Happy 2018! I was overjoyed when I found out last month La Vie magazine wanted to interview me for their January 2018 issue. La Vie is a Taiwanese monthly lifestyle and design magazine, published by Cite Publishing. In Taiwan, it is one of the most prestigious magazines in the arts and design fields. I remembered when I was still living in Taiwan, I used to seek inspiration by browsing through their monthly magazines in the bookstore, it’s literally like a bible for artists and designers. Therefore, I felt so honored and immediately said “Yes!” to the opportunity without any hesitation. Besides, this is my very first interview from my home country, so it really means a lot to me to be recognized by my people.
The main focus of this issue is an in-depth discussion about the alternative career paths and lifestyles of my generation of craftsmen and craftswomen. The career choices for a college graduate are not limited to working for corporate America. Instead, young Taiwanese craftsmen and craftswomen are using their creativity and talents to build the vivid lifestyle that they have seen all over the world.
My section was actually a group interview with five other Taiwanese craftspeople. Each of us shared our experiences of working as an entrepreneur in different countries, including France, the United States, England, Israel, and Australia. As a studio jeweler, I talked about the overall market trends in the States based on my personal observations in this industry through the years.
I wish they had an English translation of the magazine, but at least I can still share my happiness with you! I hope you all had a wonderful holidays with your loved ones in 2017 and have a prosperous New Year!
Till next time,
Hsiang-Ting