Glass man - Passion or money?

Group 11 BCTT
May 16, 2024
6 min read

Updated: May 24, 2024

Ha Long | 10 years of puzzling over recycling and transforming glass waste into profitable works of art, for Hứa Duy Thanh, this is not just a passion.

(Composed by Trippie)

Hứa Duy Thanh, born and raised in the coastal city of Hạ Long, is famous for his unique artworks made from recycled glass. His passion stems from a love for art and a desire to contribute to environmental protection. However, his journey is not just about recycling glass, but also about the struggle between passion and a financially stable life.

Inspired by nature

For Mr. Thanh, the idea had been brewing in him since high school when he observed that glass waste was not being recycled safely or "greenly". Once he chanced upon an article about a glass garbage-laden beach transforming into a sparkling sea of glass after 20 years in the US, he embarked on a journey of research and exploration to create his own shimmering glass pebbles machine.

It’s Mr. Thanh’s habit to bring a bag with him while walking in the morning | Pictured by Trippie

The glass “harvested” after a morning walk to the Love Bridge will be washed and crushed into small pieces | Pictured by Trippie

The process of treating glass before putting it in the shimmering glass machine | Pictured by Trippie

The result is these sparkling crystals; however, the process continues as it is dangerous to work with sharp glass | Pictured by Trippie

The very unique, "only machine that exists in Vietnam” is a combination of various details and engines examined by Mr. Thanh | Pictured by Trippie

After spending 3-5 relentless days tumbling in the machine, these polished glass gems were created| Pictured by Trippie

The glass waste that was collected and sent to Mr. Thanh by the people around | Pictured by Trippie

Mr. Thanh shared, one day, a person asked him, "When picking up glass waste like this, aren't you afraid of getting ‘Sida'?" Mr. Thanh just smiled because, to him, this is the passion that brings him joy and helps society | Pictured by Trippie

* "Sida" (commonly known as HIV, a virus that weakens the body’s immune system)

"Art from glass" - Persevering with a passion for glass recycling

At first, since he did not have much experience in the mechanical field, it took Mr. Thanh more than three years of experimenting with machinery and going through trial and error before he could bring a complete product into existence. Not stopping at recycling glass, Mr Thanh also wants to inspire others. By organizing free workshops and participating in environmental protection awareness programs for both adults and children, he hopes people will recognize the significance and importance of protecting the environment.

Mr Thanh is instructing people in the workshop| Pictured by Trippie/ Hang

Not only the children but also the adults are engrossed in the process of making pictures from the sea glass | Pictured by Trippie

The workshop is a chance for people to rejuvenate after a busy day | Pictured by Trippie

People go with their friends to the workshop | Pictured by Trippie

"I feel really happy, and the workshop today helped me tap into my creative side. I think I will bring my child with me to the upcoming workshop," said a participant. | Pictured by Trippie

When passion goes along with money

Mr. Thanh shared about his initial intention regarding his product output. "At first, I had no intention of commercializing the glass art pieces. Most of the small pieces I make are given away." When he started creating these products, he mostly provided free glass materials to schools and environmental awareness programs. “Later on, many people requested them for profit-making activities without fundraising, and I couldn't manage it.”

Some works that is made by Thanh or some participants of his workshop| Pictured by Trippie

Mr. Thanh recounted a story when CEOs offered to collaborate: “A director told me: I know you’re driven by passion, but every passion needs money to live, you can’t work for free forever.” These comments made him ponder his work numerous times because he understands that having a stable life is crucial for any young person.

Further discussing the long-term operation and development of his craft, he admitted facing many financial difficulties, which have hindered him from taking his ideas further.

"I have no intention of commercializing the glass art pieces. Most of the small pieces I made are given away." | Pictured by Trippie

An artwork of Uncle Ho made from recycled clear glasses by Mr Thanh | Pictured by Trippie

The at-home "factory" of making art from glass | Pictured by Trippie

Future Plans

Currently, Mr. Thanh has envisioned his own direction. He intends to provide glass materials for those interested in making glass art. Further combining passion and economics, Mr. Thanh plans to build his own workshop and hopes to collaborate with disabled individuals to create glass art, providing them with a source of income.

Some artworks of the participants in the workshop | Pictured by Trippie

In a recent interview, Mr. Thanh elaborated on his ambitious plans to open a café: "Everything—all the cups, vases, decorations, wall paintings, and lights—all items in the café will be recycled from glass materials. It will be a place where people can relax and explore the glass recycling model. They can also try their hand at creating paintings from glass pieces."

Participants enjoying their time during the workshop hour | Pictured by Trippie

His first step is to acquire more machinery to recycle glass in all the ways he envisions, as currently, he can only make simple glass pieces for mosaics. To diversify his artwork, he needs to invest in more equipment.

Regarding his idea of expanding the business towards an experiential approach, in the near future, Mr. Thanh plans to collaborate with life skills centers that teach children life skills, or set up workshops. This will help him achieve his initial goal, which is to raise awareness about environmental protection and the significance of what he is doing among the younger generation.

Recent workshop that was held by Mr Thanh | Pictured posted on his personal Facebook account (Facebook: Hứa Duy Thanh)

Mr. Thanh has advertised some experiential activities on his personal page and is planning on selling tickets. “I won’t keep all the money; I will reinvest it to purchase larger, higher-capacity equipment to recycle more waste in terms of both quantity and variety. When people support me by buying pebbles, paintings, or workshop tickets, they are also helping me expand my dream and contribute to environmental protection."

He believes these actions have the potential to turn his dream into a sustainable one. “Our planet is becoming increasingly polluted, and waste management is a significant concern," said Mr. Thanh. He believes that, when it comes to saving the earth, waste recycling will be a path that, while not highly profitable, will be effective in the long run.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJC4dvhYkEs

(Interviewing Video - Glass dreamdream |Edited by Trippie)

Link Video: https://youtu.be/RJC4dvhYkEs

Currently, Mr. Thanh has envisioned his own direction. With people who share the desire to collaborate and pursue environmental protection, he is willing to accompany, support, and guide them. He also sells glass materials for those interested in making glass art.

For him, this is a solution that brings the best of both sides, as he can earn a profit while helping more people understand this art form. Mr. Thanh happily shared that recently, many young people have shown interest in the environment and his work. Further combining passion and economics, Mr. Thanh plans to build his own workshop and hopes to collaborate with disabled individuals to create glass art, providing them with a source of income.

Information box:

Reported by the Eunomia in the Recycling rate and cost report in 2022, the glass packaging in the beverage market in Vietnam accounts for 11% of the quantity and 62% of total weight. According to Eunomia, the percentage of recycled glass waste is the lowest compared to other kinds, accounting for only 15%. If glass is not recycled, it will never be dissolved and will stay eternally in the environment. In Vietnam, the manufacturing industries of glass are in demand of the input, however the ỉnasstruture for the glass gathering and recycling process is innovated.

If you were to choose between Passion and Finance, what would you go for?