Cuộc Đời (A Lifetime)

My series, “Cuộc Đời” or “A Lifetime” captures the difficulties I faced as a student during the past few years. I was met with an uphill battle to graduate while dealing with many personal, financial, and health problems. While working on my series, I felt a lot of longing to be free from everything, while feeling content with where I am in life. This year, I challenged myself with learning how to stretch my own canvases, using a new medium, oil paint, and working large (6 ft x 4ft). Unexpectedly, I came across another challenge; my dominant hand was significantly inflamed. The only remedy to help heal my wrist was to not use it at all. I resolved this by using my left hand. With all of these challenges in mind, I persevered. Just like life, setbacks encourage me to move forward. On an everyday basis, I am physically and mentally overloaded with work and school. Somehow, I need to keep my composure and calm amongst the chaos. In my paintings, I make expressive and deliberate, yet delicate, marks that create movement throughout the composition. The colorful palette I use and the energy of each stroke I make juxtapose the heavy feelings of anxiety, pain, and agony I experience daily. I want the difficulties to end so badly, but I know that everything is working in my favor in the long run if I just keep going. My art is my therapy. Every project I have done encouraged me to continue my artist journey. Doing art is the reason why I continue to be creative, fun, and have a positive mindset. Without the support of my professors, advisors, my friends, and my family, I would not be where I am today. I express my gratitude to anyone who has come across my life, as they influenced me as an artist no matter where I go. “Đi đường nào thì cũng tới đó” - “It might take a little longer, but you’ll get there to where you’ll need to go no matter which path you take”. Painting Name Labels “ Sắp Tới” (Almost there) “ Xong Chưa?” (Done Yet?) “ Giữ gìn sức khỏe” (Maintain Your Health) “ Hết Pin ” (Out of battery) “ Chết Với Nụ Cười (To Die with a Smile)