As a graduate of the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts University, he first worked as a puppeteer and later as an illustrator at the Tre (Youth) Publishing House. His life changed in 2008 when he watched a video of sand animation from the world famous Hungarian sand artist Ferenc Cako on Youtube. Being interested in the art form, he decided to learn to do it himself.

Duc made his debut as a sand animation artist at the Duyen Dang Viet Nam (Charming Vienam) programme in 2009, impressing the audience and paving his way to conquer this fresh art form.

In 2012, he gained fame nationwide with his illustration for the song ‘Nhat Ky Cua Me” (Mom’s diary) by composer Nguyen Van Chung, which was performed live on stage with singer Hien Thuc at a charity musical gala in Ho Chi Minh City.

Also in 2012, Duc was invited to do a sand show as a gift for the UK's Queen Elizabeth II in celebration of her 60th Diamond Jubilee. Accompanied by a symphony orchestra, Duc recalled the Queen’s 60-years on throne as well as Her Majesty’s life through sand painting under the melody of "God Save the Queen". His performance was much appreciated by the Royal family and the guests.

As the artist recently wrapped up his tour to the US, Thoi Nay (Present Time) reporter Truong Giang sat down to talk with him about the trip.

Question: The arts scene in the US is quite competitive. What gave you the confidence to perform your sand animation?

Artist Dang Tri Duc: Audiences may have already watched sand animation clips, but I don’t think clips can compare to a live performance with a large screen and lively music instrumentals. These effects bring an entirely new atmosphere to audiences.

In this medium, artists use different styles, techniques, compositions and ways to lead their story that can amaze audiences. From my ten-years of making sand paintings, I know exactly what sections of my performance bring big wows from audiences.

One of the performances you brought to stage was ‘Nhat Ky Cua Me’ (Mom’s Diary). As your audiences included both Vietnamese and Americans, did the performance generate different responses among them?

‘Mom’s Diary’ tells a story of a woman from pregnancy, to giving birth to her son, raising him, seeing him growing up and leaving her arms to make his own way in the world. But above all, he is always a little dear boy in her heart.

Stories about motherhood are always a major topic that can bring nostalgia and longing from anyone who is living far from their homeland. Many Overseas Vietnamese students were moved to tears at my shows; they said that the mother featured in my performance reminded them of their mothers.

For American audiences, although they could not understand the lyrics of the song, they could grasp the main themes through the melodies and images. I think no matter where mothers come from, they share a common experience of having great love for their children.

When my show concluded, many American audiences members came to the stage to shake my hand and compliment my performance. Among the guests were deans of universities in the US - they invited me to give a short training courses for their students to make sand paintings.

What was your most memorable part of your trip?

I have performed in many countries, but this one made me the most proud.

In San Francisco, in front of the city’s mayor and his guests, when I finished my show, the MC was so excited that he wanted to try making a sand painting. Right after he drew hearts, I drew two hands shaking tightly below, with one hand marked with the flag of Vietnam and the other the US.

It took me just around a few dozen seconds to draw this, and when I finished, everyone in the hall stood up and gave round of applause

Sand animation will not be a fresh experience for audiences if it stays the same. Have you thought of changing your performances?

There are many trends in renovating sand animation. Many people are trying to make it more colourful, others are trying to blend it with LED light. But I want to follow a simple style with a focus on profound topics. I have worked to improve my movements in order to further inspire and win over the hearts of audiences.

Thank you so much for the interview.