Embrace the Shake | Phil Hansen | TED Talks

In art school, Phil Hansen developed an unruly tremor in his hand that kept him from creating the pointillist drawings he loved. Hansen was devastated, floating without a sense of purpose. Until a neurologist made a simple suggestion: embrace this limitation ... and transcend it.
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[@An_urag9]

Ryan Humiston recommended me this video

[@dlbutler]

Exactly. Now it's a question of which limitation to embrace. I have so many to choose from.

[@lorific97]

Yep. Same

[@MasonWiseman]

@@dlbutler The only real limitation...leg day.

[@jonanbahnsen3935]

Me4

[@dsmith9103]

Me7

[@timfederwitz]

As an artist who recently developed ALS with spasticity, my shaking hands were devastating to me. Having never seen this TED talk, I had actually come up with "embrace the shake" myself... but that was literally about a month ago, and I still get frustrated at times because I am trying to still do the same "style" of art that I always did. That frustration usually has me avoiding things. My Physical Therapist, who has become a dear friend, sent me this and has been helping to push me to keep at it. So glad I found this and am inspired to think different with my art.

[@WhiteKillerRabbits]

This was one of the most amazing speeches/talks/lectures I've ever heard in my life Thank you Ryan for bringing me here lol

[@j.k.s.9377]

Beautiful. I have essential tremor, and this gives me a whole new perspective. Thank you, Mr. Hansen.

[@aaronderrico7193]

Julie, have you looked into Focused Ultrasound therapy for Essential tremor? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaKlqWCAoNl-nZY I first learned of Focused Ultrasound in this TED Talk and hope to get it for my Mom who currently lives with Parkinson's. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJOni614mLKXa6c

[@kaldozin9757]

@@aaronderrico7193 Its not perfected yet and we don't know the long term effects.

[@melk.3485]

5:02 the revolving-canvas written-picture is such a beautiful idea 💙

[@usamahhammour5858]

He astonished me completely and opened a horizon to people to rethink about their limitation.

[@smitchiv]

The key to unlocking the unlimitedness in our lives is to acknowledge the limitedness of our lives!

[@johnaustin8218]

Very inspiring! As one dealing with MS and its limitations. I am learning to change my perspectives and am inspired but how what was a limitation has become a strength. I love his concept of being the "box" helps get you out of the "box"

[@krwilharms]

Wow! This is fantastic on so many levels. Thank you, Phil, for sharing your story, your artistic creations, and your lessons learned. May you continue to be blessed!

[@KillerXoX]

this is incredible, i fell in love with phil hansen's works when i was in high school, i even wrote essays about him. Now i see him on TED. Simply Amazing.

[@melvincrafton861]

Thanks Phil for sharing your story. This was part of a class assignment however I got so much more out of your video then the assignment required.

[@Casandrachia]

"Embrace your limitations as a source of creativity, seize the limitations instead of the day." I recall a novel that I used to read, which was amazing with memorable characters. When the author was interviewed, he said that he doesn't plan the characters' personality beforehand. Rather, he based them off their weaknesses, and built from there - which works stunningly well.

[@trinisuprazee]

agreed! many of us are shackled to our limitations and his perspective give us hope

[@stalati34]

Thank you. This is one of the best videos I have seen. I have been trying for many years to let go of excess and try to do the best with what I have. Its a tough process. Thank you again for a great video!

[@railivi6044]

this should get more likes and views. this is amazing and very inspiring especially to those who loves art but feels insecurs

[@mcphotowhiz13]

I also have ET and love the perspective of embracing the shake and using our limitations as a source of creative energy.

[@mikerayburn]

You know that feeling when there's something that you've felt inside and even experienced, event taught, but it goes against what conventional wisdom and everyone else says... so you squelch it... and then someone walks out and boldly declares it, proves it? You did that, man. Thank you, Phil. It's not just me, I think you resonated with everyone. And sure, you could have just said that and it would work, but your art proves it because your art is freakin' brilliant even without the story... then the story opens the doors for so many others. Thank you.

[@cheercallie98]

this is honestly so inspiring and it's amazing to see a person like me do this amazing work

[@mikerayburn]

The only other question is, why only a quarter of a million views? I'm going to share it with my list of 11,000.

[@artzmomfacepainting]

exactly! I used this as a lesson for my art students. they loved it..

[@mariafrancos6727]

yh

[@danejablonski1244]

Please dont

[@alannaaddy2702]

No we didn’t

[@karenstephens4467]

@@danejablonski1244 why?

[@solvingchronicpaintogether4959]

Freaking brilliant. Phil you are a genius on so many levels. Thank you for your inspiration!

