The greatest joy lies in the decision to pursue the art of drawing, to dedicate oneself to the profession, to exist and thrive as an artist. It is the privilege of living and being able to make a living as a painter.

Thuy Mai comes from a non-artistic family background (she was born in Lao Cai - a province of the mountainous Northwest region of Vietnam). Growing up, she didn't have the conventional support or exposure to art that some artists might have had from their families. However, this didn't deter her from pursuing her passion for painting. In fact, it made her appreciate and cherish her artistic path even more.

I stumbled upon art quite unexpectedly. During high school, a friend invited me to join an art class as she wanted to apply to an art school. Although I had initially planned to pursue journalism and communication, I found the art class incredibly enjoyable and decided to join my friend in honing my drawing skills. In the end, my friend never went to art school, and instead, I enrolled in the National University of Arts Education. After graduation though, I became an art teacher to ensure a stable income. The idea of solely focusing on painting without any other profession seemed risky. What if nobody liked or collected my artwork? How would I sustain myself and my family? However, amidst the unfortunate circumstances of the COVID pandemic, teaching art classes became increasingly unstable. It was during this time that I found myself with more dedicated hours to focus on my own artistic creations. Filled with excitement, I began sharing photos of my paintings on Facebook, and to my surprise, they received love and support from people. This positive response and encouragement fueled my determination. Now, I am incredibly grateful to be able to make a living as an artist. It brings me immeasurable joy and fulfillment, surpassing my wildest

After completing her studies at an art school (National University of Arts Education), Thuy Mai initially juggled multiple jobs to make ends meet. She explored different avenues, trying to find her place in the art world. However, she soon realized that true success and fulfillment would only come if she focused wholeheartedly on her craft. This realization marked a turning point in her career.

Over the past few years, Thuy Mai has dedicated herself more intensely to her painting. This increased focus has begun to yield positive results, with her art garnering growing admiration from her audience. Though the recognition may be modest at this stage, it has come through the support of those who love her paintings, whether through group exhibitions she participates in or on social media platforms like Facebook.

Thuy Mai's primary medium is silk painting, a traditional Vietnamese art form. Her paintings feature daily objects that carry the cultural essence of Vietnam as well as the essence of her own. Through her art, she seeks to capture the simplicity and intimacy of everyday life. It is in these ordinary moments that she finds peace and inspiration. Thuy Mai believes that her ability to balance her roles as a wife, a mother, and an artist stems from this inner tranquility.

The unique aspect of Thuy Mai's silk paintings lies in her technique, which she refers to as "dry silk." Unlike the traditional methods of Vietnamese silk painting that involve “silk wash”, Thuy Mai selectively dampens/sprays water on certain areas to create specific effects. This approach allows her to control the vibrancy of colors and achieve the desired visual expression. The resulting artworks exude a sense of energy and vibrance, reflecting the artist's intention to convey the beauty of life and its boundless potential and serenity.

Thuy Mai's paintings have found a special place in the office where I work. The two pieces hanging on the wall have become a source of inspiration and solace for me and my colleagues. Each morning, as we enter the workspace, we are greeted by the tranquil yet vivid energy emanating from the paintings. They remind us to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary and to find solace in the midst of our daily routines. Thuy Mai's art, with its delicate and tender qualities, touches our visual senses and uplifts our spirits.

Through silk paintings, Thuy Mai manages to capture the essence of Vietnamese culture, the serenity of everyday life, and the boundless energy that emanates from such tranquility. Her unique technique and vibrant use of colors create artworks that not only visually engage the viewer but also provide a sense of comfort and inspiration. Thuy Mai's art is a testament to the beauty that can be found in simplicity and the profound impact it can have on our lives.

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Image caption [from top to bottom]:

Ripe Spring, 2023

Photo of artist in the studio

Detail of the artist’s new work

©Vu Thi Thuy Mai, courtesy of the artist