Man, in this digital age where everyone is so focused on the grind, it’s hard to find a person that embraces the value of arts and craftmanship like this man. Salut to you Rajiv.
I was a competitive tennis player as a child, so I can really relate to everything you have said. Another thing I also learned, is that as you progress, sometimes you need a different teacher for the next phase of your practice. It feels sad to move on, but a good teacher will want you to move on too.
Oh Rajiv, you stole my heart with this video. This is exactly how I learnt watercolors. I reached out to Russian artist Sergei Kurbatov and requested him to teach me in-person. I went to his plein air retreat in Tuscany and dedicated everything to practicing. Now I'm a watercolor teacher myself and I'm currently filming a course called Painting Large Watercolors. I'm going to share this video with my students because you've touched upon vital points about mastering any skill. A humble learning mindset and a hunger for getting better can changes someone's life. ❤
So beautiful! My dad is a great oil painter in a generation of oil painters , he has been taught the skill of making the canvas from scratch and prepping it for the oil painting by his uncle, who was a famous and talented painter in Spain. He always says he will die with this secret unless someone talented that really wants to learn it asks to learn it. Wanna come to my house in Spain Rajjv and take the secret canvas treatment out of him???
I'm a music teacher, and have learned over the years that some students might interrupt because they have ASD1 or ADHD. It is actually very very much harder for these learners to just sit back and not blurt out a thousand questions. I know the other learners may find it distracting, so I try to find ways to minimize disruption. This is true regardless of age of my students. There's no excuse for jerky, inconsiderate behavior...but I now understand that some people struggle really hard to fit into group settings, and frequently they overstep boundaries and annoy those around them. I try to extend grace to all learners.
Thank you for your grace and understanding. I struggle to focus in class. I’m not disruptive, but I annoy myself for wasting good money, when I really want to learn, but can’t stop daydreaming. I wish classes came with a pause button, so I could go back to the point where I became distracted.
@user-ov6bl6iz3e awww hugs. I'm ashamed of my past self, sometimes, because I didn't have a good understanding of all the different learning styles. I didn't have as much patience as I do now. I realize, also, that neurodivergent students often need music, art, and community SO MUCH. And they get tons of rejection, everywhere. Many of my students only feel happy and safe in the arts wing. They feel valued and seen. I have had many ASD kids, lgbtq kids, bullied, ostracized, misunderstood kids, find their community with orchestra. ❤️ but at first, I may have to teach them some self- regulatory skills. And I try now to model compassion during outbursts and inappropriate behavior, while also guiding them to their best work. Helping improve engagement for all students is what I aspire to. I often have fallen short. Granted...I teach ages 9-18. Group setting. I get adults feeling frustrated with other grown-ass people, buuuut they paid for the class too...some may be pretty damn annoying. It's a struggle for sure.
I love to learning new things, but mostly I love to be autodidact. I have been off my job for 4 months (I had an accident working) and the people tell me now if I was not boring. I have started learning play piano (I learnt a Chopin sonata), I started listening classical music and studying musical theory, that was a discovery, I have read 25 books in different languages, I was gardening, I was doings creative writing everyday for 20 min, I was cooking and taking a hole Japanese breakfast, I was learning how to do French baghettes (this time with Richard Bertinet), I started oleo painting, I was knitting, plus visiting gardens and museums, going to the beach, and over all studying Japanese and Japanese literature. I even have done a few courses in literature. And I was doing a flower arrangement. So my answer is no, I was not boring. I even dont like this job. Now I have an interview for my dream job, as a librarian in public libraries. So I finally could pass my time doing what I love.
Oh, such wisdom....Can you imagine if this message was communicated starting in elementary school. A very accomplished and wise friend (who much like yourself was multi-talented) once told me how learning to play piano in his youth had taught him many life lessons. One of the greatest of these being delayed gratification. That lesson served him well in every new undertaking. Thanks, Rajiv.
This, I think, is the value of having children in activities. It's not that they are going to be the next prodigy or star; it teaches them how to learn something, apply themselves, practice, improve, and trust that someone (the teacher) knows what they are doing and follow their instructions. There is nothing like being terrible at something, going through the process, and successfully learning a new skill.
I always reference my time learning to draw when I was a child. Even to this day I have respect for that little 10 year old girl who decided to learn to draw people. She has been a great teacher in not only art but perseverance, patience, and focus
Thank you, Rajiv. I am struggling to learn to knit. When I make mistakes I do not know how to correct them. I am able to make the stitches but I lose concentration. I start over and over. When I can focus properly I will have a product I am proud of. That product will be a testimony to my ability to control my mind.
I'm a knitter too and let me tell you.... here is one thing that might help.... Add a lifeline every x amount of rows (search for knitting lifelines in youtube and you will find a bunch of tutorials).... This takes alot of the pressue off regaring worrying about making mistakes beacuse if you do make a mistake (and cant figure out how to fix it), the lifeline will help you recover your stitches a few rows back so that you dont have to start over from the begining every time you make a mistake. Hope this helps! Keep on knitting ❤
I watch a knitting channel called Nimble Needles. He is an absolutely fantastic teacher, I cannot recommend him enough. Here is a video by him on fixing mistakes: ruclips.net/video/AuH4SafA8d8/видео.htmlsi=Bk1bjeGjEjYrTgrN
This should be mandatory viewing for everyone. In today's time of overconsumption, we all should learn something and create as well. Thank you for this 👌
I have a bronze statue of that goddess in my bedroom. I see her every night before I go to sleep and every day when I wake up. I do not have a remotely Hindu background, but fell in love with her when I read everything she stands for. When I glance at her, I remember who I am. Thank you, Rajiv. I relate to this video very much.
I lived in India for the first 26 years of my life. At age 22, I wanted to learn the sitar from a renowned artist near my house. I did not know where he lived, but I had a general idea of the area. I went from one block to another, asking where he lived, and reached his home, where he taught the sitar. He was gracious enough to teach me the sitar, and I was one of the students whom he taught personally instead of his senior students. And what you said about practice is true; you need to practice so that you become better day by day. I started to learn pottery when I came to the US, took a few classes, and then stopped. Your video has inspired me to look into the classes again, and I will be enrolling in the pottery classes again this May because all the classes are full until May. You are an inspiration, Rajiv. I love your videos.
Lovely, Rajiv! I’m learning perfumerie, pattern-making and garment construction, architectural model making, and French. I wish I had more time-and discipline, if I’m being honest. One challenge for me is accepting that I love searching out and investing in fine creative materials! I have to remember that it’s perfectly ok for me to purchase a few cashmere yarn skeins-and it doesn’t have to mean that I’m learning to becoming a knitter. I accept that I enjoy knitting only occasionally, so why not use a very fine, pretty material when I do so!
Learning the harp (starting in 2008) really set me off in a new direction - first it was a harp with no levers, then partial levers (love those Harpsicle harps!), then full levers with Dusty Strings. I found two harp therapy programs and graduated from them so I could play in healthcare, and then - I never thought I'd go there - but a good harp buddy of mine was dying, and she wanted her Lyon and Healy Chicago Petit (40 string) pedal harp to go to a good home, so we made space for it in our tiny house in Honolulu for it. I play lever harp for hospital, and hospice. And, two weeks ago, I just started playing with watercolors, and I don't know why, but I'm really diggin' it! I'm 68, and my artistic bent is finally coming out! Hugs from O'ahu, Rajiv!
