Impressive series of artworks recycled from firewood

Artisan Le Ngoc Thuan (born in 1980, from the old city of Hoi An) is the one who initiated the idea of recycling firewood. After many years of research, Mr. Thuan founded the art village called "Floodwood Village" in 2022.

Flood firewood is actually forest timber that has been swept away by floods. During the rainy season, floodwaters from upstream carry with them a variety of rubbish, including dry branches and rotten wood.

Models made from wood are displayed at "Flood Firewood Village"

Marine creatures are vividly recreated through the hands of the artisans of "Flood Firewood Village"

Miniature model of "Chua Cau" - unique cultural and architectural symbol of the old city of Hoi An

Mr. Thuan said that, before when he was working in the tourism industry, he started to hear about the art of recycling, but because he did not have a clear picture, he was determined to learn. Gradually, he learned how to make recycled items from firewood with the hope of giving these items a new life.

From then on, the first firewood was brought back by Mr. Thuan to assemble and display in homestays as decorations following the green tourism trend, environmentally friendly, all handmade.

Artisan Le Ngoc Thuan (right cover) founded "Flood Firewood Village"

The collections at "Flood Firewood Village" attract domestic and foreign tourists.

When the Covid 19 pandemic broke out, causing tourism activities to be disrupted, Mr. Thuan embarked on the journey to build "Flood Firewood Village". From Mr. Thuan's idea and the talented hands of artisans, the flood firewood was "revived".

“Those materials that are supposed to be discarded are actually very beautiful, we have to love them,” Mr. Le Ngoc Thuan shared.

Many diverse products, unique in both sculpture and color

Mascots created according to the "firewood regeneration cycle"

Now, every day, “Floodwood Village” welcomes hundreds of visitors to visit and experience. Many visitors are delighted to witness artisans carving each piece of wood into vivid works of art.

“I was really impressed when I came here, an art space with many handmade products made from firewood, spreading the message of environmental protection. Watching the artisans carve each piece of wood, I realized how difficult the journey to create the product is, when looking at it, no one would think that it is just dry firewood that has been thrown away”, said Tran Thanh Tuyen.

Currently, "Firewood Village" has more than 10 artisans from the famous Kim Bong carpentry village.

Coming to "Flood Firewood Village", visitors will witness with their own eyes the process of carving and painting to create unique art products from firewood.

The products of “Floodwood Village” are not only displayed at local cultural events but also participate in exhibitions in many countries around the world . The collections from firewood are not only art but also carry the traditional cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people and Hoi An.

“I myself am implementing a direction of connecting the community through a series of activities and experiences of local art products and activities at “Cui Lu Village”. These activities are created with the aim of sharing, connecting and conveying messages about culture, environmental protection and sustainable development”, Mr. Le Ngoc Thuan shared.

All products at "Flood Firewood Village" are handmade.

With the message of environmental protection, firewood is gradually being regenerated into works of art.

Co Tu culture, Cham Pa culture,... were chosen as inspiration for compositions.

A pair of chicken mascots crafted from dry firewood

The journey of turning firewood into art products was mentioned by the People's Committee of Hoi An City (formerly Quang Nam province) in Hoi An's dossier to join the UNESCO Global Creative Cities Network.

PHAM NGA

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/an-tuong-loat-tac-pham-nghe-thuat-duoc-tai-che-tu-cui-lu-post809250.html