Cycling and sketching in Taipei

I embarked on a brief journey to Taipei, spanning from April 26 to April 29, where I seized the opportunity to indulge in sketching and cycling. Gratitude is owed to Paul Chui and Hughes Lu for generously lending me their Brompton bicycle for the duration of my stay. Although not my inaugural cycling experience in Taiwan, I was once again taken aback by the splendid cycling routes that Taipei City has to offer. The scenery is breathtaking, and navigating the city on a bicycle proved to be both enjoyable and convenient.

Took Flyscoot 889 red eye flight to TPE. Painted this in Changi Airport. I was to arrive in TPE at 5 30 am !!!!

My first stop happened to be the lockers at Taipei Main Station. Had a heavy bag and Hotel check-in time is at 3 pm

Nothing is opened at 7 so I decided to go to Visit Long Shan Temple and be among the earliest to make a wish.  Wish didn't come true..... YET

Then I headed up to Tamsui to meet Hughes. He's super duper nice and loaned me his black Brompton bike that is crazy decked out. Also guided me around and off I went from Tamsui down to Shilin area.

Crazy beautiful weather . I was super lucky.  The cycling route in Taipei is super nice.

Entire cycling path runs along the river. 

After Beitou , I found a spot to paint in the shelter. It was super nice.

Half way there.

Somewhere near Beitou

Then I sneaked out from Yuan Shan area and ride towards Shilin area.

Somewhere near Dadao Cheng Pier. Another great spot to paint

Like Seoul, Plenty of bridges and beautiful scenes. 

It is so so so beautiful at some spots,  I can't believe I was in Taipei.

I spent some time cycling around Dihua Street and thought I may bump into a dear friend there. 

The power towers were interesting enough to earn a page in my sketchbook.

Baopiliao Old Street was quite a nice spot to paint as well. Interesting old buildings well preserved.

I sketched the Brompton in the hotel and gave this sketch to Hughes. Thankful to be able to ride his Brompton in Taipei. It would have been a lot more troublesome to bring mine.

I enjoyed the new Taipei MRT to the airport. Its really comfortable and easy

Flyscoot my way back to Singapore. Taipei will always have a special spot in my heart. 

Finally got up the Mao Kong after numerous failed attempts.  Its quite a sight and I am glad I finally scaled up. 

Thank you, Paul Chui and Hughes Lu from Bike Gang for sharing their Brompton with me.  Super grateful for all your hospitality and I look forward to your visit to Singapore :) 

An old sketch I did of Taipei from a hike up Elephant mountain.

INTERLACE, A Group Show Featuring The Sketchbooks of 20 Artists

INTERLACE will be concluding this weekend, on March 31, 2018. As I reflect on the past few weeks, during which I conducted several guided tours, I want to share some thoughts behind the creation of this sketchbook exhibition.

Guided tour at Bynd Artisan

A heartfelt thank you to all the participating artists who have played a crucial role in bringing INTERLACE to life. This exhibition, featuring the works of 20 distinguished artists, is a testament to their support for The Perfect Sketchbook.

How did this start?
The concept originated from the recognition that a sketchbook encapsulates an artist's most intimate ideas and processes. With the belief that a high-quality sketchbook enhances artistic expression, I envisioned showcasing the works of our finest and most influential backers from The Perfect Sketchbook campaign. Recognizing the challenge of transforming this project into a sustainable business, I set aside books after each release and explored collaboration opportunities with galleries and museums. Despite facing rejections from galleries in America, I persisted. The breakthrough came when Winnie, the owner of Bynd Artisan, suggested hosting the show in their retail store. Although space was limited, the prime location promised substantial foot traffic. To offset shipping costs for the artists, we decided to sell the last 50 reserved copies of The Perfect Sketchbook B5 during the launch of our group show, INTERLACE.

To accommodate the unique format of the exhibition, which features 20 sketchbooks, we crafted custom frames. These frames not only securely held the sketchbooks but also allowed for easy page changes. For instance, if a sketchbook displayed 5 painted spreads, it had to be easily removable from the frame for flipping to the next page and seamless reinstallation.

For more in-depth insights into the exhibition, you can find a detailed interview on James Gurney’s blog at
http://gurneyjourney.blogspot.sg/2018/03/sketchbook-exhibition-in-singapore.html

Who are these 20 artists?
They are all backers of The Perfect Sketchbook and their complete profiles can be found in this PDF file

James Gurney (http://jamesgurney.com)

The Perfect Type Writer by James Gurney

One of the most prolific plein-air painter in this world. New York Times best-selling author of The Dinotopia Series and author of the book Colors and Lights. I was really fortunate to receive
his support when I first launched The Perfect Sketchbook on Kickstarter. James was generous enough to share my project with his audiences and play a crucial role with success of The Perfect Sketchbook

Nathan Fowkes (http://www.nathanfowkesart.com/)

Jerusalem by Nathan Fowkes

A veteran in the entertainment industry with credits in more than 11 feature films. His work is amazing and I am a fan. Super fortunate to receive his support and was completely over the moon when he agreed to participate in our group show.

