The Beginning

I began writing poetry and short stories at a young age. By the age of 15, I was already publishing my works in newspapers and magazines for students, as well as in cultural and literary magazines of that time. Although I initially studied in a math-focused class, a health issue led me to be placed in a literature-focused class instead. And so, I became a National Gifted Student in Literature throughout all levels of education.

Thanks to winning the highest prize in the National Gifted Student Competition in Literature in 12th grade, I was granted direct admission to study Literature Education. However, I had long nurtured a dream of becoming a journalist.

I followed that dream and graduated with a degree in Journalism at the age of 22 in 1999, embarking on a career as a professional journalist from that point onward. During this period, my passion for creative writing remained a constant companion alongside my official work in journalism.

A year later, I played a pivotal role in establishing one of Vietnam’s first online newspapers, now known as Dan Tri. Throughout my journalism career, I devoted most of my passion to arts and culture. During that time, I had the opportunity to interview and meet many painters and artists, whose insights and perspectives later influenced my journey into painting.

By 2004, my boyfriend (now my husband) and I co-founded our first media company, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey. Over the years, we have successfully organized numerous international events and festivals spanning arts, culture, music, and cinema. These achievements reflect the breadth of my interests and the dedication I’ve poured into the creative industries.

In 2012, my husband, young son, and I moved to Ho Chi Minh City. The natural environment and climate resonated with my emotions and personality, leading to significant spiritual and philosophical growth after I overcame a period of depression in 2013. During that time of isolation, I faced what I call my “dark night of the soul” and emerged as a more courageous person, ready to take on challenges that societal and familial expectations had previously constrained. One of the bold steps I took was picking up a paintbrush without any formal training – a leap of faith that would change my life.

Transition to Painting

In 2018, after five years of practicing a healthy lifestyle – from diet to exercise – and a deep desire to seek answers about the meaning of existence, one ordinary day, I picked up a brush and started painting. It happened naturally, without any effort or intention to find something. I simply felt the urge to paint, so I painted.

For a long time, I had a strong feeling that I could paint. When observing the world around me, I often imagined how I would capture the light and colors if I were to paint it. Skipping the phase of practicing basic techniques or studying painting methods, I used a watercolor set that a friend had gifted my daughter and started painting. And that was also the only watercolor painting I have ever made to this day. Right after that, I went on to create 30 acrylic paintings purely by instinct.

This period of exploration coincided with a particularly significant time in my life. I had just given birth to twin boys, becoming a mother of four. Although I wished to learn more from available resources, my busy schedule made that nearly impossible. I painted late at night after my children were asleep, allowing everything to unfold naturally.

Perhaps because of my background in culture, arts, research, and creative work, I was able to approach painting relatively quickly. Through continuous practice, I developed a strong connection with colors and established my palette early on. I instinctively knew what colors I wanted to use – much like how I select colors in fashion or interior design – and I had a clear sense of what resonated with me and what didn’t.

Even when my techniques were still far from refined, my earliest works already reflected a distinct spirit and color identity. Whether I was writing poetry or painting, I was always at ease, staying true to myself – sensitive, fragile, yet never weak. Whether my works conveyed joy or sadness, I always aimed to express something uplifting, to transform and transcend the burdens, sorrows, and heaviness that life often brings.

First Exhibition

In 2023, a friend invited me to exhibit my paintings at Define Gallery Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City. At first, I was hesitant. But with the encouragement of sculptor Đàm Đăng Lại, I finally introduced my work to a wider audience for the first time.

During the exhibition, where I displayed 20 paintings across four categories – floral, abstract, landscape, and portrait – I received a lot of interest from friends and foreign visitors. Some even returned multiple times, trying to persuade me to sell my paintings. However, I chose not to sell them because I was too busy with the film festival and other projects at the time. I didn’t have enough time to create more works, and I wasn’t even sure if I would continue painting.

But something quietly shifted the moment I brought my paintings out into the public. It felt like a door had opened, marking a true turning point that led me to embrace this journey more seriously.

Between 2019 and 2024, I traveled extensively to various countries for work, visiting museums in major cities such as Paris, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Barcelona, Rome, Florence, Venice, Prague, Munich, Vienna, Amsterdam, The Hague, New York, New Haven, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Seoul, Daegu, and Busan. Viewing masterpieces by renowned artists during these travels significantly shaped my artistic vision and creativity. I create art without relying on inspiration – I can work anywhere, anytime, as long as I have the time and tools to paint.

My husband and I co-founded the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF) under the auspices of Ho Chi Minh City after nearly 20 years of working side by side to establish and manage companies and projects in the media and entertainment industry.

HIFF is the third international-scale festival we’ve founded, spanning three different artistic sectors – music, cinema, and manga comics.

Living fully for Art and Presence

I now paint full-time and continue to write poetry as I always have since childhood. Poetry, and now painting, have become a natural part of my life. I don’t need to try or search for inspiration to create – the act of writing or painting itself is already a source of inspiration. What I sometimes worry about is being too caught up in the busyness of life and not having enough time for my art.

Choosing art is a path filled with challenges, especially in today’s world. But I understand that we only have one life to live, and with such limited time, it’s a blessing to be able to live truthfully – with ourselves and with the world around us.

Each of my works captures a moment where I allow emotions and life to unfold fully and naturally. I hope you will find a sense of connection with this journey and discover a resonance within my creations.

Upcoming projects

Alongside the time I devote to art, I continue to pursue my strength in writing. I’ve recently completed and am preparing to publish a two-volume book for self-taught artists, which is expected to be released by the end of this year. This book offers lessons and guidance for artists who are seeking to explore their own paths, drawing from my personal experiences and insights as a self-taught artist.

In addition, I have also completed the manuscript for “Marketing for Artists and Creators,” as well as another book on spiritual growth titled “Is the Ego That Important?”. This book recounts the challenging journey my husband and I have gone through in recent years, along with our growth in awareness and spiritual life. It also serves as an introductory guide for those who are struggling with their ego – the source of suffering and confusion – while seeking the true meaning of existence.

The motivation behind writing these books comes from my desire to share my journey and offer a bit of knowledge to inspire those who are still hesitant – those who may need just a little courage, a timely nudge, or the right spark to pursue their passions and awaken the true purpose in life.

Through my journey – from painting, writing, and exploring life’s endless questions – I hope to share a little of what I’ve learned and inspire others to embark on their own paths with an open heart.