Brazilian photographer and former UA contributor Joćo Paglione and I were chatting online last night. We were discussing the benefits of connecting with people. Joćo is a great connector and we met years ago through a mutual friend. I know like myself, Joćo loves to learn but I wondered about the actual benefit of meeting so many different people. Is there supposed to be an education process or is it just useless chitchat? How can you be certain either way? Joćo couldn't believe I would question such a thing in the age of the Internet where six degrees of separation has never been more evident. Isn’t meeting new and interesting people from all around the world the ultimate inspiration?
Joćo is a unique artist and world traveler. Through the years we exchanged stories and adventures online.
"Guess who I'm talking to now?" I'll say.
Joćo directs me, "Hey look at my new project on Flickr."
Maybe this is what creative types do? They mix and mingle and share when circumstances permit. When you read about artists drinking together in pubs at the turn of the century was it the equivalent of relating on MySpace in the twenty first century? I admire the work of some artist and then it happens, I start researching. Something clicks in my brain a feeling wells up in my chest, I hold back for a day or two but inevitably I am compelled to inquire what went into making their project happen. I don’t know for certain, but I suppose that’s what Joćo and I have in common.