Made in Taiwan

2019 was a good year, but like everybody else I was hopeful for the new year. Once the clock struck midnight, me, my girlfriend and her family were cheering and ringing in 2020 with optimism; Bring it on! In hindsight, I think it's hilarious knowing now, that so many unfortunate globally-effected events happened this year. Regardless, our ignorance was a bliss as we wanted to start off the new year with something unforgettable: Our first, international trip. It would be my first time travelling with her to Taiwan, and meeting her entire mother's side of the family. There will be a separate post on this later, but I wanted to share one of the most memorable art experiences I've had.

@ Yingge Ceramics Street | 01.26.20

Closer to the end of my time in Taiwan, we visited Yingge's Ceramic Street. Just about a 30-minute train ride from Taipei railroad station, Yingge is famous for pottery. The city is where Taiwan's ceramic industry was born, hundreds of years ago. There are streets filled with shops showcasing unique and hand-made pottery - Nothing "mass-produced".

As we walked by shops along the road, we found a neat spot where you could craft your own clay-based dishes & bowls with help from pottery masters. They provided the all the equipment needed to make ceramics, and even helped out (many times in my case) when you completely flatten your clay.

If you ever find yourself in Taiwan and have 1/2 day to spare, I recommend visiting this gem of a city and trying your hand at pottery. I'm sure it will be a humbling experience as it was for me!