Houstonian Hanh Tran’s work with oil on canvas is based on self-study of the human form, nature, culture, and emotion. Heavy, sweeping, broad strokes of thick oil paint create a three-dimensional and striking effect that is the trademark of Hanh’s collections and commissioned works. Her heavy thick signature style developed as a struggling young artist in college with no access to expensive art supplies she was forced to test layers of paint over the same canvas repeatedly. Her aggressive layering and bold strokes invoke her strength and a subtle power while her soft images and extremely unique style show her loyal soul and give a refreshing yet comforting look at the abstract. A fine line for any artist to walk for sure. It is through her connection with nature and the human experience that Hanh finds comfort through artistic expression. “Art provides respite and renewal for most people,” says Hanh. “Painting, creating, and sharing provide quiet comfort and establish a meaningful sense of community.”

The seventh and youngest child of Vietnamese-Chinese immigrants, Hanh was born in Hanoi, Vietnam but raised in Houston after her family escaped the Vietnam War in 1977. Hanh’s father was an active military member for the South Vietnamese also working for the United States affiliated with the CIA while his brother was active in the Northern military. When her father was captured by the northern forces as a POW and scheduled for execution his brother on the opposing side rescued him, eventually escaping himself to rejoin the family. While being smuggled on a small boat the family was almost found and murdered by pirates, only saving themselves by hiding under the bottom of the boat. After arriving in Houston the family went through struggles with government subsidies and placed in impoverished and hostile neighborhood. They struggled with being abused and even shot at in acts of hate crimes for simply being different, for being immigrants. 

Hate crimes that till this day are still being perpetrated against Asian immigrants escalating because of the pandemic. The family even through struggles and hardships is proud to call Houston it’s home. It is because of these life lessons she learned early on to teach herself and others to foster personal growth especially through art. Her dedication to learning and her hands-on approach to sharing the art experience with others is indicative of Hanh’s dedication to creating and providing approachable and emotive art.
The 82nd Texas Legislature passed resolution HR310 (presented by Rep. Sarah Davis and Sen. Rodney Ellis) to honor Hanh’s contributions to various Texas charitable organizations via her Art + Wellness Program and volunteerism. Honoring her Big Texas Collection. Through donations of her original art and through her Art + Wellness teaching sessions with patients and families of patients facing health challenges, Hanh serves those in need on the local and national charitable community level. 

She also has previous and current not for profit outreach experience through places such as Sunshine Kids, Covenant House of Houston, We’ll Get This(of which she is an active Board Member), and the North Cypress Medical Center to name a few where she has helped from every level from implementation through execution of volunteer planning.

The North Cypress Medical Center and the Susan G. Komen Foundation have commissioned Hanh to paint two separate seven-foot pink ribbon sculptures for display in the Pink Ribbon Parade, and, ultimately, onsite as a permanent art installation at North Cypress Medical Center and at the Smith Center in honor of Susan and Lester Smith.

Hanh donated three original works that raised 150K for Helping a Hero, an organization that builds specially adapted homes for military personnel, as well as offering additional support and services for wounded veterans.
The Art Program Initiative was Hanh’s most recent community outreach program. Through generous private and corporate contributions, Hanh was able to share the gift of art with children in schools without art programs. Her inaugural school is Brookline Elementary School, and she looks forward to expanding this program to underserved schools throughout the community as soon as possible post pandemic.

Understanding that art can be enhanced by the space that is in, Hanh has also taken the next step in her creative process by incorporating interior design work into her repertoire. It is through creating beautiful spaces that Hanh is able to add to the value of her work as an artist. She creates a complete and functional environment for her clients that highlights artwork while allowing the client’s personality to come through.

Hanh happily lives in Bayou Vista, Texas with her boyfriend Eric and their two dogs, Mildred a rescue poodle mix, and Cooper a rescue yorkie under mountains of paint tubes and plants. Hanh’s collections are installed commercially and in private residences across Texas, and both the east and west coasts. Private collectors and corporations alike are the proud patrons of the HANH Collection.