Zack is a close friend of mine who was a exchange teacher in Vietnam from the US. He is a really kind-hearted person who is truly passionate about teaching, giving knowledge and going on adventures. I was lucky to have a chance to work with him as an illustrator for his blog.
2 pieces of artwork, but the story behind is amazingly touching and meaningful which is why i'm so proud of working on this project.
“An Obituary for Greatness”
- a contribution to the great boxer Muhammad Ali after his death in 2016.
Link to entry: “An Obituary for Greatness”
“They Shot Me Down”
- a real life story about a veteran who fought for the US Air Force in the Vietnam war.
Link to entry: They shot me down
This story brought me so many feelings, since i was a Vietnamese kid who grew up hearing from previous generations about how brutal the war was. Death was nothing unfamiliar during the war time, and this written memory gave me a total different perspective on our history.
After finishing his teaching program, Zack came back to his home in San Francisco where he gifted the war veteran - who was his neighbour - a framed picture of my artwork.
The veteran with my framed artwork
"He was so happy and thrilled to have it. I think you should be really proud." - Zack said to me. I could actually tell how much he and the old pilot loved it by his voice . I was overthe moon, because nothing is more amazing to an artist than his work being appreciated by someone that much.
Until now i am still more than proud and honored to be the creator of this artwork.
And thank you Zack, for bringing me such an one in a lifetime experience.
