NAS Community Spotlight: Ngoc-Tran Vu

Hi Tran! Tell us a little about what you’re currently working on.

Balancing artistic and consulting projects while renovating my website/branding and honing in on a creative long-term vision I want to commit for the next three years. I am also traveling to Vietnam – my native homeland – this summer to do a pilgrimage on healing and reconciliation with a progressive group of learners, educators and creatives representing the Vietnamese diaspora from the US and within Vietnam. I am excited but also nervous at the same time as we will be honoring much that has transpired regarding the legacy of war, intergenerational trauma and post-colonialism  ✨

What about your work are you most proud of?

You know when something interesting comes your way with many threads of connections and also lots of ease? This pilgrimage feels exactly like that and so it’s such a blessing for me to be able to participate at this very moment in my life. A lot has happened these past few years in the pandemic amidst uncertainty and on-going battles of racial injustices and inequity that moments of clarity and serendipity are oh so valuable and necessary in propelling us forward. I am already proud of what the group has done in teaching ourselves bilingually our own history from the people’s perspective in preparation for the literal journey ahead this summer. Stay tuned to see what happens after! I am leading the creative committee to make sure we document our experiences holistically and also working on a couple of public art projects inspired by the pilgrimage for after.

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?

I think my biggest challenge is an internal one, that of mental and spiritual clarity and focus, especially in working through deep rooted and entrenched matters that can peel back many layers of personal and collective memories. I am a high-functioning multi-,tasker and I have been intentionally learning how to slow down but it’s extremely hard. I have gotten so used to being busy that slowing down is very uncomfortable. We live in a society that constantly values output(s) with more and more outlets demanding our attention. Thus, it’s incredibly challenging to be able to hear one’s inner voice and actually see our guiding compass. So I do try to counteract this at times through meditation, walks, humor, hanging with my cat and creative people, but I’m always happy to hear more suggestions 👀

How has your NAS experience assisted your work?

My NAS experience has connected me to some pretty cool people and opportunities doing such valuable and important cultural work with aligned values. One of my biggest takeaways and actionable items has been the concept of The Luck Circle – asking for something specific that you need and sharing what you can offer. I have facilitated this generous activity in many of my workshops and it’s been very generative! Thank you NAS for this gem 💐

How can the NAS community learn more about your work?

Please visit my website www.tranvuarts.com and follow me on social media @TranVuArts 🙂 As an ENFJ empath, I love connecting and exchanging ideas so don’t hesitate to reach out at tranvuarts@gmail.com.

Sending lots of love and care during these heavy and surreal times.