After a high fever, Chu Vinh Duc’s limbs contracted and he became a hemiplegic. But Duc has not given up his passion for painting and instead, he has become the owner of a gallery and an English teacher in Vinh.

In his small room among a jumble of paintings, easels, painting brushes, etc., Chu Vinh Duc recalled his unlucky life.

At age four, he caught polio and became hemiplegic. The boy couldn’t play like other kids, but he had a great passion for painting. He began drawing at age five and joined a painting class.

During his years in HCM City for treatment, Duc continued studying painting with famous artists.

In 2000, Duc surprised his friends when he opened a gallery and a drawing class. As he can’t walk, Duc focuses on portraits and restoring old paintings. He also teaches paintings, with around 10 students each class.

The portrait of General Vo Nguyen Giap by Duc, with the general’s signature.

Besides paintings, English is another passion of this man. He studied English at the Vinh University and opened an English class at home.

Duc is the Vice-Chair of Vinh City’s Art and Literature Club and Chair of a club for disabled people of Le Loi ward. He was an interpreter for the Vietnamese delegation at the Contest for Asia-Pacific Disabled 2002.

“Drawing has become my life. The God took my legs, but he gave me inspiration through painting. I don’t complain of destiny, but I only wish to have good health to continue studying painting and foreign languages,” Duc remarked.

PV