This heartfelt blog celebrates the enduring passion and shared dreams between two lifelong friends. While one pursued a corporate career, the other stayed true to his love for art, creating beautiful oil paintings daily. Their paths may differ, but their bond and passion for life remain deeply intertwined.

During the three-year COVID-19 pandemic, many people learned new skills and connected online despite isolation. I met Banwen, a calligrapher from Chongqing, through our shared interest in creating tea scoops from bamboo. We bought materials from the same craftsman and learned the intricate process of making bamboo art. Meeting in person after six months of online chats, we shared our experiences and knowledge, deepening our appreciation for bamboo’s cultural significance and artistic value.