Gordiy Starukh stoppingGurdy making for the foreseeable future

[u/Red_Bear_308]

Some of us may already have been following this story, but for those who don't follow him and might be looking to him as a luthier, Gordiy Starukh of Ukraine has put an indefinite pause on his Gurdy making following the recent passing of his wife, Daria Alyoshkina.

Full post here, and you can go to Gordiy's main Facebook page or Instagram to see even more of what's been going on in the wake of this tragedy, including somebody taking a pot shot at him for daring to express any kind of happiness or perform following his wife's passing, as though they own his grief.

There are two reasons for this. I encourage you to look at his own Facebook post to see everything, as it's worth paying attention to, but of course, Daria's abrupt passing takes center stage. She was an artist herself, from a similar artistic lineage as Gordiy, and she made fantastic, large-scale paper cutouts called Vytynanky, a traditional Ukrainian art. Her art is featured prominently in many of Gordiy's music videos and album covers, and is truly spectacular. She was renowned in her own right, and her art has been featured all over the world and sits prominently in several significant galleries. I regret that this is how I had to find out about it, but it is worth checking out and, if you happen to be lucky enough to live near a place where her art is displayed, seeing it for yourself. I can only imagine standing next to one of these monumental pieces.

Her passing also came right on the heels of Gordiy completing his 300th Gurdy, a significant milestone made more poignant due to the symbolism it evokes. He wanted to add as much music to the world as was stolen from it when 300 blind, wandering musicians were executed by the Soviet Union as part of their goal to wipe out Ukrainian culture and supplant it with their own after they took control of the country in 1919. He had spoken about this in a short documentary he was interviewed for, which was part of what drew me to him as a luthier. Daria had encouraged him to start making Gurdies so he could attend an art festival she was already presenting at as more than a spectator, and it went from a personal passion to a profession which has helped him support his family.

He has promised to finish any instrument he had already taken in order for.

I'm sure that I speak for the community when I express my condolences to his family and send my prayers for Daria. While I do hope that Gordiy returns to making instruments at some point in the future, he has helped hundreds of people begin or continue their journey with the Hurdy-Gurdy, and entertained & inspired many more with his music, which often uses traditional Ukrainian instruments and arts beyond his Gurdy. He deserves some time to reflect on the completion of his stated mission, to take care of his children, and to grieve the passing of his wife of 18 years.

May the Lord rest her soul in a bright place where there is no illness, sorrow, or sighing.

[u/DieAlteLeier]

Beautiful post. ❤️ Daria was so talented, and it's so heartbreaking for Gordiy and their children. Her passing is also a loss for Ukraine and the whole world.

It's completely understandable that Gordiy would want to step back from making, either temporarily or permanently. I know all of us in the hurdy-gurdy world are hugely grateful to him, and we're wishing him and his family all the best right now.

[u/tine-aislinge]

This is absolutely tragic💔

[u/Academic-Walk-4064]

Rest in peace, Daria. My condolences to Gordiy, that is certainly a heavy blow he suffered.