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. . . is there any difference in work and play? Not when you're
Can Van Le. The word "art" takes on a broad meaning.
It's more than a lifestyle. Its the kind of personal challenge
that ensues each time Can sets out to design a new piece of
jewelry. "How can I set this stone differently?"
"How can this large stone be set on a finger half its
size?" "What's a new twist on an old idea?" This is
the process that Can Van Le greets in the morning and follows him
to sleep.
Born in Vietnam to a jewelry family of 6 brothers
and sisters, his father passed away when Can was four years old,
leaving his mother to carry on the very non-traditional duty of
running their jewelry store. In 1968, at the age of 18, Can
learned the jewelry craft from his brother in law.
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| Then the Vietnam war came. The
communists took the South and their family store. They were no
longer allowed to work in precious metals, only in stainless
steel. As the war continued, families fled. Enduring a perilous
journey with 400 other passengers on a 20 yard boat, Can, his
three-year-old son and pregnant wife landed at an Indonesian
refugee camp where they stayed for one and a half years. Always
practical, Can says, "I brought my fishing line and hook,
seeds, and my jewelry tools."
When Can came to Denver in 1980 he had $52 in his
pocket and an $800 debt for the air fare. Within a year, still
learning English, he was able to pick up jewelry work again.
"America has so many opportunities. I love it here. I am able
to have so many resources at my fingertips, to make me a better
person. Here in America you can accomplish anything you put your
mind to. Hard work makes me feel good, because I love what I
do."
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Now his store, at it's new location at
Exposition and Colorado Boulevard, has 14 showcases displaying
Can's utmost attention to detail. "Jewelry is such an ideal
medium to demonstrate harmony between technology and art. I try to
achieve a connection by blending the wearability and beauty of a
stone for a practical yet fluid design. Behind each element is the
quality of full attention to workmanship that I pour into each
piece." |
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