The Art of “Drawing” Pictures with Scrap Paper

We are often amazed by the incredible things people can create with their imagination and a few simple materials. Nguyen Thi Kim Hong, a Montessori kindergarten teacher from My Dinh, Nam Tu Liem, is one such artist who has mastered the art of transforming colorful scraps of paper from newspapers, magazines, and flyers into vibrant images. Her unique approach to “drawing” has captivated many and sparked interest in her beautiful creations.

A Unique Form of Creativity

Nguyen Thi Kim Hong has always had a passion for recycling discarded items and giving them a new lease on life. However, it was during the Covid-19 outbreak, with extra time on her hands, that she discovered the potential of torn and pasted paper art. Inspired by the familiar childhood activity of tearing and sticking, she began using old books and journals to create intricate illustrations without the need for printing.

The Magic of Tear-Stick Paintings

Tear-stick paintings have a distinct advantage – they don’t require mixing colors. Instead, Nguyen Thi Kim Hong cleverly utilizes the hues readily available in newspapers, magazines, and leaflets. By recycling paper and limiting herself to this medium, she avoids the need to search for specific images in different sources or acquiring additional materials.

From Tearing to Sorting

Nguyen Thi Kim Hong’s creative process begins with spending hours tearing and sorting the available books and journals into colors and pictures. Once she has gathered her materials, the painting ideas start to take shape. It’s crucial for her not to let the unused books and newspapers go to waste, so she is constantly inspired to create stunning works of art.

The Journey of a Painting

The process of creating these torn and pasted artworks is entirely done by hand, with scissors only used for intricate details. Nguyen Thi Kim Hong skillfully glues the torn pieces onto a frame made of plywood or cardboard, using milk glue as the adhesive. It’s incredible to think that she acquired her simple painting tool for less than 100,000 VND.

Challenges and Rewards

As with any artistic endeavor, there are challenges to overcome. For Nguyen Thi Kim Hong, the most difficult and time-consuming aspect of torn and pasted paintings is color matching. Unlike regular paintings, where artists have the freedom to mix colors as desired, she must carefully select the appropriate colors from the available paper, leading to meticulous work and extended time investment.

A Growing Passion

Initially, Nguyen Thi Kim Hong considered torn and pasted paintings as a hobby, but after sharing her creations on social media, she received an overwhelming response from people interested in buying them. She advises that these unique artworks are best framed, hung in a cool place away from sunlight and mold, ensuring their longevity.

Unleashing Creativity and Defying Limits

Nguyen Thi Kim Hong’s journey as an artist stems from her childhood passion for painting. Though she was never able to pursue formal training in the field, her expressive paper pictures have allowed her to unleash her creativity and surpass limitations. Each completed artwork represents a moment of growth, a triumph over the challenges faced by an outsider in the world of art.

In a world where traditional art forms often take center stage, it’s refreshing to witness the beauty that can arise from resourcefulness and creativity. Nguyen Thi Kim Hong’s unique approach to torn and pasted paper art reminds us that art can be found in the simplest of materials and that the human spirit is truly capable of unlimited imagination.

To learn more about amazing artists like Nguyen Thi Kim Hong who are making a positive impact with their creativity, visit Truth and Hope.