龍登四百，畫出臺南生命力

--藝術家自序

我出生於臺南，從6歲就開始接觸畫筆，小時候塗鴉的作品投稿參賽取得佳績，讓我對繪畫領域的興趣開始萌芽。後來就讀建興國中、長榮中學時，啟蒙於沈哲哉老師，讓我對於藝術有更深入的認識，也打下了很好的基礎。我們學生們和老師感情很好，常常一起出遊，沈哲哉老師在當時為我畫的肖像畫，我一直珍藏到現在。後來我前往美國留學，旅居紐約、洛杉磯等地，並且參觀世界各地美術館，視野大開，對我油畫創作幫助很大。

我的畫是透過感覺與靈感去創作的，有時候畫一次畫不滿意、畫兩次畫不滿意，就會不斷地調整變化。創作要用很多角度去看事物，不是單一角度的觀點。藝術創作不是在於你畫得有多像，多逼真；而是畫作要有生命力，要有養分、空氣以及距離。

這次我特別配合臺南四百年的歷史時刻，以畫作〈曙光〉來申請臺南四百的文創品開發，推出「四百曙光—蘇奕榮經典油畫紀念酒」。這款紀念酒同時也是可以點亮的燈籠，取其龍年點燈的寓意，也慶賀臺南榮登四百年的國際舞台，共襄盛舉。

臺南有好的陽光、好的風景、好的美食、好的條件，如何用藝術來推廣臺南，是我們藝術家要一起來努力的。這次很高興能應臺南市政府文化局的邀請，在臺南文化中心展出我這幾年來的代表作品。歡迎大家一起來慶祝臺南四百的光榮時刻，分享臺南人的喜悅。

蘇奕榮

Dragon's Ascent at Four Hundred: Capturing the Vitality of Tainan through Art

--Preface by the Artist

I was born in Tainan and began drawing at the age of 6. Even in my early doodles, which garnered recognition in competitions, my interest in the realm of painting began to sprout. During my time at Tainan Municipal Jian Sing Junior High School and Chang Jung Senior High School, I was mentored by Shen Che-Tsai, which deepened my understanding of art and laid a solid foundation for me. Our bond as students and teacher was strong. I still cherish the portrait that he painted for me during those days. Later, I went to the United States for further studies, residing in New York, Los Angeles, and visiting art galleries worldwide, broadening my horizons.

My paintings are created through feelings and inspiration. Sometimes, if I'm not satisfied with a painting after one or two attempts, I continuously adjust and change it. Creating art requires viewing things from multiple perspectives, not just a single angle. Artistic creation isn't about how realistic or lifelike your painting is; it's about infusing the artwork with vitality, nurturing it with nutrients, air, and space.

For this special occasion of Tainan's Four Hundred years of history, I submitted my painting "Dawn" to launch "Dawn of 400 - Su I-Jung’s Classic Oil Painting Whiskey," which also doubles as a lantern that can be lit, symbolizing the lighting of the dragon lanterns in the Year of the Dragon, celebrating Tainan's ascent onto the international stage as it reaches its four hundredth year.

Tainan boasts excellent sunlight, scenery, cuisine, and conditions. How to promote Tainan through art is something that we artists must strive together for. I am delighted to have been invited to exhibit my works at the Tainan Cultural Center. Let's celebrate the glorious moment of Tainan and share in the joy of the people of Tainan.

Su I-Jung