When I look, I am captured.
I find a peace that wasn’t there.
I look intently.
My mind stops, then opens.
I am rested and refreshed.
John Lester, Hanoi, 2024
Lộc - Vietnamese: fortune blessing, to bud, renew, refresh.
Translation into Vietnamese & Nom
Facinated by the ancient Vietnamese script of Nom, John has had one of his Poems translated into Vietnamese by Huong Thi Lan Nguyen and then into Nom by Nguyen Quang Thang of the Institute of Hán-Nôm Studies.
Tread Lightly
Tread lightly on the journey you must go.
Soft the ripples that should flow.
Three sixty look.
Judge not, just watch,
And you shall see.
© John Lester
Woman Reading
Oil on Canvas, 90 x 70cm
Inspiration for this picture came partly from paintings seen in the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, notably the paintings: ‘Miss Lien’ by Huỳnh Văn Gấm, and ‘Young Girl with Lotus Flowers’ by Nguyễn Sáng. Much of the setting and background was inspired by the interior of one of John’s favourite cafés, Nola Café, Hanoi.
Power Presenter Workshop InterContinental Hanoi
This week, at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, Chris Cummins, co-author of the book ‘Power Presenter!’ led one of his world renowned workshops on world class presenting. Colour and Motion artwork by John Lester provided an inspirational backdrop to the venue.
Sunburst and Paddy Fields, Pu Luong
Pastel on Dó paper, 37 x 58cm
Early Morning Mist and Sunlight, Pu Luong, Vietnam
Oil on Canvas, 60 x 38cm
Sunlight Returns, Nha Trang, Vietnam
Pastel sketch on coloured paper, 25 cm x 28 cm
Mother and Child, Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam
Pastel and Charcoal on Dó paper, 58 x 79cm
Sunset, Hanoi
Charcoal and Pastel on Dó paper, 46 x 67cm
Lilies and Mountains, Suoi Yen, Vietnam
Oil on Canvas, 70 x 50cm
