Our Founder - Lê Ngọc Thuận

From a chef to an entrepreneur, and then an artisan, Lê Ngọc Thuận transforms drifting floodwood into unique recycled art pieces. In 2020, during the pandemic, he studied carpentry and began creating works that were quickly embraced by visitors. With a vision of turning floodwood into a “Vietnamese ambassador of recycled art,” he founded the Driftwood Village — a gathering place for creative artisans. Back in 2017, he won first prize in the “Dream House” competition with his design of The Chi Villa, which revived the essence of traditional Vietnamese architecture. From a poor young man without the opportunity to attend university, Thuận has risen to become a symbol of creativity and resilience.

The uniqueness of Lê Ngọc Thuận’s creative vision has led him to prestigious art stages, from domestic exhibitions to international events in Germany, Milan (Italy), and Switzerland. Each of his works is not only a convergence of technique and material but also a reflection of deep thought and a distinctive artistic perspective—the signature of the founder of Cui Lu Art Space – Coco Casa Art Gallery. More than just a gallery, Cui Lu Art Space is a meeting point for souls who cherish beauty—a world of art where creativity knows no bounds. Here, each piece of driftwood is reborn, carrying a new story, opening a dialogue between humans and nature, between tradition and modernity. Driven by the aspiration to elevate Vietnamese recycled art, Thuận continuously experiments and innovates—blending new materials and techniques to transform floodwood creations into symbols of creativity and sustainability.