Catherine Hamilton (http://mydogoscar.com/birdspot/)

Purple Gallinules by Catherine Hamilton

Catherine's exquisite paintings and studies of birds caught my attention. She’s an ambassador for Zeiss and travels around the world studying birds.

Marvin Chew (https://www.marvinchew.com/)

Shop houses along Kreta Ayer Road by Marvin Chew

Former vice-president of The Singapore Watercolor Society. Marvin’s work is well known in Singapore and he has been supportive of The Perfect Sketchbook since the first edition.  During our Indiegogo campaign, Marvin shared professional tips on using watercolor.

Don Low (http://www.donlow-illustration.com/)

Chinatown by Don Low

One of the most underrated artist in Singapore who is well versed in just about any medium.

Isabella King (http://isabellakung.com/)

Crystalized by Isabella Kung

An award-winning children book illustrator based in San Francisco.  Talented and helped share The Perfect Sketchbook campaign to people in North Cal.

Jerome Moo (http://jeromemoo.com/)

Inverlocy Art School by Jerome Moo

I got to know Jerome because he backed the most B5 Sketchbooks and caught my attention. I later learn that he worked at Lucasfilm and is a great Plein-air painter. He now works as a senior matte painter at Weta Digital in New Zealand

Justin Pastores (http://www.justinpastores.com/)

Collector no.7 by Justin Pastores

One of my earliest instagram follower whom I noticed to have great work and paints diligently. He’s been a great supporters for all our sketchbook.

Audrey (https://www.instagram.com/audrey_ish/)

The Subjective Vertical by Audrey

Audrey and I partnered on a few business ventures in the past and most of the inspirations for The Perfect Sketchbook were extracts from her. A pivotal supporter and an amazing artist with a passion in animation and dance.

Tracy Lewis (http://www.tracylewisart.com/

Risk to Blossom by Tracy Lewis

An amazing watercolorist who is known for her transparent watercolor with a candy coat of Easter-like color.  Beautiful work that also caught my attention when I noticed how she painted.

Fawn Veerasunthorn (https://www.instagram.com/fawnv/)

Year of the Dog by Fawn Veerasunthorn

Known for her amazing storyboard work in numerous Disney Featured Films. I was lucky to have gone to school with her and managed to garner her support during The Perfect Sketchbook Campaign.

Ryan Green (https://www.instagram.com/ryangreenart/)

Bah by Ryan Green

Husband of Fawn. Ryan also worked at Disney featured film and saved Hei Hei from getting killed in the movie, Moana. Super fortunate to have gotten his support early on during our Kickstarter Campaign. He paid attention to my campaign and advised me to disengage with adversary early on during our campaign.

Hiroshi Hayakawa (http://www.hiroshi-hayakawa.com/

Vanitas by Hiroshi Hayakawa

My talented Photography Professor from Columbus College of Art. He supported heavily when our kickstarter was literally stuck and not making it. Hiroshi is also well versed in traditional medium and is the author of a series of Kirigami books.

Nathaniel Underwood (https://www.instagram.com/nathaniel_underwoodart/

Composition 3 by Nathaniel Underwood

Painting buddy from Columbus College of Art who supported my Kickstarter and is an amazing painter currently represented by Sharon Weiss Gallery in Columbus

Iuri Lioi (http://www.iurilioi.com/

Desert Symmetries by Iuri

Visual Development Artist at Dreamworks. I know Iuri from Graduate School at The Ohio State University but knew he was such a good painter until I saw his work in The Perfect Sketchbook.

Anthony Francisco (https://www.instagram.com/anthony_francisco_art/

Baby Groot dances by Anthony Francisco

Known for his involvement with Marvel Comic Universe. Anthony is a Visual Development Concept Artists at Marvel.  Was fortunate to receive his support during our first kickstarter.

Namchai Saensupha (https://www.instagram.com/namchai_sketches/)

Nov 27 by Namchai

An Architect from Thailand who caught my attention with his amazing watercolor landscapes.
One of my favorite artists when it comes to style and attitude.

Steve Mitchell (http://stevemitchelldesign.com/)

Transparent watercolor by Steve Mitchell

A prominent Youtube Artist with the channel, Mind of Watercolor. I approached Steve during my Indiegogo campaign was very fortunate to receive his support. He was generous enough to share my campaign with his audiences.

Jackson Dryden (https://www.instagram.com/drydenart/)

Transformation of a Diety by Jackson Dryden

An amazing artist with a passion for sketchbooks. Jackon caught my attention when it comes to stylization and skills.

The question of "WHY?" looms large. I embarked on this journey to prove to myself that greatness is not confined to wealth or fame. Traveling the world, creating our own products, and hosting a group show with limited capital—these accomplishments are a testament to what can be achieved with determination and support. The show, the sketchbooks, and the travels have provided profound insights into my delusional thoughts about art, business, and life. I am sincerely grateful for the unwavering support I have received from everyone along the way.