Tourists play with shells in Taixi – experience real local life

Tourists come from all parts of the country to experience the rich life of Taixi Township in Yunlin County. They do this by means of dredging up shells and taking part in art activities led by local shell artists like Cai Ying-jie. Under the guidance of Cai Ying-jie adults and children alike can participate and enjoy the fun as well as revel in the excitement of the creative process. As far as Cai Ying-jie is concerned, if you want to understand oyster shell art then you must first become acquainted with the raw materials. Only then can one develop talent and the necessary feeling for this form of artwork, and only then can one give life to each and every shell within the artwork. Full of exotic elegance and culture, Taixi has much more to offer than just oyster shell art. It is a place simply bursting with art, from painted walls to areas using recycled materials to create art and recreation facilities.

In addition to all of this, you can also experience the great fun of catching oysters and wash your trousers at the same time! The secretary general of Taixi Arts Association, Ding Hong-yi, said Taixi produces more oysters than anywhere else in Taiwan. While Taixi is proactively developing a new art culture, however they are also enthusiastic about preserving the rich culture left behind by their ancestors. Taixi is a relatively small place, however it’s simply brimming with artistic energy, energy that locals hope through hard work can attract new people and tourists.

Tourists play with shells in Taixi – experience real local life (by CJ Zhongzheng)

URL: http://www.peopo.org/news/72407

(以下為中文對照)

玩藝蚵貝遊台西　體驗在地真生活(公民記者 中正e報  報導)

來自各地的遊客透過撈文蛤、導覽解說認識雲林台西之美，並藉由蚵貝藝術家蔡英傑的帶領，共同參與藝術創作。在蔡英傑的帶領下，不分大人小孩都熱情地參與， 民眾十分享受歡樂的創作過程。蔡英傑表示：想了解蚵貝藝術你要先認識材料，才對才能對材料有所感情，才能賦予它每一片的生命。除了蚵貝藝術之外，台西還有 充滿異國風情的彩繪牆面，加上廢物利用打造成的遊樂設施，處處展現藝術氣息。此外遊客還可在此體會摸「蛤仔」兼洗褲的樂趣。台西藝術協會總幹事丁弘毅就表 示，台西的文蛤可以說是全台灣生產量最多的地方。台西除了積極發展新的藝術創作，也不忘保存祖先留下來的古文物，一個小小村莊卻蘊藏著滿滿的藝術能量，透 過居民的努力，期盼吸引更多人關注。

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