The Archipelago Discovery

Penghu, Taiwan, is more than just an archipelago surrounded by the vast blue sea; for me, it is a tapestry woven with cherished memories and formative experiences. From the carefree days of adolescence to the pivotal moments of young adulthood, Penghu shaped me in ways I continue to treasure.

As a teenager, I was captivated by Penghu’s natural beauty. The sweeping beaches, unique basalt formations, and the ever-present salty sea breeze created a backdrop that felt both grounding and inspiring. Life in Penghu fostered a deep appreciation for simplicity, community, and nature—values that became the foundation of my personal growth.

(Photo: Graduated in 2019, came back in 2024.)

Penghu was also home to my alma mater, a place that taught me more than just academic lessons. It was within those walls that I first explored my passions, formed lifelong friendships, and discovered my potential. The challenges I faced, both in the classroom and beyond, helped me develop resilience and confidence. My educators, peers, and the supportive environment shaped my ambitions and gave me the courage to dream beyond the shores of our beloved island.

As I transitioned from a teenager to a young adult, Penghu taught me about the strength of community. The island’s close-knit nature emphasized the importance of relationships and collective responsibility. Whether it was participating in local festivals or simply greeting neighbors with a smile, Penghu instilled a sense of belonging that I carry with me wherever I go.

Though life may take me far from Penghu, it will always be my anchor—a reminder of where I came from and the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today. The memories of my journey, from my alma mater’s lessons to the sunsets over the ocean, remain a part of my identity, a testament to the island’s enduring influence.

In 2017, I had the privilege of donating a few of my photography masterpieces to my university library in Penghu. At the time, the photos were humbly displayed in a quiet corner, a space that felt intimate yet fitting for the beginnings of my artistic journey. Those photographs, inspired by the island’s unparalleled beauty, were my way of giving back to the place that nurtured me—an offering of gratitude to the institution and community that had shaped so much of my life.

Recently, when I returned to Penghu, I was surprised and deeply moved to find those same photographs now exhibited in the university’s main gallery. The sight filled me with pride and nostalgia, as it symbolized how far both my work and my journey had come. Standing in that gallery, I felt a profound connection between my past and present, as if my younger self, the one who wandered Penghu’s shores with a camera, was there with me.

(Photo: Recapture the perfect moment, 2024)

The experience was more than just a personal achievement—it was a reminder of the enduring bond I share with Penghu and my alma mater. Knowing that my work resonated with others enough to be placed in a prominent space reaffirmed the significance of my roots and the power of art to capture and preserve the soul of a place.

This moment was not just a testament to the growth of my craft but also to the enduring legacy of Penghu’s influence. The island, with its tranquil beauty and tight-knit community, continues to inspire and guide me. I left the gallery that day feeling grateful, humbled, and ever more connected to the home that raised me and the alma mater that believed in me.

Chinese translation version as below:

臺灣澎湖，以天人菊為名，對我來說不僅僅是被大海環抱的家園，更是一幅珍貴記憶與成長經歷交織而成的畫卷。從無憂無慮的青少年時期到關鍵的青春歲月，澎湖以它獨特的魅力塑造了我，使我珍惜至今。

作為一名青少年，澎湖的自然之美深深吸引著我。綿延的沙灘、獨特的玄武岩地貌，以及總伴隨在身邊的鹹鹹海風吹拂，構成了一個既踏實又令人鼓舞的背景。生活在澎湖的日子讓我對簡單、社區和自然有了深刻的感悟，這些價值觀成為了我成長的基石。

澎湖也是我母校的所在地，一個教會我不僅是學術知識的地方。在那片校園裡，我第一次探索了自己的熱情，結交了終生難忘的朋友，並發現了自身的潛力。無論是課堂內的學習還是課堂外的挑戰，這些經歷幫助我培養了堅韌與自信。老師、同學以及那份支持的氛圍塑造了我的志向，並賦予了我勇氣，讓我敢於夢想超越這片島嶼的未來。

隨著我從青少年逐漸成長為一名青年，澎湖讓我學會了社區的力量。島上的緊密人際關係讓我深刻理解了彼此關懷和集體責任的重要性。無論是參與當地的節慶活動，還是單純地向鄰里打招呼，澎湖灌輸了一種歸屬感，這種感覺無論我走到哪裡都一直陪伴著我。

儘管生活可能將我帶離澎湖，但它始終是我的錨點——提醒著我從何而來，以及那些塑造我成為今天這個樣子的經歷。從母校裡汲取的教誨，到海邊日落的記憶，這些都成為了我身份的一部分，見證了澎湖對我的深遠影響。

2017年，我有幸將幾幅攝影作品捐贈給澎湖的母校圖書館。當時，這些照片被靜靜地掛在一個角落，那是一片寧靜且充滿親切感的小天地，也象徵了我藝術旅程的起點。這些靈感來自澎湖獨特美景的攝影作品，是我對這片孕育我的土地的一種感恩回饋，也是對培育我成長的學校和社區的致敬。

最近，我回到澎湖時，驚喜地發現那些曾經掛在角落的照片，現在被陳列在大學的主展廳中。這一發現令我既感到自豪又充滿回憶，這不僅象徵著我的作品和旅程的成長，更像是過去與現在的一次深情連結。站在那間展廳裡，我彷彿能感受到曾經的自己——那個拿著相機徘徊在澎湖海岸的少年，依然在我心中存在著。

這一經歷不僅僅是一個個人成就，更是一種提醒，提醒我與澎湖和母校之間深厚而長久的聯繫。知道自己的作品能夠打動他人，被放置在如此重要的空間裡，讓我更加確認自己的根源以及藝術捕捉與保存地方靈魂的力量。

那天走出展廳時，我滿懷感恩、謙卑，並對這片養育我、相信我的家鄉和母校有了更深的連結。