A Quiet Weekend with Botanicals and Concrete｜襲園的花

I

不久前收到一則來自襲園美術館的邀請，有花藝，有茶點，還有最新一期的展覽。對於無為習慣的我來說，偶爾出門參加活動是一件很美好的事情。這篇更像是一篇隨筆流水帳，想盡量把這一天所有美好的細節記錄下來，從早到晚。

Not long ago, I received an invitation from A.Heritage Art Museum featuring a floral workshop, tea refreshments, and their latest exhibition. For someone accustomed to doing nothing, venturing out for an occasional gathering is truly delightful. This journal serves as an effortless narrative, capturing every lovely detail of the day from dawn to dusk.

II

其實平日裡我也還蠻常來的。除了能沉浸在靜謐的清水模空間看展，這裡還收藏了許多精彩的建築原文書，平常我都捨不得買，在這裡卻能一口氣欣賞到好多。週六一早，天氣非常晴朗，本來想要先去高鐵站附近的一家咖啡店，結果在台北街頭一路狂奔，高鐵卻剛好在眼前開走了。完全素顏的我頂著微風狂奔，當下其實蠻難過的，但踏上下一班車吃到隨車發的夾心餅乾，甜甜的味道一進嘴裡，心情馬上又好了起來。

In fact, I visit A.Heritage quite often on ordinary days. Beyond immersing myself in its serene exposed concrete architecture and exhibitions, the museum houses an exceptional collection of rare architectural monographs that I rarely indulge in buying myself. On a bright Saturday morning, I originally planned to stop by a nearby café, but after dashing through the Taipei streets completely bare-faced, the high-speed train departed right before my eyes. Though momentarily disheartened, the sweet cream cookie handed to me on the subsequent train instantly brightened my mood.

III

抵達襲園後，早上的狼狽瞬間被徹底治癒。當我去到任何一個新場所，第一件事一定會先洗一下臉，檢查水龍頭跟水質，這是我的皮膚剛需。襲園的水質乾淨得不可思議，甚至帶著一股天然舒適的香氣，即使來了這麼多遍，每次依舊會被這裡純淨的水安撫到。

Upon arriving at A.Heritage, the morning’s rush was completely soothed away. Whenever I visit a new space, my first ritual is always to wash my face and examine the tap fixtures and water purity—an absolute essential for my delicate skin. The water here is astonishingly pure and carries a comforting scent. Even after numerous visits, its clarity continues to offer an undeniable sense of peace.

IV

緊接著策展人帶領大家導覽這期展覽。令人驚艷的是，藝術家運用了許多特殊材質拼貼出層次豐富的立體作品，細膩的質地安靜地鑲嵌在館內的清水模牆面上，形成一種極具張力的對話。隨後的花藝課程中，老師準備了豐富的當季花材。以往我的證照都是以英式與法式花藝為主，這是我第一次在帶有日式禪意的空間裡體會東方花藝的線條美感，把美學在手心安靜捏塑出來，感覺格外純粹。

The curator then guided us through the exhibition. Most striking was how the featured works incorporated intricate mixed-media textures, seamlessly conversing with the raw concrete walls. In the floral workshop that followed, an abundance of seasonal botanicals awaited us. While my formal training stems from British and French traditions, experiencing the understated poise of Eastern floral art within such a contemplative space was a deeply joyful practice of form and balance.

V

活動在茶點與交流聲中愉快落幕。回到高鐵站後，雖然原本預約的店臨時取消，卻意外走進了我心心念念的野驢，痛快享受了一頓美味晚餐，也順道在商場買了許多心愛的東西，最後心滿意足地提著大袋子踏上歸途。這就是我的一天，感謝這場美好的相遇，以及沿途源源不絕、天上掉下來的驚喜。

The gathering gently concluded over tea and quiet conversation. Returning to the station, despite having canceled my earlier reservation, I serendipitously stumbled upon F.P.L. (Wild Donkey), savoring a cherished meal before leisurely shopping. Carrying bagfuls of treasures, I took the train home completely fulfilled. Such was my day—grateful for this serene gathering and the effortless serendipities that always find their way to me.