From a young age, artist Vu Thi Ha was passionate about art and liked to explore different forms. Thanks to the drawing classes at the children's home that he regularly took Ha to, Ha realized she liked art, especially painting. This seems to be the starting point for Ha's dream and artistic journey.
“I am a person who finds it difficult to express myself through words and actions,
The creative process is when I can listen
personal story, closer observation of events,
people around and show it all on the picture.
Before drawing, Ha asks herself many why and how questions, then uses her drawing to search for things hidden deep within herself that Ha herself sometimes cannot see. Every time she paints, Ha returns to listen to her inner self, gently talking to herself to deeply understand her worldview and what she really wants. Sometimes Ha sees herself that composing is a healing journey and inspiration always comes from within.
Open - Watercolor on silk, 2015
In the past, Ha often drew objects, places and people who had a close relationship with Ha. These can be very real paintings, set in the present context, but they can also be some imaginary, magical space that Ha has seen in a dream or in the past.
Ha confided: “I often put old things in my paintings that no longer exist but only remain in my mind. Redrawing it helps me recreate and retain it longer and more specifically, so sometimes I feel lucky because I can draw it all."
The Connection - Watercolor on silk, 2018
Our World - Watercolor on silk, 2017
“Painting is a process of connection and dialogue,
Connect with yourself and dialogue with the things around you.
Because of such a concept, seemingly simple things such as the color palette, paintbrush, easel or drawing place will all impact Ha's inspiration for writing.
While painting, in addition to herself, Ha also constantly talked and delved into the subjects, scenes, and events in the paintings. These are profound conversations that only take place when Ha truly immerses herself in the work. Ha explains: “Maybe because I always take a long enough time to research when I want to draw someone or something. So when I draw, I feel like I'm facing and having a direct dialogue with those things."
“Art is freedom
And Ha finds joy in the freedom she has."
Ha does not want the painting to be limited to any specific formula or standard. Therefore, when drawing, Ha always allows her mind to wander into many different spaces, whether the past, present or future. As long as it can express thoughts and evoke deep layers of emotions.
Ha confided: “Lately, I often draw about my family. Because that's my concern. Ha loves her family and wants to use painting as an excuse to learn more about the people she loves. Ha sees herself as a person who finds it difficult to open her mouth to ask or share about something."
There are things that humans are limited in, thoughts and conversations that are difficult to express in words, but with Ha, everything can be expressed through painting.
Fish - Watercolor on silk, 2016
The girl and the lanterns - Watercolor on silk, 2019
"I will still paint, because I want to continue to do meaningful things, first for myself, then to impact the community or simply help someone happy when viewing my work."
Convo with ostriches - Watercolors on Silk, 2017
Ha wearing: Kimono Đồng Bằng, Ava Dress - Black (sold out), Amelie Dress (sold out), Celery Pants - White (sold out), Pine Dress.
Credit:
Featuring Vu Thi Ha
Photographer TimTay team
Words Hoang Anh
