Veterans preserve the craft of stained glass painting.

In 1991, after nearly three years of military service at the 6th Artillery Regiment (now the 6th Artillery Brigade, Military Region 9), medical officer Nguyen Thanh Hoa was discharged and returned to his hometown. To pursue his dream of becoming both a doctor and a film actor, in 1991 he enrolled simultaneously in the Military Medical College No. 2 (Military Region 7) and the Ho Chi Minh City College of Theatre and Film (now the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film).

During his studies, he participated in several roles in television dramas. He thought acting would be his lifelong career, but after graduating from both fields, Mr. Hoa and his wife returned to their hometown... to open a stained glass workshop.

Veteran Nguyen Thanh Hoa inspects a glass painting product printed using 3D printing technology.

Born and raised in a traditional craft village, and having worked as a laborer in several stained glass workshops, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hoa quickly adapted and developed his own business. Currently, his stained glass workshop employs around 20 local workers. During Tet (Lunar New Year), he hires more workers to meet the demand for shopping, decorating homes, and preparing for the new year. To meet market demand, in 2018, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hoa invested in a 3D printer for production, offering several advantages such as: faster production, higher quality, diverse designs and colors, and lower prices compared to hand-painted artwork.

“Since the advent of 3D printers, most stained glass paintings are designed on computers. This allows us to complete dozens of paintings daily based on samples, at a lower cost, thus meeting market demand. However, we still regularly maintain hand-painted artwork, as this type of painting is very popular with many customers, even though the price can be 4-5 times higher than 3D-printed paintings,” added veteran Nguyen Thanh Hoa.

According to Mr. Phan Van Si, Head of Long Tan Hamlet, the glass painting craft is facing many difficulties today due to fierce competition from modern art forms, declining consumption, and many people having to abandon the profession. However, veteran Nguyen Thanh Hoa remains dedicated to finding ways to preserve the craft and pass it on to the younger generation to maintain and conserve this unique traditional craft. “Every month, veteran Nguyen Thanh Hoa also provides financial support to the local ‘Rice of Compassion’ Fund to help poor people; provides material support for charitable vehicles transporting patients free of charge, helping patients in need receive treatment… further enhancing the tradition of ‘mutual support’ and ‘helping those in need’ of our nation,” Mr. Phan Van Si said.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/noi-nguoi-chien-si-tro-ve/cuu-chien-binh-giu-nghe-tranh-kinh-1016159