Combining creativity with passion for art, a young man from Quang Nam, Vietnam, has transformed agarwood into stunning paintings, priced from $200 to $800 each.

Turning passion into art

Born and raised in Tien Phuoc, Quang Nam - a region famous for agarwood - Le Ngoc Duc (born 1995) has had a deep connection with this precious wood since childhood.

Over the years, Duc developed a successful business selling traditional agarwood products like bracelets, incense, and essential oil cones. Yet, he remained driven by a desire to create something more meaningful and artistic from agarwood.

“I wanted to make a product that not only exudes aesthetic beauty but also tells a story, conveying cultural depth and history,” Duc shared.

In early 2024, after much research and experimentation, Duc decided to open a workshop dedicated to crafting agarwood paintings using a technique he calls “tearing and pasting.”

Crafting a new art form

Venturing into this unique craft, Duc faced countless challenges, from mastering new techniques to finding the right materials.

He buys raw agarwood, processes it by cutting it into thin, color-graded slices, and then meticulously tears and arranges each piece to form a coherent, vibrant image.

“Agarwood paintings typically have three primary shades - dark, medium, and light - with their uniqueness lying in the natural oil streaks and the layered arrangement of tiny fragments to create depth and texture,” Duc explained.

Once the design is sketched out on paper, the pieces are carefully glued using a special imported adhesive that is colorless and odorless, ensuring durability and a pristine finish.

Each painting tells a unique story, reflecting the dedication and creativity invested in every tiny detail.

An art business on the rise

Besides creating custom orders, Duc has crafted portraits of national heroes such as President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, and even the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Depending on the complexity and size, each painting takes about 6-20 days to complete.

Over the past year, Duc has sold more than 100 paintings, primarily through his TikTok channel, with prices ranging from $200 to $800.

Looking ahead, he plans to produce historical-themed paintings depicting national heroes and iconic battles, aiming to preserve and promote Vietnamese cultural heritage through his unique art form.

Empowering others through creativity

Duc’s workshop currently has two skilled craftsmen, one of whom is Chau Tung Duong (born 1991), a worker with congenital disabilities. Duong became involved in agarwood painting after discovering Duc’s project online.

“Initially, I struggled with the delicate balance of light and shadow and creating three-dimensional effects, but with practice, I fell in love with the craft,” Duong shared. His work now earns him around $330 per month, providing both income and a sense of purpose.

Duc dreams of expanding his workshop to become a space where people with disabilities can learn the craft and earn a stable livelihood, fostering a supportive and creative community.

Ha Nam