I have been living in a hostel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the last three months while working on the FlutuArte project. In my time here I have met many travelers from around the world who have come to revel in the natural wonders of this beautiful city. Some have come to paint boats with us in Urca harbor, some have come along with us on our late night adventures and some have touched my heart in a way that will change me a bit forever. Here is a blog entry from Wing Ho, one of the latter, a special guy traveling through South America who impressed me with his curiosity, generosity and kindness~
Something Beautiful
I am not a native English speaker. I am a backpacker from Hong Kong now traveling in South America. I met Nicolina in a hostel in Rio de Janeiro. And beautiful, seems to be the only word that I can find to describe what they are doing— their art work, their soul, their intention, and the impact they are creating to the community of Urca. I was lucky enough to be invited by Nicolina to join them for a day of painting at the harbor. Of course their art works are truly amazing. But what impressed me the most is the connection they built with the fishermen there and the community of Urca. After a half day painting, I was sitting by the side of the harbor, when one of the fishermen dropped by and started talking with us. I don’t speak Portuguese and with the help of some translations I could barely understand what he was trying to convey. But from his tones, his gestures, and his eyes brimming with tears. I can tell how important Nico’s work is towards their living. It’s not just about money or merely improving their living conditions. It’s about the interaction between the fishermen and the artists. The care in between. The love involved. The unselfish offer. The kind-hearted intention. They are not something you can buy or sell. They are something invaluable. Something beautiful.
When the tear eventually dropped from the corner of ‘fisherman’’s eye, It was so powerful that it touched the deepest part of my heart. Because you know this is a man who has been living in a rough sea, through a rough time. And his tear would definitely outweigh his own blood. That’s the point I have decided to, at least within my capacity, do the best I could to become part of this beautiful event. And I hope you, who by any chance reading my words, can be part of it too. Spread the love. Let’s make this world a bit more beautiful.
FluteArte, is something beautiful, and probably the most, in my life.
-Ng Wing Ho
Reading Wing Ho’s post brings a swelling sensation to my chest along with a deep sense of gratification in knowing that what I am doing is making a difference in the world.
For those of you in Rio: I am sending anyone who might be reading this an open invitation to come paint boats with us! Many artists could use a hand finishing their designs and we could use extra help to varnish all of the boats. There are 50 of them. Does anyone know how to build? There are some boats that we haven’t been able to paint because the rooftops are weak or broken. If you want to help send us an email at FlutuArteInfo@gmail.com
If you can’t help out in a hands-on kind of way please consider donating to the FlutuArte project. $R 500 ($250 US) will buy a fisherman a new rooftop and we will paint it for free. No donation is too small. Please pass this on to the people you know who love art projects that build community and influence change!
We will be working at the the harbor every day from now until FlutuFESTA, our opening party on June 29th at 12:00. Advance tickets for FlutuFESTA (June 29th) are available at the harbor for $R 20
Address: Quadrado da Urca, Avenida Portugal and Urandi
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