The way you talk about learning and the Hindu principle of "flow" is so beautiful! I would love to see a video about how you discipline yourself to fit so many skills into your life. There's so much I want to learn, but when I'm dedicated to one thing I feel I'm missing out on others. Of course, time-sucking social media and entertainment don't help either...I really admire how your life seems organized around creativity, learning, and self-betterment.
I understand that this style of apprenticeship is still alive and well in Japan. I have some pottery and it makes me so happy. Starting again has always been the hardest part for me, or being afraid to start when I don’t know if the first path will be the right one. Sometimes a little music or struggling with a friend helps. ❤
This is brilliant… my old art teacher from Poland had a sign printed in black paint on cardboard: please hold your question for after the class. Bathroom down the hall. He would hold up this sign and not miss a beat!
I’m always struck by the quality of Rajiv’s questions when he is in a setting with an expert, like in the opening with the watercolor painter. He does often seem like a master student, engaging with what he is seeing and asking just the right questions about it.
I absolutely enjoy all your videos. There are so many things I enjoy about your videos, I enjoy listening to your voice, I enjoy watching how you demonstrate what to do and not be concerned if you make a mistake, I enjoy your humor. Today, you brought peace into my world. I've been asking our God to bring me peace and clarity. To bring a stillness to my mind and heart. Thank you for sharing what you have learned over time. Have a wonderful day. 😊
Thank you for sharing. I have had similar experiences and here is one of them: You can if you think you can, even if takes many years. an excerpt from chapter 13. July 2, 2013 at 10:22pm Each of us, in our own ways, gradually acquired the many skills necessary. For me, the acquisition of some skills was illusive. It took me years of daily practice to master the skill of pulling handles. Sure, I admit that I put wispy poorly applied handles on pots for years. However, I felt bad about every single one. Yet, every one was the best that I could do at that moment in time. I knew they didn’t feel right or look right. Thankfully I had the vision to see and to know that. Every day, I spent at least an hour pulling handles over a slurry pail, letting each one fall to its deserving death, to be recycled and resurrected again for another exercise. Usually, it was the first thing I did in the morning after attending to the clay mixing barrels and wedging the day’s supply of clay. On most mornings I would pull about ten pounds of practice handles. I also exercised pulling handles directly off of pots. I threw pots of various sizes and shapes especially for handle pulling practice. It is easy to see that I devoted a good bit of studio time to support the practice of pulling handles. It was that important to me. Still, it was drudgery. Some part of me knew, however, that one day I would arrive at the point where my practicing would allow me to be able to pull any type of handle, of any shape, width, or length that I wanted or needed. For years this did not happen. Every day the results seemed to be the same. It was extremely frustrating but I stayed with it like religion. I don’t know why, but my expectations were wrong. I have dabbled with music my entire life. Practicing on a regular basis has always brought continuing bits of progress in a stepping stone fashion. Difficult fingerings and maneuvers became gradually easier and smoother with repetition. Learning one thing would open a small door to make learning another thing easier. There seemed to be connections and links between one musical learning path and other musical paths. When I learned to draw, it was very much the same way. I had this expectation of incremental progress with handle pulling but it didn’t happen. Slow improvement with small advances were frustrating enough but almost no improvement or advancement, over a long period of time, was often just torture. Sure, there was some improvement over the years since I left school but it was minimal. One morning I began the daily ritual of practice and it was totally different. I am pretty sure that I did everything exactly as I normally would, but that day it felt different. That was it, it was a feeling not a product and not an intellectual act! That day I felt the clay. I felt it with my fingers. I felt it with my hands. I felt it with my eyes. I didn’t just look at the clay and see the clay; I actually felt the clay with my eyes. The whole process was about feeling. It was a day of epiphany. I never thought it would all come together in a single moment but it did. The day before every handle I pulled was serviceable but lacking in grace, authority, and fluidity. Suddenly I felt like I could pull powerful handles of any width, cross section, or length. So, that’s what I started to do. I pulled all the little handle plugs I had fashioned for the morning’s practice and stuck them to edge of a worktable. I rolled up a cone of about three pounds of clay and tried to see how long I could pull a handle. It was longer than thirty inches because it touched the floor when I stuck it to the table top. I took what was left of the cone and did it again and again and again. It wasn’t just a long handle but the cross section was pleasantly hefty and two dorsal ridges evenly spaced for the whole length. The two dorsal ridges were indicative of the Alfred, New York style of handle. The handles each had a pleasing, slow, gradual taper from one end to the other. I pulled handles that were of an English style with one dorsal ridge. I pulled round handles and round handles with multiple ridges. I pulled handles with a square cross section. I pulled handles with my right hand. I pulled handles with my left hand. I tired to see how wide I could pull a handle with either hand. I stuck a large wide cone of clay to a table top to see how wide and how long I could pull a handle using both hands. I brought out the tray of handle practice pots and attached little noses of clay of various widths to the pots and pulled handles directly from the pots. I had never been able to successfully do that to my own satisfaction before. Instantly I realized that it would, from that day forward, be the method I would use to attach handles almost all of the time. Although it had nothing to do with pulling handles, I decided that day that I would try to once-fire pottery from that point on, no more pointless bisque firings. Not only had I acquired the control of the clay in pulling handles that day but I think I became a different person. Or at the least, I had become a very different version of the person I had been the day before. I could feel the clay and that made me feel as though I had been pulling handles for ever like the handles I had been pulling that day. My fingers and hands experimented with subtle pressures and movements. My whole being became filled with a mystical spiritual joy. Within a few hours I had stuck a handle to every available surface and every available pot. My apron was covered with slurry. I held the clay as high as I could to keep from tiring. Slurry covered both arms and when I raised my arms high; the slurry ran into my armpits. It was a glorious feeling. By noon that day I could no longer remember not having the feeling, which was just the day before, when I didn’t have total control of the clay in pulling handles. Maybe it would be better to say that I couldn’t remember a time when I was not one with the clay. I couldn’t remember a time when I couldn’t feel the clay in such a way that I knew what the clay wanted or needed. I could no longer remember what it felt like to not be able to pull beautiful handles. At some point my oldest daughter, Heather, had entered the room but I hadn’t noticed her. I have no idea how long she had been quietly watching me. Time has always been a mystery to me. I heard her small voice say, “Dad, you’re starting to scare me”. Startled, I turned and asked, “What do you mean”? “You’ve got handles stuck everywhere. What are you doing”, she asked? “I’m just happy”, I said, “Yesterday I couldn’t pull handles like this and today I can”. “I think I better go tell mom”, she said in a dramatic worried manner and disappeared back into the house. She was truly concerned. I’m sure she thought I had completely lost my mind. She is over forty years old now and she still loves telling the story about me sticking handles everywhere in the workshop. It may seem very strange but I knew what the feeling would be like the first time I saw someone else skillfully working in clay. I knew it was something I had to do. I knew I had to get that feeling. The feeling was like the memory of something remote and long ago. When it all came together on one day it was like a physical muscle memory that had been reclaimed from time. I think I knew what it would feel like because it was suddenly such a familiar feeling. At some point in time I think I had done it all before. I spent the following several days designing and making items constructed with just pulled handles. I made bud vases and candlesticks and wall sconces. I practiced attaching handles that ended in a smooth fluid billowing flow, like the waves of a ribbon. I practiced applying wide sturdy handles, horizontally, to the sides of large planters. I pulled short, medium and long handles of various profiles from the undersides of pots to become legs. I involved myself totally in a sort of orgy of handle pulling and application. As an adult I’m not sure that I was, ever before, so excited by any other activity or skill acquisition. For a short while it was all consuming. Eventually things once again became more balanced. Handle pulling accepted its rightful place as one of an arsenal of useful potter’s skills. However, physically, aesthetically, and spiritually, pulling handles remains at the top of my list of favorite pleasurable pottery activities. It also always gives me great pleasure to pickup someone else’s pots to more closely examine and admire the beauty of a well pulled and expertly attached handle. Sadly, it is not often that I experience such handles.
