The Conversation That Changed Adam Savage's Life

[@tested]

What conversation changed YOUR life? Join this channel to support Tested and get access to perks, like asking Adam questions during live streams: kzbin.info/door/iDJtJKMICpb9B1qf7qjEOAjoin

[@BigJewDaddyAndy]

Adam, shirt question: I'm ultra weird about my collars stretching over time and I won't wear a shirt once the collar starts to sag. That Savage industries shirt looks solid but can you confirm before I go buy a few? How do the collars hold up over time and a few washes?

[@em-agoo-481]

Adam, or any other viewers: do you know the artist's name or the title of the book from the Midwest paper factory artist in residence?

[@mf--]

My dad wanted be an astronaut as a little kid in the 60s and was laughed at by his grade school teacher and never tried in academics again. Soul crushing to hear about. Cruelty can shape people in the same way kindness and encouragement can.

[@Nutsaur]

Someone online was commenting how a guitarist wasn't very good. I asked him "What is your goal here?" He said something like "I don't put anything out there but if you do I'll judge you." I don't think he got my point. My mother didn't go to the dentist for 15 years after he yelled at her. 'Tough love' might work but it might also kill someone's dream.

[@rockguitarist931]

that's the story of my life, everyone laughs at my dreams so I just keep plugging away and pretend that someone will care one day

[@Glaamdring]

There's also the argument that overcoming criticism, hardship, and obstacles is a necessary part of becoming great at something. If one person criticizing you, making you feel dumb, or making you feel bad is enough to get you to quit, then you were probably never going to be all that great anyway.

[@AffyisAffy]

Loved biology all through HS. Took a college Intro to Biology course and had a horrible teacher (this is before RateMyProfessor existed) where I almost failed the course. Most of the assignments were in essay form where you regurgitated paragraphs of the textbook, and that's something that is almost impossible for me without rewording it. I typically like to learn things and reword them after I understand them fully. I didn't really talk to anyone in that class, but the general consensus was that she was just 'hard' and I lost all my motivation, thinking I wasn't as smart as I thought. I completely changed my major. Pretty much failed that course. Later in life after RateMyProfessor was created, she was the lowest rated professor at the college, and I realized I wasn't the problem around 10 years later. Luckily I found other things I was interested in, but it's wild how much difference a teacher can make for better or worse. The cool thing is, after RateMyProfessor was created, I realized I was pretty smart and learned to stop doubting myself if I think someone's a difficult person, it's not 'just me'. Especially in STEM, there are people who love to stomp on feelings and no one will call them out for it and it's just common knowledge that you will have to work with them at certain points in your career.

[@MadelineDuff-tn5lv]

@@GlaamdringPerhaps, but you never know. Sometimes the one thing that keeps people striving toward their goal is the knowledge that someone believes in them. My weight loss journey was like this. Jesus was the main reason I kept going at it, but one of the other reasons I didn’t give up on it being achievable is because a sweet older lady customer at my job kept telling me I was beautiful. Though we shouldn’t lie about someone’s skill-and valid criticism certainly has its place-would you agree that phrasing such things in an encouraging and respectful way is also important?

[@MatthewHarrold]

I was 12 *now 52* and my grandfather (WW2 aircraft mechanic, neon sign maker, electrician) got annoyed that I was yawning on a Sunday afternoon visit. I said I was bored, and he retorted with this valuable sentence "Boredom is an insult to your intelligence". That might have been the last time I ever got bored.

[@mikakettunen7939]

Amen - speaking as of 45 age today - but back in day when I was 6 age or so - my father told me in hot Finnish sauna steam - ÄLÄ KOSKAAN KYLLÄSTY - translates in eng for NEVER GET BORED - I cherish my father filosophia until end of my life 🤘❤

[@tested]

Wow. AMAZING.

[@danielland3767]

These are two very excellent responses

[@user-fk8zw5js2p]

"Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?" --Friedrich Nietzsche "Boredom arises from idle imagination." -- Me "People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day." --A. A. Milne in Winne-the-Pooh

[@75slaine]

I will use variations of that, thanks

[@markcrummett7831]

Adam Savage is a national treasure.

[@fnaah_au]

hey now, don't go hogging him, we international folk think he's a treasure too.

