Teaching has made me talk a lot. Now I’ve grown lazy with words. Unless something really needs to be said, I’m pretty much silent as a clam. I rarely invite anyone to go anywhere or do anything with me. It’s not that I’m lonely—when I’m quiet, I’m just spending time with my imaginary lovers.

Anyway, I’ll just write it down like this.

The Hồng Xiêm class has a bunch of little facts. I’ve decided to gather them here in this post—and every time I feel like rambling about something, I’ll just come back and add more. If you’re free, have a read for fun.

Fact 1:
Hồng Xiêm is not just an art class—it’s also where I live, study, read, and make art. I care for this space with the same tenderness any girl might lavish on her favorite pile of clothes. And the way I live is the way this space will feel. I don’t display books I never read. No fake flowers, no makeup.

When you come to class, it’s like you’re coming over to my house. I love you as my friends and will treat you with friendship—not like some service staff doting on a VIP customer. I like holding your hands and offering you a drink. And you all know—we’re not pretending with each other.

Fact 2:
Many of you keep wanting to hang out with me, even after finishing several courses. So there’s this unspoken rule: if you’ve taken three classes at Hồng Xiêm, you automatically get 50% off the next one. And if you’ve completed four, just come by whenever you like. You’re not here because I have more to teach—I’ve run out of words—but because you like the space.

Fact 3:
Hồng Xiêm doesn’t do advertising (well, we did, but that was eons ago). The class survives thanks to you inviting your friends to join. Thank you. I’m hopeless with anything technical online—SEO gives me a headache. I’m only able to stay in this lovely house thanks to you all.

That said, the economy’s really in the dumps. If one day I can’t afford the rent anymore, I may have to call on one of you tech-savvy friends to come lend a hand…

Fact 4:
Hồng Xiêm uses only light, portable materials—mainly because I want you to be able to draw anytime, anywhere. Draw in the forest. Draw on the toilet. Draw while waiting for your bún đậu mắm tôm to arrive. I believe making drawing a part of your life is more important than producing grand masterpieces.

Fact 5:
Lately, I’ve been assigning poetry illustration exercises even in the Sketching class—not just Illustration. Life’s like that—you can use poetry in all sorts of situations. To confront things, or to escape. Up to you. Hopefully it helps you find another imaginary lover.

Fact 6:
I care a lot about asking why you want to learn to draw. There are 7,749 reasons out there. If your motivation’s a little off, you won’t stick with it for long. I just worry this drawing course might turn out like Zhu Bajie eating ginseng fruit—no real appreciation. If you’re okay with that, it’s fine, but I’ll be a little sad.

So what is the right reason to learn to draw? I often go on and on about this in class. Hmm, it’s a long one. I’m a bit worn out today—let’s talk about it next time.

Hanoi is a bit gloomy today. A good day to linger with some romantic sadness.

Artwork by Bernie Fuchs. I’ve been so into his paintings lately. Can’t stop looking at them every day.