Watched the canvas reframing, awesome like all your detailed videos. Perhaps I have a tip for your friend the framer. My father was a forester and he told me that the wood of the Sugar Pine tree, which grows in the area of Mt. Lassen California, has the least coefficient of movement wet to dry which makes it ideal for windows, back when they were made of wood. That should also be an asset for his framing construction. Just seeing the Mature Sugar Pine with it's foot long cones at the tips of its branches is a memorable sight. The geology is also amazing in that area due to Mt. Lassen's eruptions , you can find rocks that float.
Rajiv how did u not know about you until now??!! 😅 I found your channel bc of your marbeling paper video & I’m loving your channel! 💗💗 I’d like to have a week long play date with you & just create! I’ll bring lots of snacks! 😁💗
Learning new things keeps one young! I’m currently doing a full restoration on a vintage loom in preparation to learn how to weave. My neighbor who is a professional weaver asks why I just don’t buy a new loom and start to weave but I now know more about looms than she does and its restoration has prepared me to lean into the craft more deeply with the knowledge I’ve acquired about my new tool. Thank you for investing in the content you produce. I just love your channel.
Sometimes in India they also say that the guru finds you if it’s really in your fate to ‘know’ . This is so fundamental that it makes learning under a guru much like a gift from a different realm. And that thing about doing the right practice - that’s where having the ‘right’ guru is so important. Not the best or the biggest expert in the field, but the teacher who is right for you.
Thank You, Rajiv for bringing value to RUclips with your talents, wisdom and applicable advice on exactly how to follow your curiosity and inner compass. Every video I watch of yours is time well spent, and that cannot be said for the vast majority of content I see on here. Stay well and keep smilin'! :)
Hello beautiful soul. Even though im older than you, you sure hold a higher place of wisdom. What an inspiration you are. A fresh breath of mint, that takes me to a place of wanting.... To achive my fullest To reach to higher perfectionism Blessings
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say Rajiv. The saddest thing is someone with natural talent who shuts there mind and is not willing to learn more; because their ego gets in the way or their successes come so easily. There is always someone with more skill, more talent, more practice and mastery to learn from. Blessings to you for your attitude, Muffy from Oz.
I practice archery and the first 2-3 years it's definitely a case of shutting up and listening to the instructor talking about techniques and materials. My club is very small and homey, and it's very nice to think about how those 4-5 people have mentored me and helped me to eventually get where I am now. Archery is also a weird sport in some ways because I have to get into a certain mental state to shoot accurately. I can't think about what I'm doing but I still have to pay attention what I'm doing.
The wonderful thing about a sacred gift is it flows in two directions; it came from another time, another generation gifted to us and on into the circle beyond our moment here to be found anew .. The time together is a gift for both teacher and student ....
Same here. Finding the right teacher is thr most challenging part of learning a new skill. It's worth it when you find them though. Some of my interests i still need to find teachers for.
Thank you Rajiv!!!❤️ Your attitude and curiosity towards learning is one of the things that makes life worth living. We are here for a short stay therefore it is imperative that we make the most of it. You are doing so beautifully. Thank you again for sharing.
That’s wonderful, excellent choice! Its awesome that you chose something creative, beautiful to look at, and also functional! Yours is my favorite of all the comments I read. Enjoy Sunday!
Really appreciate this video. I have been studying Sogetsu school of Ikebana for years. I just returned after a long hiatus. My sensei is 86. Her eye is so well honed. Last week I was working on a simple arrangement of pussy willow branches and one bright coral Icelandic poppy. She came to the side of the composition and said "this is the front, can you see that? It is much more interesting from this angle?". And indeed it was. I have learned and refined my eye so much from her instruction. I feel honored to be taught by her. It has informed how I perceive the world in so many ways.
I’m learning how to crochet. I’ve done it for just over a year now and I still have so much to learn. I don’t have a teacher as I learn from RUclips, but I would love to find one. This video definitely taught me some tips to learn better!!
Actively looking for a piano teacher now - yes, I can plunk my way through a Mozart minuet, but I know I can only go so far on my own - thank you for the reminder!
Thaks for this Rajiv. It seems the willingness to give things a go plays a big part -"Beginner's Mind" - plus enthusiasm. People give up too easily with "I can't draw" etc.
I realize the point of this video was not a focus on your personal space, but the objects in your room are gorgeous! I found myself surveying your background when you were being interviewed and your choices are lovely
Rajiv, thank you so much for this inspiring video. I recently went back to learning piano. Last year I had one teacher, but this year I changed to another one who is challenging me, not just giving me weekly scales and moving on. He is teaching me how to strengthen my fingers and hands and use the pedal, things I have never been taught before. I love the challenge. I wish I could keep this video forever on my tablet.
Yes, you have taken the time to learn all these things, but OUR benefit is that someone like you, who has such a drive and motivation to learn also has a drive and a motivation to teach and motivate. I don’t know you personally. I feel like I do. But in my room in my home in NC on a comfortable quiet evening I can watch a beautifully made video from someone beautiful inside and out and become inspired, be entertained, be educated, be motivated.. to learn a new thing.. or simply to be more open myself, to educate more, to motivate, to do for someone else.. as you do. ☺️💕
That's my goal, to motivate the people watching these videos. Motive them to simply feel motivated, at the very least. Thanks for your comment, and for watching.
Thank you, for yet another beautiful video to calm my mind. And also bringing back memories ... When I was a teenager, I had a retired cabinet maker (I did not know that at the time) say to me "I hear you are into woodwork", I replied, "yes, I want to be a cabinet maker", he said "Would you like me to teach you how to use the scrollsaw?" I said "Yes please. I just have one question, what is a scrollsaw?" 😂 We didn't have google back then, so I just had to wait for my first class to find out. All I knew was I was going to be doing woodwork with him on Saturday mornings (because I was still at school). Well my first lesson came and I saw it for the first time, we went through a quick how to turn it on and off and then he ruled a straight line on a piece of wood and told me to cut a straight line. So 15 year old me gets on there and cuts a straight line. He then told me it usually takes a year or 2 for people to learn how to cut a straight line, and was amazed that I did it the very first time, he had never seen anyone do that before. So we had a lot of fun, being able to skip the basics and go straight into making projects, I was still learning a lot.
After school, I did a pre-apprenticeship cabinet making course and learned how to use all the machinery by my teacher who was also a retired cabinet maker, and with exams where you have to get 100% to move on to the next part of the course. I finished that. Then I had seizures and can't use the machinery, too dangerous. So no, I'm not a cabinet maker.
That’s really sad because you would have been a very good one. I hope you found another career path that uses your obvious abilities and positive, tenatious mindset and also brings you joy😊!