[@gohar2514]

So good, so amazing, so inspiring. He should be talking all around the world, this is the outlook that the world needs now

[@rainbowrevolutiongayming6810]

I have the same issue. It's awesome to finally realize that there is a way around it.

[@alannaaddy2702]

POV: ur art teacher assigned this

[@Crocs.N.Socks.]

Pov: She did

[@linkinlog8543]

@@Crocs.N.Socks. POV: mine too

[@isabellelovesbooks]

Yep

[@phoenixsnilloc995]

She did.

[@lanathelemon724]

Yessir

[@tsurumikutaro7642]

Dude in one phrase you're just gifted thanks for the philosophic view of your gift.

[@sarahb4413]

Your presentation of this at the 2018 Midas Symposium was absolutely amazing. You blew my mind. Keep it up !!

[@jeremiahfernandez9161]

after watching a lot of ted talks this is still one of my favorites

[@applepeel1662]

Thank you so much. Embracing limitations and looking for creativity and purpose in them is an excellent idea. Always trying to think outside the box sometimes makes it difficult for us to understand why we have to do so in the first place.

[@ELITExMUFFIN]

Incredible talk. He's very resourceful.

[@JinFrankster]

he is so creative. I feel so dumb right now. The Mona Lisa drawing that is made out of grease is pretty amazing and beautiful.

[@envoy3]

What an inspiring artist. Glad he embraced his limitations. Never be afraid to think outside the box

[@jaderebekah]

This is my favorite TED talk and my motto in life. #EmbraceTheShake

[@legofanzach]

I had to watch this for school but man this dude is a GOAT in the art world! Glad he embraced his limitation.

[@KarenConner]

OMG! I'm blown away by the truly genius insite to creativity you've shared with us! Thanks so much.

[@sojuro957]

So much creative talent. He's made so many pieces where time, materials, and camera angle changes could have instantly ruined the painting. He's used everything from fire and snow to hanging syringes, shoes, and letters as a brush. It's just sad he almost gave up his career before choosing to see a doctor.

[@jacobsibley6569]

Simply Incredible.

[@lawrencegrace9302]

I love doing art, have very shaky hands and I find this very inspiring. Thank you very much!

[@isaactran4506]

I'm only here because if Ryan Humiston lol

[@paigehensley5226]

This is what I needed to hear today. Thank you.

[@blackburnfamily7946]

I can't draw a stick figure- but I'm a writer. This is refreshing to apply to my own art- thanks!

[@YouLikeBosch]

Been following Phil for years and never knew he had a shaky hand. Incredible

[@hichamsolo8008]

it's incredible to see how creative some people are

[@BlueHourSky]

Very inspiring talk, gives hope and courage to those of us going through an uncertain time.

[@SashaSoboleva]

This is absolutely fantastic and creative. And with good life lessons

[@exploitativity]

That.... is friggin amazing.

[@RMG0785]

if i ever succeed in what i want to do.. i will mention this video as a must watch.. wow.. liberating..

[@carlagrayson1810]

For people who are struggling with shaking hands or fine motor control, there is a great TED talked called Embrace the Shake. While it's so different from drawing, collage might be worth a go. Jo, wishing you a speedy recovery and patience through the parts that take longer.

[@lcarolc03]

I have MS. Though I manage pretty well , still go for walks , exercise etc., my hands slightly shake. I’m a hobbyist painter having retired from a counseling career. Art has been a lifeline to continuing to learn , grow, connect. I’ve gotten frustrated trying to achieve straight lines. I know pinpoint accuracy is an illusion so I’ve had to let it go. Your art and attitude are so refreshing. Thank you a Million Times Over.

[@barbarac727]

Phil Hansen is so interesting and such a talented man! He speaks so well and is very easy to listen to. I agree, he is very inspiring.

[@renegaed]

very inspiring talk. learning to let go is a difficult lesson to learn.

[@RoninZulu]

This man is an art god! (Ryan Humiston was right)

[@seanc1898]

No limitations to this guy. Ya gotta love this. Simply incredible. I bow down, Sir! 🙏

[@suzangannett6212]

What an amazing message. Thank you!

[@christinar7267]

one of my favorite artists + TED + posted on my birthday = SO MUCH WIN!!!

[@meeggguuuu]

this is amazing idea . i love art too. i know how he feels could not draw arts.

[@B3nnub1rd]

One of my favoritest TED talks ever!!!

[@rls428]

Who else is here because of Ryan Humiston

[@RobbiLee100]

He is so amazing. I would love to meet him. He should travel and speak at high schools. I think he could help so many people with his outlook on life.

[@Everythingismeaningless344]

This man's creativity is awe inspiring.

