Duy Huynh brings dreams to life.

Deborah Triplett

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“It feels like I’m in a different state when I’m painting,” says Duy. His art, immediately recognizable for its dreamy, contemplative quality, often features poetic portrayals of traveling people or animals. “I try to leave as much room as possible for [the viewer’s] own interpretation,” says Duy. He draws inspiration from music, comic books, and folklore, as well as his childhood as a Vietnamese immigrant living in California and Carolina. But Duy doesn’t just influence the Queen City’s artsy tastes with his own work; as co-owner (with Sandy Snead) of Lark & Key Gallery, in NoDa and South End, he presents a well-curated selection of artwork and handcrafted items for sale.

What’s your favorite thing about wearing a skirt? “Once you see the pictures Deborah took it’ll be pretty obvious: I have some pretty amazing legs.”

And your favorite thing about reading skirt!? “You can probably tell by my work; I like to stay in touch with my feminine side. It does a good job of celebrating women’s culture.”