"Inner Landscape" - Oil - Sen Nguyen - Bridging Hope Gallery

“Inner Landscape” – Oil – Sen Nguyen – Bridging Hope Gallery

 

Artistic expressions can blossom from a small bud into an impressive colorful orchid, or come to those as simply as the daily sunrise, yet each sunrise is a work of art. Such is the case with Sen Nguyen, artist and founder of Bridging Hope Gallery located on Tennyson Street.

 

“I remember the expression one of the art teachers used to say while I was an art student, “A day in the studio is better than a thousand days else where”, smiles Sen. “I can relate to his expression. To be able to sit in front of a canvas and allow it to lead me, is the most rewarding. Or to be in a darkroom and see the images emerge is so “Zen-filled”.

 

 

 

 

This First Friday Bridging Hope Gallery showcases not only Sen’s artwork but also celebrates the work of local women artists with Women, Wine & Art. Artists in attendance are Gwen Laine, Linda Hall, Paulina Royball, Paula Lee, Lexix Krieg, Christa Leigh, Sen, and myself, Wendy L. Pitton R.  This is an amazing show, with mediums ranging in unique quilting, oil, photography, jewelry and mixed media. Bridging Hope Gallery is located at 4309 Tennyson Street in Denver; reception is 6pm – 10pm, Friday, May 3rd.  Show runs through May 31st.

 

Hands of Life, Merged - Photography - Sen Nguyen Bridging Hope Gallery

Hands of Life, Merged – Photography – Sen Nguyen Bridging Hope Gallery

Sen’s medium of choice is oil painting and photography, but has explored watercolors, silk painting to print making. “I don’t consider myself as a successful artist, so I don’t have any advise for others. But, one thing I would like to suggest to those who want to explore his/her own artistic vocation, is don’t be afraid to explore. Even if you don’t reach “financial success”, it is very fulfilling because your art is who you really are. To discover your true self is a priceless vocation.” States Sen. “My soul has always been captivated by art in general, but I didn’t really trust my ability to make art until I was in the graduate school at UCD.”

 

When asked what makes her approach to her talents different or unique from other artists, Sen’s answer was surprising yet true to form for Sen’s subtle and calm approach to life. “I don’t really compare my art with others. I don’t look at my talent as something to accomplish. My talent in art I see as a unicorn” smiles Sen politely and continues, “It’s there but you can’t see it because when you see it, it disappears. So my approach is to befriend with the undiscovered talent and let it grow.”

 

Sen Nguyen on trip to Viet Nam - Bridging Hope Gallery

Sen Nguyen on trip to Viet Nam – Bridging Hope Gallery

 

Sen has made it her mission in life to not only bring works of art directly to you, but to also create a learning center of support for women and children in Viet Nam. “Bridging Hope is a Colorado Non-Profit organization whose mission is to provide assistance to indigent, ill, disadvantaged and disabled women and children in Viet Nam both by raising awareness of theirs needs among citizens of Colorado and other Americans, and by creating opportunities for charitable giving to support programs and projects in Viet Nam” is the direct quote and Mission Statement of Bridging Hope.

 

 

To find out more about Bridging Hope Non-Profit Organiziation please visit their website www.bridging-hope.org.

 

In closing with Sen, I asked her if there is anything else she would like to add or what have been some of the keys to her success. “I just can’t define success, as a human being to this point in life, three things I could mention are: love life, enjoy what you’re doing, and dare to dream. “Inspiration comes through working” is another statement from one of my art teachers. I found that his advise really works for me. When I sit down to work, it is when I’m on the journey of making art, this is when I discover many undiscovered, many unknown areas of my soul.”

 

"Nude" - Oil - Sen Nguyen - Bridging Hope Gallery

“Nude” – Oil – Sen Nguyen – Bridging Hope Gallery

First Friday is definitely a time to get your self out and experience the arts. Make it a point to visit Tennyson Street and Bridging Hope Gallery, 4309 Tennyson Street, just North of 38th Avenue.  Art Reception 6pm-10pm. Be a collector and remember, “Art can’t hurt you”, but it can open your eyes.

 

 

Wendy L. Pitton R. is a culture writer for 303 Magazine and the owner of WENDO Productions.  WENDO Productions is an artistic production and artist representative company. WENDOProductions.com