I have learnt more from the first few minutes of mixing watercolours, than I've managed in several courses. Thank you, you wonderful man. You are my role model xx
For anything we attempt, we first have to remember we are human. So limited in anything we do. Accepting our mistakes for they are the way of learning. Repetition is a good thing, taking the time to practice doing whatever we want to perfect, over and over, disciplines us. Then realizing that being perfect is not of this world. It may take years of dedication but so many are too much in a hurry and cease to accomplish their intended goal. Patience is golden, and listening is vital to all we learn from good teachers. Teachers are eager to pass on what they have learned. Thank you, Rajiv, for you see I know you are a great teacher.🌅🌟
You are so inspiring! My mother ( who is no longer with us) always told me what is in you mind (or brain) nobody can take it away from you in opposition of material things..so true
YES! This! Just shut up and listen to the teacher. Watch. Absorb. Asking question after question, and getting answers to each question just teaches people that they can keep asking and getting answers, none of which will teach the actual skill, but just sponsor more curiosity. Love what you shared. It's priceless.❤
Respect is one of the most important traits, which lack of it could ruin a healthy society... After so many years living here in the United States, I still feel uncomfortable calling an elderly person or a teacher, "you" or by their first name.
Well said. I remember when I realized that learning how to learn was an applicable skill. I first came upon Your channel while browsing for calligraphy lessons. I can say, Dear City Mouse, we share many of the same interests. I really appreciate You and what You offer.
Dear Rajiv, I love your videos and look forward to the next subject. You have inspired me, especially at this time in life, thank you! I’ve studied Ikebana, jewelry making and a couple of other arts. I’m a bit older lady with an ill husband, because of your inspiration, my handwriting has improved. Thank you again for your incredible contribution and content, you are a wonderful teacher!!❤️💕❤️
This segment at 10:15 is 🔥🔥🔥 "Another cornerstone of learning a new skill is practice: dedicating the time to actually sit and do the thing. Am I giving this new skill time? And practice is only effective if you’re focused-if you’re actually focused on analyzing what’s happening and asking yourself, “what’s wrong with this? Why do I keep making the same mistake?” Learning how to practice is also a skill in itself. Just because I’m making 200 pots, it doesn’t meant mean I’m getting better. The hours don’t matter if the quality of practice is not correct. Because it’s very easy to go “eh, it’s good enough. Eh, it’s nice. Eh, it will sell.” Which, they always do. The pots always sell. But it’s much harder for me to stop and in my mind, look at that pot when it just came off the wheel, when it’s still wet before it’s fired and to say, “Is that right? Does it have the beautiful silhouette that Guy [the pottery master] has been dictating to you for decades?“ And when I say No, what’s hard is to walk over to the pot, to pick up and to squash it, and to make it again. Because I know I could have sold that pot. But it’s not right. That’s how I get better-by being critical."
There is a certain level of fearlessness and willingness to make mistakes in learning a new skill. Failure is just part of the process. I often have people who admire my hobbies and say they wish they could do that too. I always tell them they can if they want to. They just have to be willing to try and to be okay with things not being perfect. I tell them experience doesn’t mean you are going to be perfect at what you do (although one is always striving for that). Experience just makes you better at hiding your mistakes.
Your knowledge and talents are incredible. Great mind set only few in the world have. Your energy willingness to keep learning and sharing is a great motivation and asset to many. May you be continued to be blessed. 🙏❤️🙏your respect to your culture and knowing the deep meaning of each of the things are amazing. Trusting all people who are watching your videos are being very proud of their own culture and deep appreciation towards it. ❤️
Once again, thank you, Rajiv. You remain a true inspiration to me. I take your words to heart. You are helping me always strive to be a better person, all 'round.
I've said it before, you are amazing! Your dedication to learning new skills is beyond compare. Thank for sharing this experience of patience and understanding that practice makes perfect!❤
I had to laugh when you talked about "that person" in every class...I've noticed the same thing and of course at times have been that person. After many years of life I've disciplined myself to listen and truthfully, I do learn more.
Thank you Rajiv, I am reminded of your message before I return to painting again. Not so easy to find the right instructors. I will persevere. Love to hear more about your process. Tells more about your creative daily routine.
Rajiv, you are so many things I aspire to be. What is fascinating is the subject of your videos always comes to me after I'm contemplating something related to the video. What I enjoy is your calmness when explaining, very balanced pace, your natural way of explaining resonates in the heart. Thank you for these videos.
Thank you Rajiv, I needed to hear your message before seeking pottery classes in NYC. I was, randomly seeking now I will seek intently and not just whose in the “yellow pages” (LOL) social media.
Learning as flowing is such a beautiful concept. Just like your respect towards teachers, your native culture, art. Thank you for creating and sharing this journey with us. I found out that something I need to work on is how to temper the ego
This video was so inspiring and on point! I’ve followed your videos for a couple of years and always found them interesting. However, as a lifelong classical pianist and opera singer, the points you make in this video spoke to my soul. As I age (75) the pursuit of excellence seems to be ever more important to me. I applaud your pursuit of excellence and look forward to your continued journeys. Thank you, Rajiv! ❤
Thank you, Rajiv. I also learn a lot from your videos. So, wish I had tried so many things in my life that I did not. Every time I watch one of your videos, I get closer to trying something that interested me ages ago. Thank you again for lighting a spark in me.
Hinduism is the ultimate truth: Maathru Devo Bhava Pithru Devo Bhava Aacharya Devo Bhava Athidhi Devo Bhava. Honour thy Mother as God. Honour thy Father as God. Honour thy Teacher as God. Honour thy Guest as God How beautiful
You´re an inspration for me Rajiv i´m always amazed at your ability to do so many things and this video really inspires me to put more work into the skills/hobbies i love doing, sending much love!!
Man, in this digital age where everyone is so focused on the grind, it’s hard to find a person that embraces the value of arts and craftmanship like this man. Salut to you Rajiv.
I was a competitive tennis player as a child, so I can really relate to everything you have said. Another thing I also learned, is that as you progress, sometimes you need a different teacher for the next phase of your practice. It feels sad to move on, but a good teacher will want you to move on too.
So true. Insightful comment. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this perspective! I never really thought about it that way before. 🌷
True. I am a contortionist and after several different coaches, I’ve finally found the right one.
Oh Rajiv, you stole my heart with this video. This is exactly how I learnt watercolors. I reached out to Russian artist Sergei Kurbatov and requested him to teach me in-person. I went to his plein air retreat in Tuscany and dedicated everything to practicing. Now I'm a watercolor teacher myself and I'm currently filming a course called Painting Large Watercolors. I'm going to share this video with my students because you've touched upon vital points about mastering any skill. A humble learning mindset and a hunger for getting better can changes someone's life. ❤
What a beautiful comment
Having a reverence and respect for your teacher, which seems to have disappeared. A reverence in how you also listen and learn.
So beautiful! My dad is a great oil painter in a generation of oil painters , he has been taught the skill of making the canvas from scratch and prepping it for the oil painting by his uncle, who was a famous and talented painter in Spain. He always says he will die with this secret unless someone talented that really wants to learn it asks to learn it. Wanna come to my house in Spain Rajjv and take the secret canvas treatment out of him???
I'm a music teacher, and have learned over the years that some students might interrupt because they have ASD1 or ADHD. It is actually very very much harder for these learners to just sit back and not blurt out a thousand questions. I know the other learners may find it distracting, so I try to find ways to minimize disruption. This is true regardless of age of my students.
There's no excuse for jerky, inconsiderate behavior...but I now understand that some people struggle really hard to fit into group settings, and frequently they overstep boundaries and annoy those around them. I try to extend grace to all learners.
I am annoyed easily by stupid questions when I'm paying good money to hear what the teacher has to say.
