Ideas from an afternoon wandering the sidewalk
After graduating from university in Thanh Hoa, Nguyen Van Cuong (born in 2000) went to Hanoi to find a job. Cuong's first job was at a model making company in Hanoi. This job paved the way for him to enter the path of making handmade models later.
After 2 years in the profession, Cuong thought it was time to find his own path.
At first glance, no one believes this is a model.
Cuong’s journey to handmade models began from a chance moment. While wandering around the old town to relax, Cuong stopped and had a glass of iced tea at a roadside shop.
He sat watching the people passing by, the mottled walls, the old light bulb, the cool canopy of the cajuput tree and the familiar sounds... That moment suddenly evoked a special idea in him.
Meticulous in every detail
Cuong took out his phone, took a few pictures, then went home and meticulously built a model based on his memories and emotions. Gradually, “Hanoi sidewalk”, Cuong’s collection of handmade models, was born.
“Each model is a slice of life in Hanoi. I not only want to make it look as real as possible, but also want to convey emotions, so that viewers can see the soul of the old town, of Hanoi," Cuong shared.
Without going to formal art school, without learning sculpture or modeling, Cuong always strives to pursue his passion. He meticulously recreates every detail, no matter how small, in each of his handmade models.
Each model Cuong makes takes from 5-15 days depending on complexity.
From the idea generation, 3D sketching to material selection, cutting, painting…, Cuong is in charge of everything. Normally, it takes him 5-15 days for a model, depending on the complexity.
The materials Cuong uses on his models are also very diverse, from clay, plastic, plaster, cardboard to small iron bars, copper wire, mini light bulbs...
The products made by the young man's skillful hands startle viewers because they are so realistic, some people are choked with emotion because they can "relive" old memories.
Elaborate model of ancient house
For Cuong, each model is a unique product. He does not duplicate or mass produce. “If we make the same model, it will just be a commercial product, without any emotion. I want each work to be a unique slice of memory.”
This job requires perseverance, meticulousness and carefulness.
One of the most special models for Cuong is his parents' old house in Thanh Hoa .
That's where he grew up, filled with so many childhood memories of sultry afternoons, the creaking sound of hammocks, every corner of the kitchen, every corner of the stairs... and even tears when he left home to study far away.
Model of Cuong's parents' house in Thanh Hoa
Cuong worked hard for 2 months to rebuild the beloved house for his parents. “There were times when I thought about giving up because I was too tired, but I thought if I didn’t do it, the old house might be demolished and the memories would disappear.
Making models is also a way to preserve childhood," he said.
Cuong's house model was meticulously built by him.
When they brought the model home, the parents were very happy and placed it in the house, considering it a meaningful gift from their son. Whoever came, the grandparents said it was their son's work.
Being praised and accepted by everyone, Cuong felt more empowered and did his job better.
Keep old memories
Cuong is pursuing a larger goal, preserving urban culture through models. He plans to make three collections: Hanoi Sidewalk, Hanoi Old Quarter and Banh Mi. He said that these are all familiar symbols with strong cultural identity.
Nguyen Van Cuong's works are not only a miniature model, but also a memory of a generation growing up amidst urban turmoil.
Bread truck model
"I want the next generation to know that Hanoi once had small, life-like corners like that," said the young man born in 2000.
Accessories to make a sidewalk sandwich shop model
Cuong said he is always willing to share his experience and work if anyone wants to follow or recreate it. Cuong does not hide his profession. He wants his work to be spread and known by many people.
Young man reminiscing about old memories
Every day, in a small room filled with tools and materials, Cuong silently recreates every street corner, every porch, every electric pole stained with time. It is not only creativity but also gratitude, nostalgia and love that Cuong has for Hanoi.
Photos, videos : Provided by the character
Source: https://tienphong.vn/chang-trai-lam-mo-hinh-via-he-ha-noi-song-dong-den-tung-vien-gach-soi-day-dien-post1765528.tpo
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