Description
When people think of Hsinchu they mostly think of the high tech industry. Companies based in the science parks such as TSMC are known around the world and are hugely important to the global economy. Much less attention is paid to the city itself.
I too had paid little attention to Hsinchu during my first few years in Taiwan. Sometime in 2017 a friend invited me to visit, hoping to show me that there was a lot more to the city than I had first realized. I’m grateful they did! The city has a variety of old streets, buildings, and communities. Some buildings, like the fire station, are one of just a few buildings of that type left in Taiwan. There are old art deco theaters, Japanese era martial arts halls, pretty wooden houses, and Qing era mansions. The city is much livelier than many others too, especially around the busy City God Temple.
Hsinchu became one of the largest pieces I’ve ever made. On subsequent trips I was chased by dogs out of abandoned prison dormitories and had tea with the owner of one of the prettiest Japanese era houses in the city. I also got to know the lovely people at the Jiangshan arts space where the final drawing hung for a year before going to new owners.
I print on archival fine art paper (310gsm) and a canvas option (350gsm) of the same high quality.
These materials reproduce the finest details perfectly and with good care they will last over a century.
The only real difference between them is that the canvas can be stretched over a frame.
The print in the 2nd and 3rdpictures is the 111 x 48cm canvas print.
This is an open edition print but it will be hand-signed for a personal touch. I can also add a small detail, or change something minor. For example I can add in a particular building. Larger changes will be extra.
Framing
Framing and delivery are available for Taiwan-based customers. I use high-quality custom black wooden frames from a framer I've worked with for over ten years. They have framed almost all of my original pieces and every exhibition I've shown in.
For smaller prints （80 x 34） I use a clean single-frame design. For larger prints (111 x 48 , 140 x 60) I use a wider, deeper frame profile that suits the scale of larger pieces. Example images of both frame styles are included at the end of the listing photos.
Different framing styles and colors can be arranged on request. If you have something specific in mind, message me and I'll get a quote from the framer.
Delivery
Delivery within Taiwan for unframed prints is free! While I usually keep a couple of the smaller prints in stock the larger ones may take a few days to get ready.
Framed prints can be collected directly from the frame shop (located near the northern end of Ningxia Night Market, Taipei) or delivered to your door. North Taiwan delivery is NT$400, covering Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Yilan. All other Taiwan locations excluding offshore islands are NT$800.
For card payments, Apple Pay (on Apple devices), and Alipay see the listings here: https://en.pinkoi.com/store/tomrookart . International buyers please see Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TomRookArt
Custom sizing is possible so whether you're looking for a large centerpiece or a detailed work for an alcove I can make it a perfect fit.