@rajivsurendra I'm easily annoyed when I'm trying to teach and someone keeps interrupting my focus. 😆 alas.
Thank you for your grace and understanding. I struggle to focus in class. I’m not disruptive, but I annoy myself for wasting good money, when I really want to learn, but can’t stop daydreaming. I wish classes came with a pause button, so I could go back to the point where I became distracted.
@user-ov6bl6iz3e awww hugs. I'm ashamed of my past self, sometimes, because I didn't have a good understanding of all the different learning styles. I didn't have as much patience as I do now. I realize, also, that neurodivergent students often need music, art, and community SO MUCH. And they get tons of rejection, everywhere. Many of my students only feel happy and safe in the arts wing. They feel valued and seen. I have had many ASD kids, lgbtq kids, bullied, ostracized, misunderstood kids, find their community with orchestra. ❤️ but at first, I may have to teach them some self- regulatory skills. And I try now to model compassion during outbursts and inappropriate behavior, while also guiding them to their best work. Helping improve engagement for all students is what I aspire to. I often have fallen short.
Granted...I teach ages 9-18. Group setting. I get adults feeling frustrated with other grown-ass people, buuuut they paid for the class too...some may be pretty damn annoying. It's a struggle for sure.
Bless teachers like you!!! They saved me from myself! ❤😊❤
I love to learning new things, but mostly I love to be autodidact. I have been off my job for 4 months (I had an accident working) and the people tell me now if I was not boring. I have started learning play piano (I learnt a Chopin sonata), I started listening classical music and studying musical theory, that was a discovery, I have read 25 books in different languages, I was gardening, I was doings creative writing everyday for 20 min, I was cooking and taking a hole Japanese breakfast, I was learning how to do French baghettes (this time with Richard Bertinet), I started oleo painting, I was knitting, plus visiting gardens and museums, going to the beach, and over all studying Japanese and Japanese literature. I even have done a few courses in literature. And I was doing a flower arrangement. So my answer is no, I was not boring. I even dont like this job. Now I have an interview for my dream job, as a librarian in public libraries. So I finally could pass my time doing what I love.
Oh, such wisdom....Can you imagine if this message was communicated starting in elementary school. A very accomplished and wise friend (who much like yourself was multi-talented) once told me how learning to play piano in his youth had taught him many life lessons. One of the greatest of these being delayed gratification. That lesson served him well in every new undertaking. Thanks, Rajiv.
This, I think, is the value of having children in activities. It's not that they are going to be the next prodigy or star; it teaches them how to learn something, apply themselves, practice, improve, and trust that someone (the teacher) knows what they are doing and follow their instructions. There is nothing like being terrible at something, going through the process, and successfully learning a new skill.
Just love this guy
I always reference my time learning to draw when I was a child. Even to this day I have respect for that little 10 year old girl who decided to learn to draw people. She has been a great teacher in not only art but perseverance, patience, and focus
He is so adorable, his parents raised a well rounded young man. ( sounds like a grandmother) 😂
You should read his memoir. The Elephants in my backyard
Thank you, Rajiv. I am struggling to learn to knit. When I make mistakes I do not know how to correct them. I am able to make the stitches but I lose concentration. I start over and over. When I can focus properly I will have a product I am proud of. That product will be a testimony to my ability to control my mind.
As a knitter may I suggest that you don't try to perfect each stitch. Making and accepting mistakes are part of the path to learning.
I'm a knitter too and let me tell you.... here is one thing that might help.... Add a lifeline every x amount of rows (search for knitting lifelines in youtube and you will find a bunch of tutorials).... This takes alot of the pressue off regaring worrying about making mistakes beacuse if you do make a mistake (and cant figure out how to fix it), the lifeline will help you recover your stitches a few rows back so that you dont have to start over from the begining every time you make a mistake. Hope this helps! Keep on knitting ❤
I watch a knitting channel called Nimble Needles. He is an absolutely fantastic teacher, I cannot recommend him enough. Here is a video by him on fixing mistakes: ruclips.net/video/AuH4SafA8d8/видео.htmlsi=Bk1bjeGjEjYrTgrN
This should be mandatory viewing for everyone. In today's time of overconsumption, we all should learn something and create as well. Thank you for this 👌
See I *knew* it was Song to the Moon! I recognized it in this video before going to watch your newest 😁
I have a bronze statue of that goddess in my bedroom. I see her every night before I go to sleep and every day when I wake up. I do not have a remotely Hindu background, but fell in love with her when I read everything she stands for. When I glance at her, I remember who I am. Thank you, Rajiv. I relate to this video very much.
I lived in India for the first 26 years of my life. At age 22, I wanted to learn the sitar from a renowned artist near my house. I did not know where he lived, but I had a general idea of the area. I went from one block to another, asking where he lived, and reached his home, where he taught the sitar. He was gracious enough to teach me the sitar, and I was one of the students whom he taught personally instead of his senior students.
And what you said about practice is true; you need to practice so that you become better day by day. I started to learn pottery when I came to the US, took a few classes, and then stopped. Your video has inspired me to look into the classes again, and I will be enrolling in the pottery classes again this May because all the classes are full until May.
You are an inspiration, Rajiv. I love your videos.
Lovely, Rajiv! I’m learning perfumerie, pattern-making and garment construction, architectural model making, and French. I wish I had more time-and discipline, if I’m being honest.
One challenge for me is accepting that I love searching out and investing in fine creative materials! I have to remember that it’s perfectly ok for me to purchase a few cashmere yarn skeins-and it doesn’t have to mean that I’m learning to becoming a knitter. I accept that I enjoy knitting only occasionally, so why not use a very fine, pretty material when I do so!
My absolute favorite creator on YT!
Learning the harp (starting in 2008) really set me off in a new direction - first it was a harp with no levers, then partial levers (love those Harpsicle harps!), then full levers with Dusty Strings. I found two harp therapy programs and graduated from them so I could play in healthcare, and then - I never thought I'd go there - but a good harp buddy of mine was dying, and she wanted her Lyon and Healy Chicago Petit (40 string) pedal harp to go to a good home, so we made space for it in our tiny house in Honolulu for it. I play lever harp for hospital, and hospice. And, two weeks ago, I just started playing with watercolors, and I don't know why, but I'm really diggin' it! I'm 68, and my artistic bent is finally coming out! Hugs from O'ahu, Rajiv!
The way you talk about learning and the Hindu principle of "flow" is so beautiful! I would love to see a video about how you discipline yourself to fit so many skills into your life. There's so much I want to learn, but when I'm dedicated to one thing I feel I'm missing out on others. Of course, time-sucking social media and entertainment don't help either...I really admire how your life seems organized around creativity, learning, and self-betterment.
I second this! Would love a video on this topic!
I understand that this style of apprenticeship is still alive and well in Japan. I have some pottery and it makes me so happy.
Starting again has always been the hardest part for me, or being afraid to start when I don’t know if the first path will be the right one. Sometimes a little music or struggling with a friend helps. ❤
This is brilliant… my old art teacher from Poland had a sign printed in black paint on cardboard: please hold your question for after the class. Bathroom down the hall. He would hold up this sign and not miss a beat!
I’m always struck by the quality of Rajiv’s questions when he is in a setting with an expert, like in the opening with the watercolor painter. He does often seem like a master student, engaging with what he is seeing and asking just the right questions about it.
