Hello! I'm Lieu Dang
I am a self-taught fine artist and illustrator originally from Vietnam and currently living life as a nomadic artist. After living in Thailand for more than 5 years, I am currently living in Nepal.
I have chosen the name “Vacabalo” as my artist name. It is a fusion of “Vaca” and “balo.” “Vaca” refers to vacation, and “balo” (or ba lô) is the Vietnamese term for a backpack. This name encapsulates my love for travel and my fascination with diverse cultures from around the world.
My Artistic Journey
My artistic journey began at the age of 4 when I drew a simple straight coconut tree on a notebook with a ball pen. I wish that I still kept that first original drawing of mine to show you. Unfortunately, there was no smartphone and social media back then.
My very first “solo exhibition” was actually the walls around my bed. I pasted all of my colorful drawings and paintings up there. My dad was so proud of me so that he always showed his guests my art exhibition. He didn’t know that one day his little daughter decided to become an artist.
Since then, I have consistently pursued learning and honing my skills through private lessons with different artists, both traditional and digital painting. The more I delve into the world of art, the stronger my passion grows.
Art Mediums & Topics
Watercolor & digital mediums
I have experienced different art mediums and found watercolor so charming. In addition to watercolor, I also love digital painting and illustration because of its usability and convenience.
My favorite art topics
What interests me the most in painting is the story and feelings that I can deliver to my audience. I want to use art as a way to share with people about a life story of myself or someone I met and the culture of the place I’ve been to.
Art Exhibitions & Events
Oct 2024 – Artwork has been selected for the international watercolor exhibition FabrianoInAcquarello 2024 in Fort Worth Texas, USA.
Jun 2024 – Artwork has been selected for the international watercolor exhibition IWEx 2024 in Perth, Australia.
Apr 2024 – Artwork has been selected for the international watercolor exhibition FabrianoInAcquarello 2024 in Bologna and Fabriano, Italy.
Mar 2024 – Artwork has been selected for the international watercolor exhibition Colors of Cultures in Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nov 2023 – Selected artist to perform live painting at Art Battle Bangkok, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Oct 2023 – Conducted a face painting workshop at the Jungle Experience music event, on Koh Phangan island, Thailand.
Dec 2020 – Organized painting workshop “Art is Fun” at the Chiang Mai Design Week, in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Art Projects & Clients
2023, 2024 – Commissioned artworks & private art lessons for individual clients in Vietnam, Australia, and Thailand
2023 – Logo design for a new product range of So Frickin Good Bakery, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
2023 – Logo design for Tony, a professional Muay Thai fighter from Iceland.
2022 – Illustration for road safety handbooks by Save the Children Vietnam (NGO), which had been distributed to 14,000 primary and secondary students and their families in Vietnam.
2021 – Book cover’s illustration for historical fantasy novel named “Kaja”, written by Tom Bast.
2020 – Mural designs for Barefoot Cafe & Restaurant, Chiang Mai, Thailand.