We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Giao Nguyen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Giao, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
As a Vietnamese-American artist in my 20s, purpose was always a tough question. For a long time I wondered if purpose was found somewhere between your paid profession or the thing that makes you feel alive, but I think it might even be more simple than that. Coming from a Vietnamese family, my purpose was always to help my family, help others around me, and lead a virtuous life. I can’t say I’ve found it, but leading a life of justice, love and faith has led me to creating purposeful art, loving relationships and more. Even now, purpose belongs somewhere between what you “do” and what you “like”, but becoming the fullest version of yourself that helps others. I’ve heard the analogy of your purpose being tied to a vessel, where your authenticity version is a vessel bringing something to the world. I hope to be a vessel of light for those around me.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I would describe myself as a multidisciplinary artist, with emphasis on acting, film directing and photography. Whether on stage or on the screen, my art is a commentary on the human condition through visceral dialogue and uncanny images. At the moment, I am in post-production for my next feature film, The Mesmerism: Inferno. Inferno follows a college student who seeks to confront his inner demons as he attends a house party that continually evolves into a hellish version of reality. Outside of filmmaking, I am a freelance photographer and actor in Seattle.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
If I were to look back at three qualities that aided in my artistic upbring, I would start with compassion. Unlike many other industries, I believe that art is equal parts creation from the artist and absorption from the audience/listener/viewer, but there is a level of compassion that must be brought forth from both sides. Next, I would tell a younger version of myself to just believe in myself. No one is asking you to unabashedly pursue your mission, you must first go forth alone. Then, they will come. Lastly and most importantly, what you do must be life giving and bringing you joy. If it can’t bring you joy, it won’t bring anyone else joy either.
How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
In this time of life, I am definitely struggling in finding a place for my art in the industry right now. Imposter syndrome is difficult, and sometimes I find myself wondering if these projects I am working on are worth it. I know for other people it will be, but for myself is something I struggle with.
Image Credits
Headshot Photo by Malia Nakamura Film Photo by Marshall Chan Stage Photo by Michelle Smith-Lewis
