Binh Pho (1955-2017) was a renowned Vietnamese-American artist celebrated for his innovative work in wood and glass. His unique artistic style combined traditional woodturning techniques with painting, piercing, and glass art, creating pieces that bridged Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Early Life and Journey to America

Born on September 19, 1955, in Saigon, Vietnam, Pho grew up during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam War. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, he refused to accept communist rule and attempted to escape multiple times. Following a year in a re-education camp, where he endured brutal treatment, Pho finally succeeded in fleeing Vietnam as one of the “boat people” in 1978.

Arriving in the United States on May 7, 1979, Pho initially focused on education, earning a bachelor’s degree in electronics in 1982. He became a U.S. citizen in 1984 and later discovered his passion for woodturning, which would become his life’s work.

Artistic Career and Techniques

Pho’s artistic breakthrough came after meeting Canadian woodturner Frank Sudol at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Inspired by Sudol’s piercing and airbrushing techniques, Pho developed his signature style, which incorporated:

• Intricate piercing and carving
• Airbrushed painting
• Use of color and metal leaf
• Exploration of positive and negative space

His work often featured imagery related to Asian culture and the natural world, creating a highly personal iconography.

Major Exhibitions and Publications

• “River of Destiny: The Life and Work of Binh Pho” (2006): This exhibition at the Long Beach Museum of Art in California was accompanied by a book of the same name, chronicling Pho’s life story and artistic journey.
• “Shadow of the Turning” (2012): A traveling exhibition that visited major museums across the United States. This project combined art, storytelling, and philosophy, featuring collaborations with other international artists.
  
  

Awards and Recognition

• AAW Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award (2017)
• POP (Professional Outreach Program) Merit Award (2018, posthumously)
  
  

Permanent Collections

Binh Pho’s work is featured in numerous prestigious collections, including:

• Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.
• Museum of Art and Design, New York, NY
• White House Collection, Washington, D.C.
• Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit, MI
• Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, MN
  
  

Legacy

Binh Pho’s contributions to the field of woodturning and glass art were significant and far-reaching. He was known for his dedication to promoting and supporting the American Association of Woodturners (AAW) and the wood art field. His work continues to inspire artists, collectors, and curators, bridging the gap between traditional craft and contemporary art.

Pho passed away on August 23, 2017, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to influence the world of wood and glass art. His life story, from his harrowing escape from Vietnam to his success as an artist in America, embodies the pursuit of freedom and the American Dream.