by Mackenzie Hill, Staff Writer
Every person has their own form of artistic ability, but for Nathalie Huynh (’15) and Viet Vu (’16), their creative talent is spoken word poetry.
To the FVHS students, spoken word poetry is a great form of expression and creativity. Huynh was introduced to the art by her older sister, while Vu found it through research.
“One night she just pulled up these youtube videos of different spoken word artists… and I was like that’s so cool! And then I just kind of got inspired to do the same thing she was doing,” Huynh said.
Vu was inspired indirectly through researching great speeches made by people such as Abraham Lincoln or Martin Luther King Junior. These speeches led him to more research where he happened upon spoken word poetry.
“I didn’t look up spoken word right away… I didn’t even know what it was…Then I started looking up videos on youtube and that’s when I found spoken word poetry.” said Vu.
The two have both done spoken word poetry for a few years; Vu since eighth grade and Huynh since freshman year.
Most times they perform their spoken word poetry just for expression and fun. However, Huynh has competed in the FNL talent show twice and won second place her sophomore year.
Huynh and Vu often speak of life topics or whatever seems to be on their mind in that time of their life in their poetry.
“I basically speak about whatever is getting me upset… a lot of times it has to do with people I’m dating or school or struggles, basically anything that gets me affected I guess.” said Huynh.
The expression, performance, writing, and overall experience of the poetry are Huynh’s favorite aspects, whereas Vu prefers the emotions and encouragement he receives from the crowd while performing.
Vu encourages people to find an artistic outlet and eventually move into spoken word, while Huynh suggests jumping right in.
“Start outletting yourself through a certain art and then…try spoken word…I think it should come naturally instead of trying to make it work. I think people should just try to express themselves through each type of art.” said Vu.
“I feel like it’s a really good way to let go of your emotions… I encourage a lot of people to just go for it.” stated Huynh
