Driving towards an address that can’t be found on Google Maps while the sun shines upon us. We arrived at a fishing pond in the mountains. Birds chirping in the woods, butterflies fluttering, and quietly. The traffic on the road just now is vastly different from the drive here…At this moment, a notification pops up on my phone: “This is the only route to the magical mountain retreat.”

The Nien-ying mountain lodge contains all kinds of collections; bristled canary figures, pearl curtain that can only be found at grandma’s, red silicon Arowana and lobster, stuffed toys all over the bed, a desk full of scattered hair clips, tadpoles in an insect box, a homemade plaque, and a partially-fixed rabbit chair…  

These objects sat quietly, but it seemed like they were whispering about who us visitors were.

Without a nickname nor an English name, I’m Nien-Ying who’s a Scorpio. I’m honest and punctual. I live in the moment and don’t overthink that much, I also don’t analyze anyone with their zodiac signs. When I asked her to tell me something special about her, she softly said: “My toes are amazing, they’re really long.”

I am not really goal-oriented. My friend opened a ceramic studio so I started creating ceramic art. After learning about tattoos from YouTube videos, I went and got the gadgets and started tattooing on my thigh.

Working with The Place was such an honor, especially for creators like me. It was like a wishing well because they helped me make woodwork so I could just enjoy carpentry sketching. Moreover, having the budget to purchase furniture that is “extra” was one of the best experiences. 

I was pleased with my work and the process, so my friends and I ended up taking fun and racy photos in the creative space afterwards.

I feel like I don’t really need romance! As long as our values don’t conflict and that we can explore and be adventurous together, that’d be ideal. I broke up with my ex because he crawled back in bed when he was supposed to be up, so that was a weird experience.

I see myself as an object sometimes, for example, a Christmas tree or a classroom decor, etc. I’d get fashion ideas from shifting perspectives. Pantyhose, lace stockings, stylish hair clips, pearls on her nose, reversed shirts, a crayfish in her pearl purse; everything is riveting on her body and these items are just in the right place. #progressive

Aside from being cute, my intention was to challenge myself and to improvise with various items or cheap clothes. I’d go to parties and make those items pop fashionably. Just like inooknit on my feet today that are inspired by Alice in Wonderland; if we were to add a bit of my magic to them, they’ll be like “Alice’s fan club.”

After the interview, Nienying took us to the rooftop to see the sunset.

I asked how she has such a quiet life at her young age

She took a hit of the cigarette and said: 

“I’ve lived here long enough to be used to the mountains and the quietness.”

Photographer/ Toby Hsu @presstheshutter99

Texts/ Lin Chin @chih_____lin

Model/@chennienying