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| Mr. Le Trung Hieu meticulously applies each brushstroke to the Bien Hoa ceramic products. |
Although not born into a family of pottery makers, Le Trung Hieu independently explored and learned about the craft. He studied fashion design at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture and worked as a fashion designer after graduation. However, he developed a passion for Southern Vietnamese pottery, particularly Bien Hoa pottery. He conducted in-depth research into the history, techniques, and philosophy of Bien Hoa pottery, and sought out elderly artisans to learn their secrets. Hieu paid special attention to the traditional stone glaze and the wood-fired kiln technique – elements that constitute the soul of Bien Hoa pottery.
What sets Mr. Hieu apart and is also his strength lies in his skillful blending of traditional values with modern thinking in each of his ceramic products. He focuses on themes of flowers, plants, and small creatures, but expresses them through stylized and approximate drawings, capturing the beauty of nature in a fresh and delicate way. His works also embody hope for good fortune according to Eastern philosophy.
Mr. Hieu's journey into pottery has been fraught with challenges. He has experienced painful lessons from chipped clay, cracked pottery, substandard glazes, and financial pressure. However, through patience, passion, and self-learning, he has gradually overcome these obstacles. Mr. Hieu's perseverance has paid off, as his works were selected to participate in the "Duyen Ky Ngo" exhibition at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Association from December 23rd to 29th, 2024. This is not only a recognition of his individual talent but also a promising sign for the revival of Bien Hoa pottery.
Le Trung Hieu's passion extends beyond pottery making. He harbors bigger dreams: creating a community of young people who love Bien Hoa pottery, organizing experiential workshops, and even bringing the essence of Bien Hoa pottery to the international market. His story is an inspiration to those who want to reconnect with their roots and use their youthful energy to create lasting values for Vietnamese culture.
To bring pottery closer to young people, Hieu makes full use of social media platforms like Instagram and Threads for promotion. He transforms seemingly dry pottery-making videos into captivating stories, attracting young people and the art-loving community. Videos showing pottery shaping, decorating, or stunning product images are not only a way to promote, but also a way for Hieu to inspire people about the value of Bien Hoa pottery in a relatable and modern way.
Quang Dinh
Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202508/thoi-lan-gio-moi-cho-gom-bien-hoa-80d2111/
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