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.

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!