New job for Anh: Anh Do, who recently took up painting, is already a winner. Picture: Emilie Alford
HAVING grown up in southern Sydney, comedian Anh Do had no trouble feeling at home in Kogarah Library when he was announced winner of the Kogarah Art Prize.
The $8000 prize was an acknowledgement that his latest job description — artist — was heading in the right direction.
The Vietnamese refugee who was meant to be a lawyer but instead became a popular comedian and author now spends a lot of his time painting.
He started taking art seriously last year, he said, although he was already an artist by inclination and training.
‘‘I used to skip law classes to go to Meadowbank TAFE — and sometimes the affiliated St George TAFE — to study art,’’ he said.
He took up law because ‘‘mum was looking after three kids and my goal was to buy her a house as soon as possible’’.
Then comedy came along and Mrs Do got her house but Anh’s art was put on the backburner.
‘‘I’m doing a bit less comedy now, mainly focusing on my TV specials, and painting a lot more,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve converted our double garage into a studio and my wife is a little annoyed that the cars are now outside.’’
Since taking art serious Anh has acquired a mentor, artist Paul Ryan, and has secured an exhibition at the Olsen Irwin Gallery in 2015.