kind of dumb, which is humbling for me because I like to think of myself as a smart person. Ergo - time to study.
I just signed up for a private teacher from NCKU university (minimum 2hours a week, about 390nt an hour). That's a pretty sweet deal. So I'll do that plus 2 language exchanges and a lot of homework and see where that gets me.
BUT: people judge your intelligence by your language ability. It's sad but true. So in my first couple years in Taiwan, people would say - "you've only been here how long and you can speak Chinese? You're so smart!" and now people say "You've been in Taiwan how long and you still can't speak Chinese?!" and I feel kind of dumb, which is humbling for me because I like to think of myself as a smart person. Ergo - time to study.
I just signed up for a private teacher from NCKU university (minimum 2hours a week, about 390nt an hour). That's a pretty sweet deal. So I'll do that plus 2 language exchanges and a lot of homework and see where that gets me.
For all the Tea in China
I may have mentioned before about how Taiwan is experiencing a post-colonization period of western culture. Call it globalization or connectivity, but the manifestations of it are all things white and foreign becoming popular and common. SUV's, golden retrievers and huskies, the English language, camping, hiking and bicycling (is this chinese? Even when they buy the full-body bicycling suits?), red wine and cheese (about as non-asian as you can get), and of course the respect and deference given to (White) foreigners.
No where is this more readily seen than in the many coffee shops popping up around Tainan, Taiwan. Not just starbucks, of which there are many, but quaint independent little cafes that serve pasta, sandwiches and coffee. Of course, there are still millions of drive-away tea shops where you can get iced tea to go for 20nt, and nicer sit-down tea places with tea for around 70nt. But here's my problem: I'm addicted to green tea and like to have a cup before breakfast, before I eat anything. So I either have to go out and get a cup and come home again, or go out and sit and do my work somewhere where I can get it... and increasingly, places like this are hard to find!
I went around to the cafe shops around the university the other day and found only coffee and sometimes red tea (and of course, fruit smoothies, herbal teas and other exotic drinks). But c'mon! No green tea in Taiwan?? What the hell. Several times I'd sit down, look over the menu, and leave again. There's just nothing else I want first thing in the morning (which for me is around 1pm).
What do you think about the way Taiwan is turning white?
No where is this more readily seen than in the many coffee shops popping up around Tainan, Taiwan. Not just starbucks, of which there are many, but quaint independent little cafes that serve pasta, sandwiches and coffee. Of course, there are still millions of drive-away tea shops where you can get iced tea to go for 20nt, and nicer sit-down tea places with tea for around 70nt. But here's my problem: I'm addicted to green tea and like to have a cup before breakfast, before I eat anything. So I either have to go out and get a cup and come home again, or go out and sit and do my work somewhere where I can get it... and increasingly, places like this are hard to find!
I went around to the cafe shops around the university the other day and found only coffee and sometimes red tea (and of course, fruit smoothies, herbal teas and other exotic drinks). But c'mon! No green tea in Taiwan?? What the hell. Several times I'd sit down, look over the menu, and leave again. There's just nothing else I want first thing in the morning (which for me is around 1pm).
What do you think about the way Taiwan is turning white?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Summer English Camp in Tainan
I've been busy! Finished my thesis for my MA literature at NCKU - now I'm working on a new business, a summer English camp program. I've got the space at NCKU so all I need are students. Tonight I snuck around putting up posters: it's easier to put them up if you don't have to ask and if there aren't many people around. That may seem dirty but I'm counting on an aspect of Taiwanese culture, which is:
Most Taiwanese employees don't have the authority to do anything, or make decisions on their own, and the bosses aren't usually around. If they don't already have a policy on posters, and if you ask them, they'll probably say "No" or "I don't know, ask my boss" - neither is good for me. But if you put them up at night, chances are nobody is going to care enough to remove them... at least that's my theory. I put them all over Tainan city, places where young kids hang out. Let's see how long they last! BTW - the link to the camp is www.ecc-ncku.com or www.englishculture community.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spring Scream Metal Detecting
Ok - I've been busy. Update: I just applied for my PHD program in Foreign Language and Literature. This means
A) That I know a lot about living in Taiwan, Teaching in Taiwan, Studying in Taiwan and other things.
B) That I'm going to be here for a long time
C) That I'll be able to brag and show off because I have a fancy degree.
D) That I get to read a lot of books next year and hopefully be back on the Taiwan Scholarship.
I've been nothing but painting for the past several months....and I'm not quite ready to crank out my thesis before May and graduate in time. So - after a few parties this weekend, including my oil painting opening exhibition/cocktail event party, and after trying to finish a bit of editing work, I'm planning a 4 day camping trip down to Kenting, which will coincide with Spring Scream, Taiwan's biggest annual party. Mostly, I'm looking for an exciting time. But I will also bring down my Fisher Metal Detector and sweep the beaches. My goal is to find a couple pieces of pirate gold before the crowds come, and a few cameras, cellphones and diamond rings after they leave.
A) That I know a lot about living in Taiwan, Teaching in Taiwan, Studying in Taiwan and other things.
B) That I'm going to be here for a long time
C) That I'll be able to brag and show off because I have a fancy degree.
D) That I get to read a lot of books next year and hopefully be back on the Taiwan Scholarship.
I've been nothing but painting for the past several months....and I'm not quite ready to crank out my thesis before May and graduate in time. So - after a few parties this weekend, including my oil painting opening exhibition/cocktail event party, and after trying to finish a bit of editing work, I'm planning a 4 day camping trip down to Kenting, which will coincide with Spring Scream, Taiwan's biggest annual party. Mostly, I'm looking for an exciting time. But I will also bring down my Fisher Metal Detector and sweep the beaches. My goal is to find a couple pieces of pirate gold before the crowds come, and a few cameras, cellphones and diamond rings after they leave.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Art Exhibition in Tainan!
Oh yes, it's an exciting year. I'll admit, I'm an awful blogger. It's a skill I'd like to develop. Luckily, I'm a damn good writer and a pretty interesting person. Next week I'm giving a speech about my art to 100+ undergraduate art students to open my art exhibition at NCKU. Frankly, that's amazing. In a few years (or sooner!) I'll be selling my paintings for thousands of dollars - and even if I don't, as an 'emerging artist' I can take advantage of some amazing art residency programs all over the world. I have my eye on one in Japan right now - a beautiful, huge studio space for 3 months ending with an exhibition. Wouldn't I love to do one of those every year!!
And fortunately, my paintings are unique, striking, interesting... and novel enough to stand out which is a pretty good thing.
Ok - they're strange. But they're the kind of thing that makes people think I must have some kind of vision or message. People want to know "WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?!" and look to me to supply answers. That's a strong position to be in. What does it mean? Only that I have a sardonic, dark sense of humor and anti-religious tendencies.
Anyway - visit my art blog at www.derekmurphyart.com to see all my paintings!
And fortunately, my paintings are unique, striking, interesting... and novel enough to stand out which is a pretty good thing.
Ok - they're strange. But they're the kind of thing that makes people think I must have some kind of vision or message. People want to know "WHAT DOES IT MEAN!?!" and look to me to supply answers. That's a strong position to be in. What does it mean? Only that I have a sardonic, dark sense of humor and anti-religious tendencies.
Anyway - visit my art blog at www.derekmurphyart.com to see all my paintings!
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