Throughout the history of Viet Nam, many types of architectural art, including sculpture, have developed and created unique works with values ​​that last over time. With talent and heart for the profession, artists are bringing their works closer to the public every day.

Sculptor Dinh Gia Thang (middle) and his work "The Source of Happiness". Photo courtesy of the character

Skillful and meticulous in every detail

We met sculptor Nguyen Quang, born in 1971, who is a member of the Da Nang Fine Arts Association right after he completed the sculpture "Going to the market", measuring 100cmx35cmx30cm.

The wooden sculpture was created in a realistic style, highlighting the image of a K'Ho ethnic mother carrying her child on her back, and holding a basket of fruits in hands to the market. Aside from the image of the mother and child, there is a small dog, a close companion, running happily with them.

Sculptor Nguyen Quang said that creating a wooden sculpture goes through many different stages. The first stage is to choose raw wood. Next, he sands the raw wood with sandpapers to make it smooth, and then draws the shape, break and chisel to create shape, then torch and sand the wood for smooth finish. The last stage is painting, and it will go through 12 different layers of paint. The layers of paint are carefully painted by the craftsman and the time is precisely set for the next layer of paint, to both prevent termites and maintain the durability of the work.

According to sculptor Nguyen Quang, all stages are extremely important, requiring the craftsman to be skillful and meticulous in every detail. To create a beautiful, high artistry sculpture, exuding the "spirit" and liveliness of the work, the sculptor must have talent and special love for the profession.

Recently, 67-year-old sculptor Dinh Gia Thang, a member of the city’s Fine Arts Association, has released two sculptures called “In the heart of the ocean” and “The source of happiness” with message about a peaceful and humane world.

The sculpture “In the heart of the ocean” is made in a modern style but combines the language of sculpture and painting and features the perfect harmony of shapes, colours and materials.

Meanwhile, the sculpture “The source of happiness” blends modernity and tradition, with a unique perspective and philosophy when talking about happiness. Through the image of a flock of ‘Lac birds’ taking a boat to the shore of happiness, the work has contributed to raising the awareness of the next generations about their roots.

In general, the two sculptures affirm that Viet Nam is always a peaceful, attractive and safe destination for international friends.

Sculpting language by skill and talent

Sculpture is one of the long-standing forms of art in Viet Nam. A truly beautiful and valuable sculpture must be a handcrafted work which requires sculptors to have real talent and consider the work as his spiritual child.

“The joy of sculptors is to put their heart into products. I do it with all my heart and all my ability”, said sculptor Nguyen Quang.

In each material, artists and artisans will have different ways to express ideas as well as exude the sculpting language with their own talented hands.

Sculptor Dinh Gia Thang acknowledged that he is trying to surpass himself, renewing works in different styles and materials, without overlapping ideas. He also said that today, sculpture appears everywhere in the daily life of Da Nang people, although the city still does not have large monuments placed in a large space, with political, historical or legendary significance.

“With the talented, skillful hands and unique, artistic perspective of the sculptor, it is not difficult for the public to admire sculptures placed in urban areas, commercial centers, and parks. These are statues of famous people, reliefs of various patterns, birds and animals. Each work has its own unique characteristics and profound aesthetic and humanistic values” sculptor Dinh Gia Thang confided.

The art of sculpture, with the talented hands of sculptors, has clearly depicted profound artistic concept, exuding the spirit of art for life, and for the aesthetic love of the audience. In general, sculptures must convey a humanistic and educational spirit, and evoke the eternal desire for freedom, peace and happiness no matter what style and what materials they choose.

Reporting by KHANH HOA - Translating by M.DUNG