Sam

Today’s itinerary included visits to the exhibition of Teacher Dai Mingde in Minxiong, Chiayi, Su Xiaomeng’s exhibition at the Xinying Cultural Center, and the Yuefu Art Gallery in Shanhua. At Teacher Dai’s venue in Chiayi, I wanted to see if his works would present a different style compared to those displayed yesterday at the Mingguan Art Museum, as well as observe how he arranges his exhibitions in different venues. What surprised me, however, was Teacher Dai’s unconventional works using dovetail nails, as well as pieces by an Italian artist, which made me reflect on the relationship between my paintings and contemporary art.

Su Xiaomeng’s metalwork exhibition gave me a sense of inner exploration. My old mindset believed that metalwork and painting had little connection, but this exhibition truly shattered that notion. Creation should not be limited by medium or subject matter.

The Yuefu Art Gallery was closed today, though its schedule indicated it should be open. Still, I feel that perhaps this was a sign from above, prompting me to make the trip and enjoy the journey.

Just as I was nearing home, Teacher Dai called, and we chatted for nearly 40 minutes. His humorous way of speaking and his insights into art completely relieved my fatigue from driving all day. He said that if one chooses to paint, they must have the integrity to sell their work with pride. Paint what brings you joy and don’t change just to sell. Create your own style rather than pursuing someone else’s.

I’ve always admired Teacher Dai’s painting style. There was a time when I experimented with graffiti-like painting, which I found liberating—it wasn’t confined by realistic spaces, the lines could flow freely, and the creations could be wildly imaginative. After today’s conversation with Teacher Dai, I finally understood why his creative energy is so immense. It’s because he is broad-minded, quick-witted, and open and free in his thinking. This is why his creations are so expansive.

How fortunate I am to receive guidance from so many masters. I can only feel gratitude in my heart and continue striving forward.

今天的行程安排了到嘉義民雄戴明德老師的展覽以及新營文化中心蘇小夢還有善化的岳府藝廊。到戴老師嘉義的展場想看看和昨天名冠美術館的作品可有不同風貌以及不同展場的感覺戴老師會如何的佈展。讓我驚訝的卻是戴老師另類不同用卯釘的作品。還有義大利藝術家的作品，讓我重新思考我的繪畫和當代的關係。蘇小夢的金工展讓我有走入內心的感覺，我的舊思維認為金工和繪畫應該沒什麼關聯，但這次真的打破我的觀念，創作應該不局限於媒材及題材。岳府藝廊今天沒有營業，可是我看他的營業時間表是有的，但是沒關係，這應該是老天爺要我跑這一趟走走。快到家時戴老師打電話來我們聊得將近40分鐘。戴老師幽默的聊天方式和對於藝術的見解讓我消除了一整天開車的疲累，他說既然要畫畫，對於賣畫就要有賣畫的骨氣。畫自己開心的就好，不要為了賣畫而改變。創造自己的風格而不追求他人的風格。我一直很喜歡戴老師的繪畫風格，自己曾經有一陣子也採用塗鴉的方式繪畫。覺得這樣子的畫畫方式不受限空間寫實，線條可以非常的自由，創作也可以天馬行空。今天和戴老師聊天以後終於知道為何他的創作能量如此的高，因為他心胸廣闊、反應快、想法自由開闊。所以戴老師的創作非常寬廣。我何其有幸，能受多位大師提點。我只有心存感恩，繼續努力。