“I left my office job three years ago to pursue my passion for painting ceramics,” shared 24-year-old Tu from Lam Dong Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
The decision to leave a stable office job was not an easy one, but Tu found the long hours in front of a computer screen and the occasional all-nighters to meet deadlines extremely stressful.
“I’ve always had a love for handcrafting, so I decided to take a leap of faith and become a painter at a local pottery workshop,” Tu explained.
Based in Thuan An City, Binh Duong Province, just outside Ho Chi Minh City, Tu works at the renowned Vuong Xuan pottery workshop, which has been in operation for over 40 years.
It was love at first sight for Tu when he first visited the workshop, and he immediately felt a deep connection to the craft.
His unique talent for creating ceramic items inspired by stray cats has gained popularity among young customers in recent times.
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| Hoang Anh Tu, a young artist with a passion for ceramics and a soft spot for stray cats. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
Tu’s current product line includes adorable cat figurines, mugs with cat designs, and pins shaped like cats and other animals.
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| Whimsical animal-themed pins designed by Tu. Photo: Supplied |
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| Chic cat-themed mugs, a specialty of Tu’s creative endeavor. Photo: Supplied |
Tu’s love for cats, especially stray cats, began in his childhood. He finds solace and inspiration in their adorable nature and relaxed demeanor, which contrasts the busy world filled with work-related stress.
“Stray cats bring me a sense of peace and inspire me to create art that resonates with people,” Tu shared.
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| Tu playing with cats, his beloved muses. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
When painting cat-themed products, Tu focuses on capturing the essence of their expressions, especially in their eyes, bringing his creations to life.
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| Tu meticulously painting a ceramic cat-themed mug, infusing it with his unique artistic touch. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News |
“I started creating these cat-themed products to fund my cat food expenses, but they gained a lot more popularity than I anticipated,” Tu said with a smile.
He continued, “I try to infuse a youthful energy into my work, hoping that it will resonate with young people and bring a smile to their faces.”
Tu’s creations can be found at his studio located at 453/15 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. He also has an online presence through his Facebook and Instagram page, ‘Tiệm Cải Cúc,’ where he showcases his latest designs.
His products are in high demand, even among shops on Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, attracting both local and international customers.
On a typical day, Tu sells around 10-20 items, with prices ranging from VND70,000 (approximately $3) to VND500,000 (around $20).
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| Adorable cat figurines crafted by Tu, capturing the hearts of many customers. Photo: Supplied |
Additionally, he accepts custom orders, offering a personalized touch to his creations.
Through his hard work and talent, Tu earns a respectable VND20 million ($802) per month from his sales and work at the pottery workshop.
With a passion for continuous improvement, Tu plans to further his studies in ceramics, aiming to create an even more diverse range of products. He hopes to tell stories not just of cats but also of other animals, such as fish and dogs, through his art.
Hoang Anh Tu, a talented artist with a unique story, continues to inspire others through his creative journey, leaving a paw print on the hearts of many.
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