Chan Jae‘s drawings tell a sweet real-life story of how art and the web can connect people around the globe.
The popular photo app Instagram alongside a 75-year-old Korean grandfather’s artistic skills helped a family bound despite the distance and language or cultural differences.
The Lee family originally moved to Brazil from Korea in the 80s when their oldest son was only 10, seeking the dream of better days. When they had lived in Korea, Chan Jae loved to draw for his children, but he had to put his passions aside to support his family in the new country.
The kid’s favorite drawing. “For AAA” means “For Arthur, Allan, and Astro”.
Today, his Instagram account features his drawings and his wife’s stories written in 3 different languages.
The “grumpy” grandfather, as his son calls him, spent years without practicing his hobbies, focusing on working and providing a good life for them. Fortunately, all of that changed thanks to the power of the internet!
The drawings went viral for how relatable the story behind them is to most people these days: who doesn’t have a relative, a close friend, or a lover living far away? The best way to remain close at heart is through the internet.
This touching journey had its first spark when Chan Jae’s son, designer Ji who is currently living in New York, tried to convince his father to begin drawing again. It was out of worry since the old man was falling ill and unmotivated to do much ever since his grandchildren moved to Korea.
“From then on there was an emptiness in my heart.”
– Chan Jae
Chan Jae is now retired and his daily job was to drive his grandchildren to school. They were incredibly close so when his daughter and 2 sons moved to Korea, he was left blue and would spend his days watching Korean TV. There wasn’t much else he could do.
That’s when Ji remembered his childhood days,
“I remembered when I was a kid, my dad used to draw for us. So I thought he could draw again and post it on Instagram. He hated the idea! He never heard of Instagram. Never used email. Not even Google!”
– Chan Jae’s son, Ji
But it was only when the pair traveled from Brazil to New York to meet their youngest grandson, Ji’s son Astro, that the idea went from black and white to full colors.
The family realized how the distance was taking its toll on Mister Lee when he wondered what Astro would be when he grew up to which Ji asked “Why?”, and the father simply stated: “Because I won’t be around anymore”.
“I was sad because the idea of my dad’s death became much more real after this talk.”
– Ji Lee
That’s was when Ji had a great idea!
Chan Jin started drawing every day. “He has made hundred of drawings and hasn’t stopped”, according to Jin. Practicing his passion has helped him forget the pain caused by shingles. He was still having a hard time with the apps, but thankfully, his wife was an avid technology user!
His wife, Marina, taught Korean Literature back in her country and is a very talented writer. Her stories are written in Korean and translated to Portuguese and English, and helped people from all around the world to fall in love with the Lee Grandparents.
Arthur and Allan, Ji’s other sons, always interact with Chan Jae and his drawings. When he draws them, “It makes us feel like he’s there with us”, said one of the boys. There are photos of their daily life, Brazilian events, Korean culture, and much more.
“People can see the true love in each drawing. They all became grandchildren to my father. And that’s what I find so amazing!”
– Chan Jae’s Daughter, Miru
The project was named Drawings For My Grandchildren and has reached over 200 thousand followers. Thanks to this creative solution, the family chats every single day!
Now, Chan Jae and Marina spend their time looking for inspiration for their art.
His son posted a video on his Facebook account about how it all unveiled:
Check some of the drawings and stories:
Source: Ji Lee
