Cuc Nguyen is a Vietnamese Buddhist nun and artist who lived in solitary in the mountains after the War. She is currently working on a Masters in Asian Art History. She has had many exhibitions of her work in California and plans to return to Vietnam to teach.
This web site is dedicated to my most supportive professor, Dr. San-pao Li at the Asian American Studies at California State University California, Long Beach for opening the door of calligraphy to me and for giving me this lifetime artistic enjoyment. Describe your life in Vietnam. Did you live in the city? What did your family do for a living?
Before the war ended in 1975, we lived in Saigon [now Ho Chi Minh City]. My father was a colonel in the former regime's military. My mother stayed home as she is disabled. My brothers, sisters and I were students until 1975. I became a Buddhist nun at an early age. After 1975, my father went to an internment camp for several years. I was back and forth then between home and the monastery to help my family since I am the oldest. We had to move to my grandparent's village at the countryside and work in the fields. Most of the time, our students' hands could not produce enough food to eat until the next crop because of subsequent droughts, flood, and insects.
Every time I reflect back to those years, I am still amazed how we could survive until now. I helped my family and led my monastic life simultaneously. I taught French and took care of a temple. When I got cancer, I had to give it up. After the surgeries, I decided to go to hermitage for several years before leaving for America.
What led you to become a nun
That was the apex of the war. I was fortunate enough to live close to a Buddhist temple and soon absorbed the teaching of Buddha and the philosophy of Buddhism. The destruction of the war, the fluctuation and the impermanence of life, were factors that contributed to my decision.
Tell us about your experience of living alone in the mountains.
I think that was the best years in my life. Solitude heals and enriches my soul. Of course, I have lots of friends: snakes, scorpions, lizards, birds, flowers, and the sea. Nature has also been my best friend, my consoler and my muse. During this period, it was necessary for me to grow my own food and receive support from my family.
When did you realize that you had an artistic talent? What this before you became a nun?
Art is always in my blood. When I was very young, I used to draw whenever and wherever I could. Art materials in my country were expensive; so I had only pencil and charcoal, but people who knew me always appreciated my drawings and paintings. I gave them all away. Mostly I drew to express my emotions, to entertain myself or sometimes I drew Buddha and the Bodhisatvas so people can put them on their shrines. Since I came to America, I have determined to pursue my education in Fine Arts and Art History. For me, art is one of the most beautiful forms in human expressions. It is truly compatible with religious faith.
Under what circumstances did you come to the U.S.?
In 1992, after my fatherÕs release from the internment camp, my family was granted the permission to come to America under the Humanitarian Organization Program reserved for former military prisoners.
Describe your experience in adjusting to life in the U.S.
It was very hard the first year. Lots of efforts, depression, nostalgiaÑ-but the willing to restore our broken lives, the expectation to find a better future, and ultimately freedom have helped us overcome obstacles. The most important thing is to learn the best of western culture and to be able to maintain the essence of our culture. Never stop learning and thriving. Make the best of every day.
What has been the biggest hurdle of living in America?
Stress and the cost of living.
Can you describe your art technique?
I cannot confine myself in one medium. I try every medium that I can and love all the effects that each of them can help me to express my artistic emotions. I work in all mediums: Chinese calligraphy and painting, batik art, oil painting, watercolor, photography, black and white oil on silk, book binding, pencil, charcoal, French black powder, card making, collage, embroidery, natural materials (leaves, flowers, grasses, and twigs), and computer graphic art (designs on Photoshop, Quark Express, Illustrator),.
What have you been studying?
I have studied art history and graphic design (B.F.A. in Graphic Design) and have completed an M.A. in Asian American Studies with a concentration in Asian Art History. About Fine Arts, I am a self-taught artist.
What is your goal?
Being an artist, an art history professor, and an autobiographer.
