Archive for March, 2011

31
Mar

A little scrap story

By Sue Anne 3 Comments
Categories: Building the China Dream and Street Stories

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While I am not one for following major scrap stories like some folks, it is nevertheless amusing to hear the backstories of what, why and how involving “DIY scrapping”.

I was travelling around Wangjiamatou Lu (王家码头路) in Old Town with my Roving Exhibit when I spotted this couple. I decided to place my photo boards next to them for a show-and-tell but the husband and wife duo seemed a lot more interesting.

“These are left over things from a hotel in Pudong which has just closed.” the husband explained. They arrived there a bit late, but it was a decent stash. Alarms, door knobs, light fixtures, control switches, random wires. Everything was being stripped into small piles separated by materials: glass, copper, light switch frames, fixture casings and bits of wiring.

They knew what they wanted. No large piles of wood or alumnium. It’s all about value, not volume. I watched the wife pull expertly at a burglar alarm followed by a light bulb, extracting the tungsten.

I had a go at it to give a helping hand and nearly took my foot off with the screwdriver and hammer. The wife shook her head, maybe it’s best you stick to photography, she laughed.

And take a photo of my kids while you’re at it, her husband chimed in.

December 2010

29
Mar

The Anatomy of My Blog: An Amateur’s Tale (and Tips!)

By Sue Anne 2 Comments
Categories: Exhibits, Talks and Publications

(Feel free to skip this post if blog housekeeping bores you. This is all about how to set up and deal with self-hosted sites.)

You might have noticed a little spring-cleaning around here on the blog.

For one, the blogroll on the right has been slimmed down to a daily blogroll. The exhaustive list is now consolidated in a dedicated page under Links located in the header.

I’ve added in other widgets to the sidebar that are long overdue: RSS feed, blog subscription, a multi-language blog translator should you want to read the blog in Swahili. ( 现在你也可以用中文来读<街头故事>！) and a tag cloud. My favourite addition has to be the social bookmarks widget at the bottom of each post, so you can share the love for the blog more easily!

To be honest, if it wasn’t for the fact that wordpress.com (and other major blogging platforms) is intermittently blocked in China, I would never have considered a self-hosted site. WordPress.com was simple and elegant but if you want to reach out to a wider readership in China, this is the path you have to take.

I’ve decided to list in detail the anatomy of my blog. I can’t be sure if it’s a taboo thing, but websites that have done so have been enormously useful for my reference.

In fact, I believe I am the best person to give advice. Why? I had no (and still lack) knowledge of HTML, code etc. I am a tech-tard, if that’s a politically correct term to use, and computers in general scare me. I usually end my questions to my webhost with “Please explain (it) to me in simple terms, am computer/code-challenged.” However, with help from friends, the great Google shek and countless wordpress.org forums, I’ve figured some stuff out.

So if you’re a newbie, perhaps my layman talk might be useful. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome. After the jump, details of my webhost, plugins etc.

Continue reading ‘The Anatomy of My Blog: An Amateur’s Tale (and Tips!)’

28
Mar

If a Tree Falls in a Forest*

By Sue Anne 3 Comments
Categories: Building the China Dream and The Fading Vestige

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A purposeful pathway slices through Wuding Lu (武定路）(formerly known as Wuting Road) and Kangding Lu （康定路）(formerly Conaught Road), parallel to Xikang Lu (西康路) (formerly Ferry Road).

On the opposing ends of the walls were contrasting states of development. In the north, a new construction towered in the horizon while in the south, a section of the old neighborhood stood derelict, waiting for the razing to begin on mass.

Instead of rubble and broken stone, construction workers were grappling with branches that formed an intricate maze against the bright afternoon sun. They had spent all of the day before sawing pieces apart, digging through roots and trying to pull the trunks out in whole pieces for scrap sale. Nothing ever went to waste if they could help it.

It was spring but ironically, there were no leaves anywhere for the trees have died a long time ago, as if anticipating the inevitable death of the neighborhood.