I absolutely enjoy all your videos. There are so many things I enjoy about your videos, I enjoy listening to your voice, I enjoy watching how you demonstrate what to do and not be concerned if you make a mistake, I enjoy your humor. Today, you brought peace into my world. I've been asking our God to bring me peace and clarity. To bring a stillness to my mind and heart. Thank you for sharing what you have learned over time. Have a wonderful day. 😊
Thank you for sharing. I have had similar experiences and here is one of them: You can if you think you can, even if takes many years. an excerpt from chapter 13.
July 2, 2013 at 10:22pm
Each of us, in our own ways, gradually acquired the many skills necessary. For me, the acquisition of some skills was illusive. It took me years of daily practice to master the skill of pulling handles. Sure, I admit that I put wispy poorly applied handles on pots for years. However, I felt bad about every single one. Yet, every one was the best that I could do at that moment in time. I knew they didn’t feel right or look right. Thankfully I had the vision to see and to know that. Every day, I spent at least an hour pulling handles over a slurry pail, letting each one fall to its deserving death, to be recycled and resurrected again for another exercise. Usually, it was the first thing I did in the morning after attending to the clay mixing barrels and wedging the day’s supply of clay. On most mornings I would pull about ten pounds of practice handles. I also exercised pulling handles directly off of pots. I threw pots of various sizes and shapes especially for handle pulling practice. It is easy to see that I devoted a good bit of studio time to support the practice of pulling handles. It was that important to me. Still, it was drudgery. Some part of me knew, however, that one day I would arrive at the point where my practicing would allow me to be able to pull any type of handle, of any shape, width, or length that I wanted or needed. For years this did not happen. Every day the results seemed to be the same. It was extremely frustrating but I stayed with it like religion.
I don’t know why, but my expectations were wrong. I have dabbled with music my entire life. Practicing on a regular basis has always brought continuing bits of progress in a stepping stone fashion. Difficult fingerings and maneuvers became gradually easier and smoother with repetition. Learning one thing would open a small door to make learning another thing easier. There seemed to be connections and links between one musical learning path and other musical paths. When I learned to draw, it was very much the same way. I had this expectation of incremental progress with handle pulling but it didn’t happen. Slow improvement with small advances were frustrating enough but almost no improvement or advancement, over a long period of time, was often just torture. Sure, there was some improvement over the years since I left school but it was minimal.
One morning I began the daily ritual of practice and it was totally different. I am pretty sure that I did everything exactly as I normally would, but that day it felt different. That was it, it was a feeling not a product and not an intellectual act! That day I felt the clay. I felt it with my fingers. I felt it with my hands. I felt it with my eyes. I didn’t just look at the clay and see the clay; I actually felt the clay with my eyes. The whole process was about feeling. It was a day of epiphany. I never thought it would all come together in a single moment but it did. The day before every handle I pulled was serviceable but lacking in grace, authority, and fluidity. Suddenly I felt like I could pull powerful handles of any width, cross section, or length. So, that’s what I started to do. I pulled all the little handle plugs I had fashioned for the morning’s practice and stuck them to edge of a worktable. I rolled up a cone of about three pounds of clay and tried to see how long I could pull a handle. It was longer than thirty inches because it touched the floor when I stuck it to the table top. I took what was left of the cone and did it again and again and again. It wasn’t just a long handle but the cross section was pleasantly hefty and two dorsal ridges evenly spaced for the whole length. The two dorsal ridges were indicative of the Alfred, New York style of handle. The handles each had a pleasing, slow, gradual taper from one end to the other. I pulled handles that were of an English style with one dorsal ridge. I pulled round handles and round handles with multiple ridges. I pulled handles with a square cross section. I pulled handles with my right hand. I pulled handles with my left hand. I tired to see how wide I could pull a handle with either hand. I stuck a large wide cone of clay to a table top to see how wide and how long I could pull a handle using both hands. I brought out the tray of handle practice pots and attached little noses of clay of various widths to the pots and pulled handles directly from the pots. I had never been able to successfully do that to my own satisfaction before. Instantly I realized that it would, from that day forward, be the method I would use to attach handles almost all of the time. Although it had nothing to do with pulling handles, I decided that day that I would try to once-fire pottery from that point on, no more pointless bisque firings. Not only had I acquired the control of the clay in pulling handles that day but I think I became a different person. Or at the least, I had become a very different version of the person I had been the day before. I could feel the clay and that made me feel as though I had been pulling handles for ever like the handles I had been pulling that day. My fingers and hands experimented with subtle pressures and movements. My whole being became filled with a mystical spiritual joy. Within a few hours I had stuck a handle to every available surface and every available pot. My apron was covered with slurry. I held the clay as high as I could to keep from tiring. Slurry covered both arms and when I raised my arms high; the slurry ran into my armpits. It was a glorious feeling. By noon that day I could no longer remember not having the feeling, which was just the day before, when I didn’t have total control of the clay in pulling handles. Maybe it would be better to say that I couldn’t remember a time when I was not one with the clay. I couldn’t remember a time when I couldn’t feel the clay in such a way that I knew what the clay wanted or needed. I could no longer remember what it felt like to not be able to pull beautiful handles.
At some point my oldest daughter, Heather, had entered the room but I hadn’t noticed her. I have no idea how long she had been quietly watching me. Time has always been a mystery to me.
I heard her small voice say, “Dad, you’re starting to scare me”.
Startled, I turned and asked, “What do you mean”?
“You’ve got handles stuck everywhere. What are you doing”, she asked?
“I’m just happy”, I said, “Yesterday I couldn’t pull handles like this and today I can”.
“I think I better go tell mom”, she said in a dramatic worried manner and disappeared back into the house. She was truly concerned. I’m sure she thought I had completely lost my mind. She is over forty years old now and she still loves telling the story about me sticking handles everywhere in the workshop.
It may seem very strange but I knew what the feeling would be like the first time I saw someone else skillfully working in clay. I knew it was something I had to do. I knew I had to get that feeling. The feeling was like the memory of something remote and long ago. When it all came together on one day it was like a physical muscle memory that had been reclaimed from time. I think I knew what it would feel like because it was suddenly such a familiar feeling. At some point in time I think I had done it all before.
I spent the following several days designing and making items constructed with just pulled handles. I made bud vases and candlesticks and wall sconces. I practiced attaching handles that ended in a smooth fluid billowing flow, like the waves of a ribbon. I practiced applying wide sturdy handles, horizontally, to the sides of large planters. I pulled short, medium and long handles of various profiles from the undersides of pots to become legs. I involved myself totally in a sort of orgy of handle pulling and application. As an adult I’m not sure that I was, ever before, so excited by any other activity or skill acquisition. For a short while it was all consuming.
Eventually things once again became more balanced. Handle pulling accepted its rightful place as one of an arsenal of useful potter’s skills. However, physically, aesthetically, and spiritually, pulling handles remains at the top of my list of favorite pleasurable pottery activities. It also always gives me great pleasure to pickup someone else’s pots to more closely examine and admire the beauty of a well pulled and expertly attached handle. Sadly, it is not often that I experience such handles.
14:17
"We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."
-Epictetus-
Watched the canvas reframing, awesome like all your detailed videos. Perhaps I have a tip for your friend the framer. My father was a forester and he told me that the wood of the Sugar Pine tree, which grows in the area of Mt. Lassen California, has the least coefficient of movement wet to dry which makes it ideal for windows, back when they were made of wood. That should also be an asset for his framing construction. Just seeing the Mature Sugar Pine with it's foot long cones at the tips of its branches is a memorable sight. The geology is also amazing in that area due to Mt. Lassen's eruptions , you can find rocks that float.