[@dorkknight413]

Agreed

[@kenny-d]

Adam! A friend of mine works at the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee. I’d be happy to get you in touch with her. 🐘 🙂

[@puffintosh]

+++

[@andrewlehtola3881]

I had a Computer Science professor who had to fight the university to add a software maintenance course in the early 90's. It illustrated how important it is in the industry to understand someone else's code. So many engineers do not have that ability and just start over from scratch, creating all new bugs and prevents them from understanding someone else's logic. That has been vital to my career, building on the shoulders of giants instead of tearing down and losing the ability to learn from someone else

[@compu85]

Wow... I wish that had been part of the curriculum where I studied. Not reinventing the wheel is becoming a lost art.

[@Pulseczar1]

Using object-orientation and encapsulation goes a long way. Writing neat, consistently-indented code, and commenting at least what functions do, whether you also comment main sections in those functions (which I do), and commenting about any gotchas or anything important that might not be quickly apparent to future readers, including yourself, is important, too. It not only helps others, but helps you, too, if you don't look at the code for many months or years and then come back to it. No one should have to essentially reverse engineer someone else's code, because the functions being performed are complex and undocumented. You can save yourself and others so much time in the future by just giving a main idea of what code does.

[@00geekiam]

As an artist who just recently reinvented myself at an age past 50 it is important that encouragement never end throughout our lives. Not just when we are young!!!!

[@tested]

Good point!

[@MatDuck4130]

I don't know you, but I'm proud of you!!

[@pikiwiki]

it's a mistake to think it's only important at a certain time in life

[@RideGasGas]

While working at the Skelly Truck Plaza in Omaha, NE as an island boy back in the mid '70s, a truck driver mentioned in passing that he had an extra channel wired into his CB. I asked a bit more about that and this led me to looking into the schematic of my own CB at home and working out how this was done. This was the first step in what has been almost a 50 year career as an electrical engineer working in the satellite communications field. There is a very high probability that you (the collective readers of this comment) have benefited from work I've been a part of. All because a 16 year old kid was interested in something a truck driver mentioned in passing. Definitely changed my life.

[@ericthompson3982]

The ability to acknowledge that you will be surprised by yourself at any point in the future is a genuinely important one.

[@PlatypusVomit]

I'm quite aware I'll surprise myself. I've surprised myself many times. The problem is those surprises are always negative.

[@ericthompson3982]

@PlatypusVomit Perceive them that way, if you have to. Then learn from them.

[@jliller]

@@ericthompson3982 "Perceive them that way, if you have to." Deciding that you're going to see every experience is a positive one, is irrational. If you can pull it off it will probably make you feel better, but it's deliberately giving yourself a bias which will cause you to inaccurately interpret your experiences.

[@Rufio1975]

Know exactly what you mean. Not Trying to make it a sad story because it's in the past and I'm over it but when I was around 9, I realized I liked working with my hands. I found an old rusty knife on a dirt road. No handle. I took it, did my best to clean it with tools my dad had. Put a new handle on it. Was super proud and I showed him. He took it from me. Never said a word. That discouraged me from doing something like that again for years until after the military and had kids. They essentially kick started that again. I have worked on machines for 25 years and have been woodworking for about 18 years. I always tried to make sure I encouraged my kids if they were interested in something. You never know what they will do with it.

[@dracodraco1982]

It's one of the most frustrating aspects of my character, but direct and forceful adversity seldom deters. But a few words from trusted people? Can utterly take me out at the knees, or give me the strength to endure. Had similar moments in my life. All one can do is overcome. I'm glad you did. But it really is worth stressing, those gentle encouragements and small acts of kindness can have profound effects. Don't know if that's common psychology or not, just know it's how I seem to function. As if my mind is a non-Newtonian fluid: whack with a hammer, and you'll scarcely leave a mark, but a gentle poke leaves a permanent indent. Happy to see you're applying that early life lesson to make the world a better place. Keep up the good work, Rufio. ^.^

[@Rufio1975]

@@dracodraco1982 True. Funny how that is. I don't let random yahoos negative opinion deter me but I respect my family's opinions, especially my wife and kids. They have never said anything negative and always supported my many interests but yea, something negative from them would definitely leave a mark. Lucky for me, they are a great supportive bunch. Thanks for the kind words. Peace

[@MurrayDecker]

Encouragement = to put courage into someone.

