This afternoon’s adventure was to an art school in southern Taipei. The trip was not much to write about, by car through traffic, but the destination was fun. A long-time friend of ours opened this after-school study center 5 years ago. There are several teachers in a very small space but they are all highly qualified and passionate. The kids range from about 7 to 12 or so and most of them are very talented. They teach very advanced techniques at this little place. The education system in Asia is often maligned (with some justification), but individuals like our friend work under the radar and make a real difference – in this case Art, but it could be music, language, math, etc. I don’t think you can get this kind of talented guidance in a classroom environment in the US.
(the slightly disturbling metaphor for all this is the remarkable work the girl is holding below – her theme is “Knowledge Factory”. It is amazing for her age but seems Chaplinesque, or even Dickenesian, doesn’t it? Well, art is supposed to provoke.)
As with the other teachers, Jean is an artist with her own portfolio. She is giving! us 2 pieces. She asked if she should sign them and I told her, of course, if she does not sign them then they are worthless on the market because I won’t be able to prove it is hers. That is her hubby watching.
So jealous that you got to spend time with my dear friend Jean and her hubby Simon! Thanks for posting the photos – I miss my friends in Taipei!