Here comes the typhoon!

This should be interesting! A typhoon will arrive tomorrow, and I am actually excited about it. Big forces of nature have a way of putting everything into perspective. Suddenly the things you thought were problems are not very important, and all you can really do is watch mother nature out the window in awe. Very nice. I'll let you know how it all goes!

art by Ching Yuan Chang

artist receptio

On another note, I attended an art opening today in Taichung, where Ching Yuan Chang had work on display. A three story gallery, very beautiful space. The show looked great, with both contemporary paintings and sculpture. Ching Yuan's work was a highlight of the show, and the first piece you see as you enter the building. He builds forms that are sensitive and beautiful, with incredible attention to form and surface. It was also the gallery's 20th birthday celebration. There was an amazing buffet of delicious food, wine and cake.

best Thai food in Taiwan

After the show we went to a Thai restaurant near Tainan, and I will honestly say that it is the best Thai food that I have ever had in my life. There are no pre-made generic sauces. Everything is fresh and cooked to perfection. I loved the coconut soup with mushrooms and vegetables, as well as the lightly fried shrimp cakes with a sweet dipping sauce. The peanut noodles were to die for. I will dream of that place for a long, long time.

We also stopped at a crafters market near the gallery. I was so happy to see it, it reminded me of the many craft markets in Philadelphia, where local artists make and sell their work to the public. It is good to know there is an appreciation of hand-made crafts everywhere in the world, especially in a time of IKEA and Target (don't get me wrong, those places are great too, everything in moderation...).

made by Bow Jin Bear, tw.myblog.yahoo.com/bjbear2009

artist market in Taichung

OK, more from typhoon-central later!