[@ssippishark]

Very good advice for architects.

[@lamtom9522]

May be we can remind ourselves every day

[@Belx2]

Constraints breed creativity

[@utopiaria1514]

I am having a procedure tomorrow officially, but I developed a visible tremor and painful muscle spasms on my arm, neck, and shoulders. I can't control the shakiness and my head was also jerking and i was moving my shoulders in ways i haven't before. Its been 3 days since this started and I was SOOO embarrassed by what my doctor and the nurses will say tomorrow when they see me shake and I can't control it:(. I was over here being anxious, but now after watching this video I've been inspired.. TOMORROW I'm going to walk into my procedure look at my doctor and nurses straight in the face and OWN IT!!! before, i couldn't even look at myself in the mirror when it was happening , but not no more.. now I NEED TO OWN IT and be BRAVE!!.. embrace the shake... also i do have a neurological disorder but this shake is a more aggressive symptom.

[@oliviagutierrez546]

I paused at 5:21 and almost started crying at some of things I read

[@wolfxoxo2555]

So beautiful and inspirational! Embrace your shakes!

[@BradsMusic420]

Been following you right when you started up goodbye art. Still my favorite KZbin time I can remember.

[@mactopia2372]

This man has an incredible gift to create.

[@seanwang8665]

The revolving paint with story on it is amazing, proud of being part of a specie that can carve something like that!!

[@TheaDragonSpirit]

This is a true artist.

[@l0vablelinda]

amazing talk Phil Hansen. so creative and inspiring

[@xXVIkoryxIVXx]

Thinking outside the box, it's the beauty of life...

[@omoebomwonyi355]

This is awesome, a reminder to inspirational thinking outside of once comfort zone.

[@권정욱-m4f]

필 한슨 씨가 정말로 대단하다고 느껴지네요 ^^. 한계가 올 때 비로소 창의성이 생긴다는 말에 대해서 저도 공감하는 바입니다. 뜻깊은 강연에 감사드립니다.

[@busizweduba6348]

yes

[@bhorstkotte]

brilliant and inspirational, thank you!

[@0scur0_]

by 2:20 I already got the point of the talk, i miss when TED talks would last two minutes

[@LargestCheese]

This was made 11 years ago

[@AngelaSealana]

Wow! Thank you so much.

[@MsLizHicks]

Here because it was recommended by my daughter's school ❤️...glad I clicked the link

[@dylanracer195]

Ted talk needs to give money to every teacher that has these videos as an assignment, its gets them so many views lmao

[@russocomedy]

He makes a lot of sense I think to recognize, to give recognition to our limitation we go into problem solving mode. Our disabilities often inspire abilities. Neat talk with some good humor. Thanks.

[@SujanThapaNajus]

What a talented guy.

[@bethscott9162]

Remarkable!!! Thank you for this inspiration!!!!

[@haneulbae4312]

He deserves the audiences' great applause at the end of the video ❤️

[@DanielSousa0]

Wow... Awesome skills and what a great lesson!

[@ethenskiah]

So amazing

[@Kris-ci8zo]

thank you!!! really wonderful!!!

[@yunke2944]

awesome, love it! the GOODBYE ART #5:47

[@ShengDanLaoRen]

Great talk

[@345shawng]

amazing art !!! love this channel and all the speakers i just started watching so i have a lot of past to go threw :)

[@hanakarim2557]

i just got diagnosed with tourettes after having tics/tremors for over a year now and with my main career goal in life was to be a tattoo artist or just a career in art so ive been kinda stumped lately because my tics affect my work quite a bit in college and with tattooing being a skill you need a steady hand for i felt like i had no purpose anymore or that i had to just get a simple job, anyway this video has opened my eyes a little and ive got my final art project for my first year of college coming up and im not as scared as i was going in to this, i ramble to much so in conclusion this helped me:)

[@cristinadavis7]

Wow! It is Amazing!!! Thank you Mr. Hansen.

[@LeighCorn]

He's amazing.

[@godnlenora]

a great story

[@GoofballLtG]

🥰 I still have my prize bar of soap from when I participated in his “Phil in the what” project!

[@GoingSkateboarding]

just amazing! what an inspiring idea

[@Hano0oable]

just beautiful....

[@mrKreuzfeld]

when I think about it, limitations and how to get around them has been the main driver of technology

[@MLucilleChannel]

Love this! Very inspiring.

[@marymangano1705]

Incredible!

[@gbizzotto]

"The tighter the handcuffs, the better the poem." -- French saying Add limitations and you get innovative solutions.

[@MsMoem]

Powerful stuff! Thank you!

[@skyyballer]

This is so dope in so many ways. Super inspirational!