I love you Rajiv!!!!!!!!!
Rajiv how did u not know about you until now??!! 😅 I found your channel bc of your marbeling paper video & I’m loving your channel! 💗💗 I’d like to have a week long play date with you & just create! I’ll bring lots of snacks! 😁💗
Learning new things keeps one young! I’m currently doing a full restoration on a vintage loom in preparation to learn how to weave. My neighbor who is a professional weaver asks why I just don’t buy a new loom and start to weave but I now know more about looms than she does and its restoration has prepared me to lean into the craft more deeply with the knowledge I’ve acquired about my new tool. Thank you for investing in the content you produce. I just love your channel.
Parts of this video brought tears to my eyes.
He is the definition of lovely
Because you tried and learned so many things , your life is very rich.
I would love to master the skill of pottery! I so much enjoyed this video. Interesting story how you met Guy.
Everything you have said and summed up is a metaphor for life. Thank you for your videos and thoughts, Rajiv. 🙋🏼♀️🇨🇭
Sometimes in India they also say that the guru finds you if it’s really in your fate to ‘know’ . This is so fundamental that it makes learning under a guru much like a gift from a different realm. And that thing about doing the right practice - that’s where having the ‘right’ guru is so important. Not the best or the biggest expert in the field, but the teacher who is right for you.
You are amazing!!! Is there anything you can’t do? My god you have talent 🇨🇦
Thank You, Rajiv for bringing value to RUclips with your talents, wisdom and applicable advice on exactly how to follow your curiosity and inner compass. Every video I watch of yours is time well spent, and that cannot be said for the vast majority of content I see on here. Stay well and keep smilin'! :)
Even though I may be older I feel like I'm more of a thambi listening to what you have to say. Thank you so much.
Thank you for watching ;-)
Life lessons with Rajiv. A perfect way to begin my Sunday. Thanks, Rajiv❤
Hello beautiful soul.
Even though im older than you, you sure hold a higher place of wisdom.
What an inspiration you are. A fresh breath of mint, that takes me to a place of wanting....
To achive my fullest
To reach to higher perfectionism
Blessings
Sacred gifts. My take away from this video. Thank you.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you say Rajiv. The saddest thing is someone with natural talent who shuts there mind and is not willing to learn more; because their ego gets in the way or their successes come so easily. There is always someone with more skill, more talent, more practice and mastery to learn from. Blessings to you for your attitude, Muffy from Oz.
Your wealth of knowledge and skill set is spectacular!
I practice archery and the first 2-3 years it's definitely a case of shutting up and listening to the instructor talking about techniques and materials. My club is very small and homey, and it's very nice to think about how those 4-5 people have mentored me and helped me to eventually get where I am now.
Archery is also a weird sport in some ways because I have to get into a certain mental state to shoot accurately. I can't think about what I'm doing but I still have to pay attention what I'm doing.
Rajov does everything so beautifully.
The wonderful thing about a sacred gift is it flows in two directions; it came from another time, another generation gifted to us and on into the circle beyond our moment here to be found anew .. The time together is a gift for both teacher and student ....
Same here. Finding the right teacher is thr most challenging part of learning a new skill. It's worth it when you find them though. Some of my interests i still need to find teachers for.
Thank you Rajiv!!!❤️
Your attitude and curiosity towards learning is one of the things that makes life worth living. We are here for a short stay therefore it is imperative that we make the most of it. You are doing so beautifully. Thank you again for sharing.
First read this in another comment but definitely felt it here too. Rajiv is such a Renaissance man and it's amazing to watch.
In a world that seems to be outta control, thank you Rajiv for being a bright light of inspiration and hope. ❤
Wonderful, Rajiv. These important lessons that you share are not really known to most people these days.
yes and a sad reality
Words of Wisdom from a man of many practiced talents!
I just learned how to make baskets!!
That’s wonderful, excellent choice! Its awesome that you chose something creative, beautiful to look at, and also functional! Yours is my favorite of all the comments I read.
Enjoy Sunday!
I want to learn basketweaving too!
@@rajivsurendra it's way easier than expected!
Really appreciate this video. I have been studying Sogetsu school of Ikebana for years. I just returned after a long hiatus. My sensei is 86. Her eye is so well honed. Last week I was working on a simple arrangement of pussy willow branches and one bright coral Icelandic poppy. She came to the side of the composition and said "this is the front, can you see that? It is much more interesting from this angle?". And indeed it was. I have learned and refined my eye so much from her instruction. I feel honored to be taught by her. It has informed how I perceive the world in so many ways.
I’m learning how to crochet. I’ve done it for just over a year now and I still have so much to learn. I don’t have a teacher as I learn from RUclips, but I would love to find one. This video definitely taught me some tips to learn better!!
Actively looking for a piano teacher now - yes, I can plunk my way through a Mozart minuet, but I know I can only go so far on my own - thank you for the reminder!
Thaks for this Rajiv. It seems the willingness to give things a go plays a big part -"Beginner's Mind" - plus enthusiasm. People give up too easily with "I can't draw" etc.
I realize the point of this video was not a focus on your personal space, but the objects in your room are gorgeous! I found myself surveying your background when you were being interviewed and your choices are lovely
Rajiv, thank you so much for this inspiring video. I recently went back to learning piano. Last year I had one teacher, but this year I changed to another one who is challenging me, not just giving me weekly scales and moving on. He is teaching me how to strengthen my fingers and hands and use the pedal, things I have never been taught before. I love the challenge. I wish I could keep this video forever on my tablet.
Yes, you have taken the time to learn all these things, but OUR benefit is that someone like you, who has such a drive and motivation to learn also has a drive and a motivation to teach and motivate. I don’t know you personally. I feel like I do. But in my room in my home in NC on a comfortable quiet evening I can watch a beautifully made video from someone beautiful inside and out and become inspired, be entertained, be educated, be motivated.. to learn a new thing.. or simply to be more open myself, to educate more, to motivate, to do for someone else.. as you do. ☺️💕
That's my goal, to motivate the people watching these videos. Motive them to simply feel motivated, at the very least. Thanks for your comment, and for watching.
Thank you, for yet another beautiful video to calm my mind. And also bringing back memories ... When I was a teenager, I had a retired cabinet maker (I did not know that at the time) say to me "I hear you are into woodwork", I replied, "yes, I want to be a cabinet maker", he said "Would you like me to teach you how to use the scrollsaw?" I said "Yes please. I just have one question, what is a scrollsaw?" 😂 We didn't have google back then, so I just had to wait for my first class to find out. All I knew was I was going to be doing woodwork with him on Saturday mornings (because I was still at school). Well my first lesson came and I saw it for the first time, we went through a quick how to turn it on and off and then he ruled a straight line on a piece of wood and told me to cut a straight line. So 15 year old me gets on there and cuts a straight line. He then told me it usually takes a year or 2 for people to learn how to cut a straight line, and was amazed that I did it the very first time, he had never seen anyone do that before. So we had a lot of fun, being able to skip the basics and go straight into making projects, I was still learning a lot.
After school, I did a pre-apprenticeship cabinet making course and learned how to use all the machinery by my teacher who was also a retired cabinet maker, and with exams where you have to get 100% to move on to the next part of the course. I finished that. Then I had seizures and can't use the machinery, too dangerous. So no, I'm not a cabinet maker.
That’s really sad because you would have been a very good one. I hope you found another career path that uses your obvious abilities and positive, tenatious mindset and also brings you joy😊!
