An afternoon of all things (forgive the word) cute – 02.20.16

What followed my visit to an ‘artist village’ is to a so-called ‘creative park’. It was not exactly the name that intrigued me though but the idea that the area used to be an abandoned wine factory converted into a place for cultural events and other exhibitions. My afternoon spent there turned out fun being a fan of trinkets (called “abubots” in Filipino) with a rather similar scene in my country wherein local artists share their crafts in pop-up bazaars and markets.

Indeed it was an afternoon filled with (window-) shopping for stickers, postcards, notebooks etc.

But before that, on the way to the park are these random street finds –

One of the things I love about Taipei is how walking is never boring, even ‘noisy’ in an adorable way with all the street colors in its commercial establishments, walls, food carts, among others.

Is it just me or does that bike look like a part of that wall?

###

Curious as to how those corn turned yellow?

###

Not unique to Taiwan but of course, photobooths

###

All smartphone-busy

###

Almost sold-out potatoes or are there inside that barrel?

###

If I remember correctly, this tile mosaic is in a school

###

Near the entrance to the park is this red diamond-shaped landmark

###

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

As in its name, these buildings were constructed in 1914, apparently as of a wine factory. According to its official site, this compound was abandoned for a while until a group of performers used some of its halls for plays in 1997.It had its share of controversy as this group was sued for trespassing. This just resulted to further interest in the space among artists until the government’s cultural group claimed it in 2007. Ownership and operations accountability may have shifted over the years but to date (or until time that I was there), it remains a place for artists and craftsmen while probably not as ‘underground’ as it was then.

What are inside not so obvious from this side

###

Then it gets slightly more obvious at some parts although I love that all signages and details are subtly put in the buildings

###

The bustle becomes more obvious in this area

###

Aside from the shops on the buildings, there are tent stalls selling all kinds of trinkets. I am just not sure whether those are permanent or temporary residents in the compound. Given the place’ vibe though, I suppose such bazaars are held on a regular basis there.

Here are snaps from some of the cute ones for me. (Note that some vendors do not like photos of their products being taken so I am not sure whether I committed a sin of some sort for some. Sharing nonetheless and just keeping my fingers crossed that I do not get into trouble)

Products made by UP’s Friends. Reminded me more of home because we also have our UP (University of the Philippines)

But this group in Taiwan makes these really cute (stretchy) cat stickers and pins.

More of that stretchy cat – one in that flirty pose ;p

###

These wrappers and envelopes are too fun I probably won’t even use these

###

That moustache though

###

The weirder the characters are, the better.

So from this shop, I really did buy

###

And these plants were calling me. I just was not sure whether I can handcarry

###

Awww. That pig with green scarf is adorable

###

I also found this other shop with name that reeks of arrogance.

I forgive it though because the items inside are – for lack of a better word – cool. But then ‘coolness’ has its consequence sometimes that these items are pricey.

Shall I raise my hands now?

###

Is your heart feeling blue?

###

Cream matter

###

That pug may look irresistible, but I resisted

###

At first glance, I thought this was the Little Prince

###

Caught my attention because I am used to seeing dyes in intense colors but these are in pastels

###

This shop likes cats too! But ones with puffy cheeks

###

Cat or fish?

###

Not match to my personality but ‘pretty cute’ nonetheless

(Okay, I need to expand my adjectives whenever I find something cute)

###

Genius

###

There are crafts like this in Manila but I couldn’t remember whether I knew it then.

I remember wanting to get one though but thought it would be heavy and chances are, would break inside my backpack

###

Could have been a nice take-home though. Maybe next time when I carry a suitcase

###

A first to see a 3D printer in action!

###

Don’t mistake for food

###

Another play with bottle caps are these. these are giants than usual though

###

This funny drawing on the wall

“It’s raining bananas!”

###

Aside from the stalls and shops, the compound also has performances like this.

And there’s this long line for an attraction which I failed to capture and now has forgotten. I am pretty sure it was something I am not much a fan of, that’s why :p

###

This one I could have entered if I had more time

###

Little boy doodles

###

And we’ve got a sleepy Mona Lisa there

###

Splitting image

###

Is it just me or does this bring some compulsion to knock these giant crayons off

###

Stamps!

###

# lovewins – themed cards!

###

Dogs are best for cuddles but as designs, they’re all lovable too!

###

Ahem

###

Those characters seemingly coming out from a shoe are love

###

A bit morbid, don’t you think? Or am I just seeing it wrong?

###

Small sister, big sister kind of thing

###

Those drawings above are but two from this wall

###

As I was about to exit, saw these performances

###

And a perfect cap to visit there are these two monkeys

###

How to get there and other practical details

Take the MRT and go down at Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station Exit 1. From there, walk for about 3-5 minutes to the park.

Check out HUASHAN CREATIVE PARK‘s official website here.

Park is open from 10AM-10PM except Mondays.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristina Correa (or more known to almost all people in her life as Teng) is based on the city of Manila in the Philippines and whenever she can, cools off with routine and gets her doses of happy someplace else. She doesn’t mean to inform and help plan (as obvious with her laziness with details) but hopes her stories and photos can inspire you to create your own.