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Beijing cabbie gives passengers a brush with his artistic side

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Why did you put pamphlets

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of your works in your cab?

Painting and calligraphy are my favourite pastimes and I have been doing them for more than 20 years. I know many other people appreciate them too. If a passenger really likes my works, he or she can take the pamphlet for free.

In this way I want to promote art and make friends with other people who love traditional Chinese paintings. And of course I gain a sense of satisfaction when customers realise their taxi driver is the painter. This is not just a matter of personal pride but is related to the image of taxi drivers because it shows they can do more than hold a steering wheel.

How did you come up with this idea?

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The pamphlets are leftovers from the 2,500 copies I had printed for my first exhibition at a district cultural centre in 2005. One day when I was flipping through one, a passenger boarded my cab. He asked me what I was looking at and his interest was aroused when he discovered I was the painter. He appreciated my works and took a copy with him. It inspired me to put the pamphlets in bags on the back of the front seats for more people to read.

What impact does the pastime have on your job?

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