A man perched on the core of a trunk, heaving as he sawed through branch after branch. With the sun behind him, he looked like a peacock which had its feathers spread open behind him.

My eyes trailed from the branch to the trunk and down to the roots which were embedded deeply in the walls of the house and deeper in its foundation. It was going to take a bit more time to get it all out if they want to salvage both brick and wood.

“Who knows how long these roots run into the foundation,” the foreman wondered out loud. “Either way, we’ll get it done.”

March 2011

* In case you missed the reference.

23
Mar

26 March: “Still More Shanghai Walks” Book Launch (and Giveaway!)

By Sue Anne 14 Comments
Categories: Exhibits, Talks and Publications

Following the successful presentation of “Still More Shanghai Walks” at the Shanghai Literary Festival only 2 weeks ago, we are holding the official book launch this coming Saturday!

SATURDAY, MARCH 26TH
2:00 – 4:00PM
AT THE DEKE ERH GALLERY
TAIKANG ROAD LANE 210, NO. 2
TIANZIFANG
泰康路210弄2号, 田子坊

Together with Tess Johnston, my co-authors Duncan Hewitt, Patrick Cranley, Lisa Movius and Bill Savadove will present (in further detail) about our chosen walks and neighborhoods.

If you missed us the last time, do come on by and say hello!

“If getting out and about and learning a little about some of the impressive buildings or quirky streets you’ve learned to recognize appeals to you, this is your companion.” ~ That’s Shanghai

Book giveaway!

As promised, I am giving away a second copy of the book signed by all 6 authors. Congratulations to Woods for winning the last giveaway. Simply leave a comment in this post and I will select a winner via Randomizer.

I will open comments till 25Mar (Friday) 23:00 Shanghai time/ 15:00 GMT. After which, I will announce the winner immediately and contact you directly. If you win, come down to the book launch to claim it! Otherwise, I’ll drop it in the post for you. Good luck!

** Update: I’ve checked with Tess. Since the book does not have a ISBN bar code, it is not available online. If you would like to purchase the book from outside Shanghai, you can order it by mail. Simply contact Tess Johnston through her site to set things up. Feel free to contact me directly if you have further questions.

*** Winner update: As of 12:38 AM (via Pick Giveaway Winner plugin):

Your 1 winners on “26 March: “Still More Shanghai Walks” Book Launch (and Giveaway!)” are:

1) Mikecheck

Congratulations! I want to thank readers who left comments. I wish I had more free books to give away.

18
Mar

The Shikumen Obituaries, Greater Shanghai Map and Reporting on Japan

By Sue Anne 2 Comments
Categories: The Fading Vestige

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– Ever wonder what an ongoing obituary for Shanghai’s old shikumen and houses looks like? Xi Zi (席子) has been compiling an ever-expanding photographic list of before and afters of beautiful structures in Dongjiadu (董家渡), Wujiang Lu (吴江路) where the food street used to be, Fengyang Lu (凤阳路) and many  more. Have a poke around his archives. The memory of Shanghai’s most iconic shikumen, in all its diversity and architectural uniqueness, is rapidly fading.

– The intrepid Ms Old Shanghailander (deceptively named, she is young and most lovely!) has posted a walking map of Greater Shanghai, detailing a few key landmarks worth exploring. Spring is here and perfect for a vigorous stroll. So go forth and discover what the city has to offer.

– In sadder news, the devastation and growing death toll in Japan continues to be heart breaking. Do considering donating for every bit helps, one possible NGO is the Japan Red Cross. In addition to the many courageous individuals cooling nuclear reactors and searching for survivors and bodies, journalists and photographers are braving harsh conditions to bring us images and information.

The Guardian’s photographer Dan Chung who just returned from Japan, offers “a revealing and thought-provoking analysis of the aesthetic, logistical and reporting challenges he faced working in the disaster zone”. A key debate emerges on whether Dan’s use of “cinematic journalism” was appropriate for spot news reporting.

