Thu Nguyen - Hawaiian Realist Painter

I was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Being very shy, I spent much of my childhood upstairs making quilts, doll clothes, and painting, instead of playing with other children. My painting won Best of Show prize at a 1974 childrens exhibition in Saigon sponsored by UNICEF. In 1975, my family was split up. I ended up in Hong Kong for a year prior to immigrating to the United States as an orphan. After one very snowy and cold winter in Pennsylvania, I came to Los Angeles ( where I had a stint with Hollywood - I got a part in Oliver Stones Heaven and Earth and followed with a lead role in Elizabeth Hong Yangs Touch Within in China , while working as a fashion model for 4 years). I received my BFA in painting at California State University Long Beach . Since then I have lived, worked, and exhibited my work in many parts of the U.S. I have received grants from the Pollock-Krasner Foundation two times, and three times from the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation. My work is represented in many p...