[@codemonkey2k5]

Most of my curiosity and artistic traits were snuffed out as a child. Later in life, I've tried to bring aspects of this back, but to no avail. We REALLY need to be mindful of what we say to children. Even the little things matter.

[@mpalmer7484]

I believe the little things matter the most.

[@Fideedle]

Adam, your analogy of "blowing on the ember" really speaks to me. Not because it happened, but because I distinctly remember being discouraged, put down, or neglected, regarding things I was passionate about or interested in as a child. I am just now realizing that this is likely why I am so dull, depressed, and uninterested in life. Sorry to trauma dump. Hopefully by finally recognizing this, I can move forward and pursue things I am passionate about on a deeper level. Thanks.

[@EricaGamet]

I hope you are able to re-kindle a passion or get involved in a new one... and take yourself places you didn't expect to go!

[@davesvideoblog]

Adam. I truly think this video is my favourite of yours. It not only taught me something valuable of you but it also left me with this powerful feeling of wanting to be a better father to my soon to be 3 year old daughter. Positive reinforcement with regards to the arts is so vital at an early age and the repercussions can have massive impacts on several areas of one’s life in the future. All the best my friend! ❤️

[@Ted_Kutina]

That fire analogy is beautiful! Criticism feels like a heavy log in this case, where it would help a mature, roaring fire but would crush the kindling sparks. That's why I try to only give critique when it's asked for, it's so much important to assure the young artist that they're growing and doing the right thing by playing around and experimenting! Helps people create out of love & curiosity instead of expectations of what they ought to be.

[@sixspeeddeath]

There is nothing more rewarding than inspiring someone. I am a Foreman in an automotive shop, and when I have a newer tech struggle, part of my job is to help them. I like to tell each new tech that the only difference between me as a foreman and them as new techs is time and effort. There is nothing special about me that they don't have already. They just need to put in the time and effort. Seeing their faces light up is gratifying in ways I can't describe.

[@SocksAndPuppets]

The first piece of advice I have for people starting out sketching is to draw as often as they can, even if only for a little bit each day - 30 minutes a day will help you develop far faster than 3 hours on each Sunday. The *second* piece of advice I give to people starting out sketching is to keep a notebook with them at all times, and develop a habit of writing down ideas so they don't forget them... but the third piece of advice I give, relates to what you're saying. Find someone you like, and ask them if they're willing to be your critic. You want someone who's prepared to look at everything you do for 5 minutes, and give their honest thoughts. Let them know that you want them to point out where things look weird or odd, but *also* that you want them to tell you what they like about each piece - where they think you're improving. Both the critical feedback and the positive feedback are vital. That's all the advice I have for new artists, everything else is variable, works for some people and not for others.

[@WillowMoon2.0]

I was in my early 20s trying to figure this whole _adulthood_ thing out when my grandfather (who raised me) said off the cuff "the only constant in the universe is change" and it's stuck with me ever since.

[@southbrit]

I remember, acutely, my Art teacher when I was 13, telling me "that isn't how you draw a tree, you haven't drawn the branches properly like I showed you". Looking back, now as a relatively self assured 47 year old man, I know for a fact, that that singular moment had a profoundly negative impact on my ability to artistically express myself. Quite unbelievable and one reason why I am so effusive in my praise and interest in my two young boys artistic endeavours. Adam Savage's articulation of thought is something I enjoy immensely.

[@Shatterpath]

Huh. You jiggled a memory loose here. It was the early-mid 80s and teenage me was babysitting the kid of some of my parent's friends while they went out. Never met the kid before or since, but I remember her being curious about drawing and we spent most of the evening with me encouraging her along. I remember her delight when she produced something coherent that she liked and how great that made me feel. I hope that kid did well in life and kept that delightful spark of creativity.

[@USAltefore]

The summation in the last two minutes was relatable. Due to past experiences, I tend to keep things to myself until I'm good and ready, or until I've ceased caring about the opinions of others. Whenever I'm in a position of delivering criticism, I try to keep in mind how counterproductive poorly-delivered criticism can be. I try to consider what will foster growth rather than focusing on precision or quantity of faultfinding.