This was put together by the prolific David Campbell who is a lecturer for the  MA in International Multimedia Journalism located at Beijing Foreign Studies University and run in association with the University of Bolton. I’ve learned a great deal from David’s probing analysis and lectures he has shared online, and encourage anyone who want to learn more about the philosophy and processes of photojournalism to read more.

14
Mar

Le Printemps Arrive!

By Sue Anne 1 Comment
Categories: Art, Games and Hobbies and Street Stories

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The current ugly smog Shanghai is experiencing right now might have fooled us into thinking the past two days of brilliant weather was a dream.

It wasn’t.

I hope you enjoyed this weekend to the fullest, a sign of more cheery spring activity to come.

I had a wonderful and inquisitive audience for my talk on documenting street stories at the Suzhou Bookworm which hosted the Suzhou Literary Festival. Thank you all for attending! Then, celebrated it with friends drinking beer in the Bookworm’s courtyard and even maanged to chat with the wonderful author of the Inspector Chen series, Dr Qiu Xiaolong! Another highlight was a quiet stroll through the lanes behind Suzhou’s Shiquan Road (十全街) which I recommend to all.

On Sunday, I started my morning at Glamour Bar by the Bund, facing an audience of 200 people and introduced our book “Still More Shanghai Walks” with my co-authors for the Shanghai Literary Festival. It was daunting but I made it through in one piece thanks to familiar faces in the audience.  It remains a huge honor to be on the stage with established historians of our fair city. Thanks again to my dear friends for being there!

My heart felt full with the brilliance of sunshine and the shedding of the cumbersome overcoat. I wanted nothing more than to simply share the joy of sun and breeze with all around me.

And so, I present to you, archived photos of a stroll through the Shanghai Botanical Garden from two springs ago. At a whim, I attempted to be alternative and tried experimenting with an old 80s’-built Chinese Seagull rangefinder and expired film. Little did I know the accuracy of the rangefinder was way off, evident in its results.

But who cares? Nature’s beauty can be interpreted in all forms. Someone asked me over the weekend, how important equipment was in photography. I said it was important enough, depending on your purpose. But never let equipment enslave you. Revel in its limitations, and never lose sight of the joy of shooting.

Here’s to spring!

P.S The book giveaway is still on till Wed!

11
Mar

Book giveaway! and last minute Lit Fests details

By Sue Anne 13 Comments
Categories: Exhibits, Talks and Publications

Update: The book giveaway ends today on Wed (16MAR) at 23:00 Shanghai time/ 15:00 GMT.  So leave a comment for a chance to win a copy! We have a winner! See below.

For those interested in purchasing them, they will soon be available at the Old China Hand Cafes on Shaoxing Lu and Taikang Lu.

This is the first of two book giveaways for “Still More Shanghai Walks” which I have co-authored with five other writers: Duncan Hewitt, Patrick Cranley, Lisa Movius, Bill Savadove and of course, an institution in Shanghai historian circles, Tess Johnston.

Simply leave a comment in this post. The giveaway closes next Wed (16MAR) at 23:00 Shanghai time/ 15:00 GMT. I will select winners through Randomizer.

It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, as long as you have a postal address for me to send you a book, everyone is eligible!

It’s still not too late to get tickets for the two panels I am speaking at the Shanghai and Suzhou Literary Festivals, March 12-13.  More details here.

And many thanks to Paul French for a first look at my table mat photography exhibit underway at Suzhou Bookworm. Paul, by the way, has been moderating many panels at the Lit Fests in Suzhou, Beijing and his latest will be for Barbara Demick on North Korea on Mar 12 at the Shanghai Lit Fest. Head over to Chinarhyming.com for more details.

******************

As of 23:33 Shanghai time/ 15:33 GMT. Entries for the giveaway have closed! And the winner, as determined by Randomizer.com, is:
Research Randomizer Results
1 Set of 1 Unique Numbers Per Set

Range: From 1 to 13 — Unsorted

Job Status:      Set #1: 6

I have Woods as Commenter #6. Congratulations! I’ll be in touch.

