Watch the video below as Artist Chi Huynh shares what inspires him to create and how VAALA has impacted his creative journey.
An interview with Chi Huynh, creator of GALATEA: Jewelry by Artist
VAALA: Can you provide a brief background on your experience as an artist?
CHI HUYNH (CH): I have learned that art is more than just a beautiful thing we use to decorate our walls. For me, art is a journey, a visual experiment, a scientific study of light, a meditation and a psychological evaluation of the way we see the world. This creative process has helped me to define the meaning of hope, love, happiness, sorrow and life. If you are on this journey long enough to allow a caterpillar to become a butterfly, the secret of life is yours. You will have a clearer picture of who you are so you can function in harmony with others, with society and with the natural world we live in.
VAALA: What is Galatea, and how did you start up this jewelry by artist concept and company?
CH: Galatea is the name of a statue that was brought to life by the artist who fell in love with it. I wanted my jewelry and art to come to life as well. It is a very romantic dream of mine. Believe it or not, my work does come to life. It can talk to you and change its shape according to the weather. You have to see it to believe it.
“The arts should be a part of everyday life–for everyone. When we support the arts, we open doors within ourselves that we never knew existed.”
VAALA: Can you share a little bit about your history with VAALA?
CH: VAALA discovered me 20 years ago and gave me a solo art exhibition. VAALA also gave me one of the greatest gifts I could receive and that is the courage to believe in myself. I must say the caterpillar has become a butterfly. I said to myself, “If I am a great oak tree, then I will remember the one who watered me.”
VAALA: Why is it important to support the arts in our community?
CH: The arts should be a part of everyday life–for everyone. When we support the arts, we open doors within ourselves that we never knew existed. Art inspires people to see things in a new way. And as an artist, this is what I wish. I want to share my feelings and emotions in a work of art, but I also want others to create, and to express themselves. Support for the arts locally raises up the entire community. This is why it is so important.
VAALA: Let’s talk about the Galatea Boutique benefiting VAALA. Can you tell us about any special incentives for the community to shop your Boutique or any special collections you might recommend that could connect to VAALA?
CH: You, me, and many others have been donating to VAALA in many ways. We’ve given our time and money in the past but there is only so much we can do. I thought, what if you support VAALA and also get a nice piece of jewelry for yourself and your loved ones at the same time. We have many different collections so have fun getting something nice for a good cause. It’s a good thing to do.