The internet has provided connections for people that would not otherwise exist. Whether it is due to physical limitations, vast distances or the pandemic, the world wide web has brought together people across the globe. And allowed us access to family, old friends and acquaintances.
The ukulele community, already connected through YouTube and numerous web sites quickly adapted to the no travel and quarantines set up around the world. Events became virtual and instructors learned to deal with time lag and the foibles of internet video connections. It has brought us opportunities to learn from instructors on the other side of the world through live online events and videos stored for review at any time of the day or night.
One of the things I’ve done during the pandemic is to expand my artistic pursuits, specifically pen and ink drawing. I found a drawing course online by an artist that really appealed to me (and over 100,000 other budding artists!). In the process of learning I made a friend with another student taking the class and was immediately captured by the charm of his characters. I even recognized the location of one of his pictures, having spent a Sunday afternoon inside and in the shadow of the MASP in Sao Paulo. I asked if I could buy a piece of his art. After some negotiations (No, I don’t want you to cut a page out of your journal!), he sent me a drawing, along with a number of other goodies. The mail service in the US being what it is, it took almost nine weeks to arrive. He had kept it a surprise, so I had no idea what was going to show up.
HelloGuchi is the name he goes by on Instagram, his character is brilliant! He produced this delightful picture for me. It is obvious that he spent time on this website as I can identify many of my instruments and shirts in the picture! The level of detail allows you to discover something new every time you look at the art work. Give him a follow and treat yourself to a smile once in a while!
Thanks.