Vanny Channal (Cambodia/USA)

Metal Sculptor Vanny Channal stimulates the vision of possibilities through the usage of discarded industrial materials. His objective is to redefine the value in items that the majority view as purposeless. So we, the viewer, can look beyond life's circumstances, understand that anything is possible, then strive to maximize our own potential. Native to Southern California, born from Cambodian refugees, Vanny Channal was raised on culture. The culture of his parents, war survivors still struggling to overcome the turmoil of they're country. And the culture of his environment, the epicenter of drug abuse and gang violence. The majority of his community had a higher probability of incarceration or death than that of a college degree. Many of us live by what we believe in, because of how Vanny was raised, his beliefs held no significance. It was not until he discovered art, living in Philadelphia, is when his whole life changed.
As an artist, his motive is to alter perspectives. To see the world for more than what it is, see it for the possibilities of what it could be. Working with that single principle, he has managed exhibitions at The Philadelphia Zoo, The 2017 Global Conservation Gala, and The University of Pennsylvania's Morris Arboretum. Vanny's life mission is to enlighten others of their own abilities regardless of their circumstances. To go after the things you care about. To maximize your own potential and live life to the fullest capacity.