I have learnt more from the first few minutes of mixing watercolours, than I've managed in several courses. Thank you, you wonderful man. You are my role model xx
Thank you for watching! Marcelo teaches online classes, in case you connect to his teaching. watermelonstudio.net/
Brilliant advice! Thank you ❤
Thanks Rajiv!!
For anything we attempt, we first have to remember we are human. So limited in anything we do. Accepting our mistakes for they are the way of learning. Repetition is a good thing, taking the time to practice doing whatever we want to perfect, over and over, disciplines us. Then realizing that being perfect is not of this world. It may take years of dedication but so many are too much in a hurry and cease to accomplish their intended goal. Patience is golden, and listening is vital to all we learn from good teachers. Teachers are eager to pass on what they have learned. Thank you, Rajiv, for you see I know you are a great teacher.🌅🌟
That was a lovely video, beautiful teachings and work.
You are so inspiring! My mother ( who is no longer with us) always told me what is in you mind (or brain) nobody can take it away from you in opposition of material things..so true
I was told the same thing by my long-deceased Catalan grandmother😢
@@OsmanthusFlower great minds think a like...
Rajiv, I could listen to you forever. You are a wonderful teacher.
YES! This! Just shut up and listen to the teacher. Watch. Absorb. Asking question after question, and getting answers to each question just teaches people that they can keep asking and getting answers, none of which will teach the actual skill, but just sponsor more curiosity. Love what you shared. It's priceless.❤
Exactly! "Just shut up and listen," is what I have to say to myself sometimes when I'm in a class.
Respect is one of the most important traits, which lack of it could ruin a healthy society... After so many years living here in the United States, I still feel uncomfortable calling an elderly person or a teacher, "you" or by their first name.
Well said. I remember when I realized that learning how to learn was an applicable skill. I first came upon Your channel while browsing for calligraphy lessons. I can say, Dear City Mouse, we share many of the same interests. I really appreciate You and what You offer.
Dear Rajiv,
I love your videos and look forward to the next subject.
You have inspired me, especially at this time in life, thank you!
I’ve studied Ikebana, jewelry making and a couple of other arts.
I’m a bit older lady with an ill husband, because of your inspiration, my handwriting has improved.
Thank you again for your incredible contribution and content, you are a wonderful teacher!!❤️💕❤️
Aw that's so nice to know. Thank you for your message, Ginny.
You have many words of wisdom, that’s why I watch you.
This really moves me on an emotional level. Thank you for your generous sharing of your accumulated knowledge/voyage.
This segment at 10:15 is 🔥🔥🔥
"Another cornerstone of learning a new skill is practice: dedicating the time to actually sit and do the thing. Am I giving this new skill time? And practice is only effective if you’re focused-if you’re actually focused on analyzing what’s happening and asking yourself, “what’s wrong with this? Why do I keep making the same mistake?” Learning how to practice is also a skill in itself. Just because I’m making 200 pots, it doesn’t meant mean I’m getting better. The hours don’t matter if the quality of practice is not correct. Because it’s very easy to go “eh, it’s good enough. Eh, it’s nice. Eh, it will sell.” Which, they always do. The pots always sell. But it’s much harder for me to stop and in my mind, look at that pot when it just came off the wheel, when it’s still wet before it’s fired and to say, “Is that right? Does it have the beautiful silhouette that Guy [the pottery master] has been dictating to you for decades?“ And when I say No, what’s hard is to walk over to the pot, to pick up and to squash it, and to make it again. Because I know I could have sold that pot. But it’s not right. That’s how I get better-by being critical."
There is a certain level of fearlessness and willingness to make mistakes in learning a new skill. Failure is just part of the process. I often have people who admire my hobbies and say they wish they could do that too. I always tell them they can if they want to. They just have to be willing to try and to be okay with things not being perfect. I tell them experience doesn’t mean you are going to be perfect at what you do (although one is always striving for that). Experience just makes you better at hiding your mistakes.
Your knowledge and talents are incredible. Great mind set only few in the world have. Your energy willingness to keep learning and sharing is a great motivation and asset to many. May you be continued to be blessed. 🙏❤️🙏your respect to your culture and knowing the deep meaning of each of the things are amazing. Trusting all people who are watching your videos are being very proud of their own culture and deep appreciation towards it. ❤️
Once again, thank you, Rajiv. You remain a true inspiration to me. I take your words to heart. You are helping me always strive to be a better person, all 'round.
I've said it before, you are amazing! Your dedication to learning new skills is beyond compare. Thank for sharing this experience of patience and understanding that practice makes perfect!❤
I had to laugh when you talked about "that person" in every class...I've noticed the same thing and of course at times have been that person. After many years of life I've disciplined myself to listen and truthfully, I do learn more.
Thanks for this beautiful explanation of learning and for sharing your experiences! An extra treasure among all your great content! 🙏👍❤️
As a new mom, I so wish I could take this approach to the skill of caregiving. Where are the expert matriarchs out there, I want to come study ☺️
Thank you Rajiv, I am reminded of your message before I return to painting again. Not so easy to find the right instructors. I will persevere. Love to hear more about your process. Tells more about your creative daily routine.
Thank you for this. Wise information on learning something new. You are a teacher yourself. And your such a lovely soul ❤👏🏼
This is exactly how I tried to raise my five kids and they all are very different with different interests.
Another beautiful video. I am embarking on a new skill as we speak. Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement!
Thanks for watching.
Very good advice throughout. Thank you.
Thank you for this rajiv! Youve inspired me to start practicing piano again
Rajiv, you are so many things I aspire to be. What is fascinating is the subject of your videos always comes to me after I'm contemplating something related to the video. What I enjoy is your calmness when explaining, very balanced pace, your natural way of explaining resonates in the heart. Thank you for these videos.
Thank you Rajiv, I needed to hear your message before seeking pottery classes in NYC. I was, randomly seeking now I will seek intently and not just whose in the “yellow pages” (LOL) social media.
Rajiv, all your videos come from the heart, and that energy really transmits. This was such an inspiring chat. Thank you.
Learning as flowing is such a beautiful concept. Just like your respect towards teachers, your native culture, art. Thank you for creating and sharing this journey with us. I found out that something I need to work on is how to temper the ego
Gracias gracias gracias Thankyou!
This video was so inspiring and on point! I’ve followed your videos for a couple of years and always found them interesting. However, as a lifelong classical pianist and opera singer, the points you make in this video spoke to my soul. As I age (75) the pursuit of excellence seems to be ever more important to me. I applaud your pursuit of excellence and look forward to your continued journeys. Thank you, Rajiv! ❤
Thank you!
Thank you, Rajiv. I also learn a lot from your videos. So, wish I had tried so many things in my life that I did not. Every time I watch one of your videos, I get closer to trying something that interested me ages ago. Thank you again for lighting a spark in me.
You always speak to my heart. THANK YOU!
Hinduism is the ultimate truth:
Maathru Devo Bhava
Pithru Devo Bhava
Aacharya Devo Bhava
Athidhi Devo Bhava.
Honour thy Mother as God.
Honour thy Father as God.
Honour thy Teacher as God.
Honour thy Guest as God
How beautiful
You´re an inspration for me Rajiv i´m always amazed at your ability to do so many things and this video really inspires me to put more work into the skills/hobbies i love doing, sending much love!!
Hello Rajiv. Thank you for this lesson. What more can I say? Thank you and have a lovely Sunday. Greetings from Portugal
As always Rajiv, you inspire and impress me. You are a beautiful and thoughtful person. ❤