09
Mar

A Dash of Color in a Dying Neighborhood

By Sue Anne 0 Comments
Categories: Street Stories and The Fading Vestige

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My brain rattled from the thundering of the driller which was breaking apart the concrete walls of a shikumen. Looming above was a beautiful arc of water from a hose that was fighting to douse the rising dust.

As per the boundless wonder of physics, a sliver of a rainbow appeared underneath the water, setting the tone for the day.

By the intersection of Jiangning Lu (江宁路) and Changping Lu (昌平路) in northern Jingan district (静安区), another longtang neighborhood was being taken apart.

In a sea of wasted rubble where steel wires rose dangerously and deceptively like blooming flowers, a purple chaise beckoned us. It sat against the brilliance of a clear, blue sky, inviting us to watch the theatre of destruction.

Wading through half-torn houses, one observes fragments of past lives. A rumpled memory of primary school covered in dust. A sad teddy bear with its arms wrapped around a bleeding red heart.

And furniture, so much furniture was left behind. I suppose lives are to be lived, and the rest, is merely clutter.

Some chairs and sofas were broken beyond repair, others seemed in healthier states but were orphaned. They were all of such eclectic colors. I was compelled to arrange them in a circle for an impromptu tea party.

As we left what I have now termed ‘rubble settlements’, something caught my eye. A flash of bright green geometric design standing strong by the brilliance of its color, waiting too, to be taken apart.

November 2010

07
Mar

The Roving Exhibit: Travelling and An Ode to the City

By Sue Anne 2 Comments
Categories: Exhibits, Talks and Publications, Street Stories and The Roving Exhibit

Carrying my photo boards, I trudged across the barren land of a long-demolished Dongjiadu (董家渡）on my way to Wangjiamatou Lu (王家码头路).

Amongst rubble and weeds, I didn’t feel myself in metropolitan Shanghai. I felt like a travelling merchant making a long journey through empty fields, never knowing who I might meet, friend or foe?

I came across a few migrant workers who were making their way to lunch. Their curiousity made me stop and I unfolded my wares to begin a short show-and-tell. It started to drizzle and suddenly, the boards felt more handy as shelter than art.

Yet, I had a thought, to photograph the boards against the very background I had shot a year before. No one entertained me, except for this kind gentleman. Thumbs up to you, sir.

As a segway, the grim weather yesterday kept me indoors meeting a deadline for a book chapter on street photography in Shanghai. Often, musings like these turn into an inevitable ode to Shanghai for all its quirks and craziness.

It reminded me of the short essay I wrote for a Taiwan travel magazine last year. It was translated into Chinese, so I thought I’d share it here in both languages for your reading pleasure.

The only thing I would point out is that we all grow in our perspectives, and I’ve done a bit of growing this past year where the city is concerned.

“The way I see Shanghai” by Sue Anne Tay

 I have always lived in cities.

Before coming to Shanghai, I studied and worked in Los Angeles, Washington DC, New York, London, Hong Kong and Moscow and travelled to fulfill an enduring wanderlust. Growing up in Singapore, there was nothing more exhilarating and natural than to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of a city.

Continue reading ‘The Roving Exhibit: Travelling and An Ode to the City’

04
Mar

Say it loud, but say what?

By Sue Anne 0 Comments
Categories: Street Stories and The Fading Vestige

When someone writes anything ugly or inflammatory on public walls, it doesn’t take long for the authorities or the local committee to come along with a paintbrush to destroy all evidence.

Hastily scribbled words in old neighborhoods often allude to 动迁 (dong qian), the process of being moved out of your homes so the plot of land can be redeveloped. As far as I’ve seen, they are rarely overtly political but often a rebuke of society’s widening gap or the sorry state of the common folk.

In the above case, the screaming loud and red pronouncements remained on the walll for the two weeks I’ve been there. It didn’t make much sense, being along the lines of “Rumours of 动迁 are untrue!” Either that, I’m missing some play on words (characters that sound like the more ‘sensitive’ word) that seems more subversive than it looks.

I guess we’ll see how long that lasts. It’d take a mighty big can of white paint to wipe that out.

February 2011

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