[@horsetenderstudio8777]

I grew up in a musical family, I’ve always loved music. Never learned an instrument or any technical music knowledge, but I LOVE to sing. The first time I ever tried to sing with a band (a couple of guys I knew) they shut me down and told me I was in the wrong key. It took well over 20 years for me to try again. And then only because the man I’m with now heard me sing karaoke and gently encouraged me to sing with him and a friend on guitar and drums. That was a year ago. This past Saturday, our band played its first show. I’m the singer. I’m still nervous, still can’t tell you what key I’m in (maybe someday), but my band mates have given me the confidence to try. It is FUN! I try not to think how many years (decades) I’ve lost, because so many people stomped on my embers when I was younger and excited about all sorts of things. I swore I would never do that to someone else, I haven’t, and I won’t. Thanks for this video, Adam. ❤

[@SoleaGalilei]

I wish I'd had that kind of encouragement as a child. Part of my healing process has been learning to give that encouragement to myself.

[@SleekrJC]

I didnt expect the last 10 seconds of a Tested video to almost move me to tears. Well put.

[@ChefSarah4104]

My daughter (7) takes after her dad, and is really good at drawing. My son (10) has our interest in music, and is playing an instrument in band. We do our best as parents to encourage all that they do, but especially things they are passionate about. Thanks for this.

[@Mytippies]

I have an extreme amount of troubles going on in my life right now but to hear your nostalgic voice makes it go away a little 😚

[@sail3695]

Under the heading "what rock have I been hiding under?" I literally just stumbled onto your channel, and am completely delighted. This episode in general has got me searching both soul and memory to isolate those important conversations. Here I'll shout out to Mr. Halter, my 11th grade science teacher, who would happily stay after school to discuss and debate the things I'd read. In retrospect, the fact that he treated me like a peer in those conversations was probably one of the strongest formative experiences of my young life. Thanks for helping me to pull those moments from memory.

[@beefchicken]

So much of what we know of ancient civilizations we know of because of art. Art is incredibly important to telling the human story.

[@helloemilymills]

I love those stories of the people who encouraged you when you were a child & young man. I want to be the kind of person that stokes someone's flame instead of putting it out 🙂

[@billbucktube]

I have a voice that people regularly say, “You have a great announcer voice. Do you narrate things?” No. I was singing along with everybody else around the campfire when I was told, “If you can’t sing on key just shut up.” From that point I suppressed my “voice” so that I wouldn’t offend someone’s ears. How much better might it have been if the person had said something encouraging?

[@ogelsmogel]

This is very true! I don't think people ever consider that something they say in passing can remain lodged in somebody's brain for the better part of their life. So, the thing you just blurted out without thinking might stick like a perpetual gum under the shoe, and change how that person behave or even see themselves (and I know some people will say "aw you little snowflake go cry to mommy about it"). You never know what might stick, right? So, why not make a habit of lifting other people up instead of pushing them down? Sorry for my rant. And sorry you was told that, about your voice. I'm sure it's beautiful and I hope you appreciate it ❤

[@nordicmind82]

Not to disregard your personal view on the thing, but to offer an alternative take: You say people said A, so you did B, (so?) now people say C. It does sound linear. I was told I talk too much and should give other people more space to talk, so I have steered into that a lot and now people regularly say that I am great at making people feel comfortable talking. A singer do not only need to hear about the way their voice is good, but also the way it is not, to reach a voice that is great.

[@billbucktube]

@@nordicmind82 Good point and congratulations on taking the input and making a positive change from it. Way too many times people take it in a negative way and aren’t able to grow through the experience.

[@DUKE_of_RAMBLE]

I have an issue of... go figure... talking alot. Which for KZbin, I decided to adopt this screen name 😊 _(inspired by a lyric in the Puscifer song "Bedlamite", which says "Duke of Babel")_ But it's funny because I first *_have to_* go on, ad nauseum, in order to pair it down into a more succinct message. Otherwise, I just can't get it out. Which sucks for ME since I have to first ramble, and then become my own editor, which makes for twice the work! 😭🤣

[@billbucktube]

@@DUKE_of_RAMBLE A challenge for sure.

[@ChristopherOdegard]

Artist in Residence story: At the Minnesota State Fair every year, there is a competition among practitioners of seed art (pictorial and sculptural imagery made entirely of seeds glued to a substrate). One of the regular contributors (also a local graphic designer) became an artist in residence at a grain elevator in Minnesota. Her work from that period was extraordinary.

[@deserticus18]

I experienced the opposite, constant critics and discouragement, that's why tried to be a source of confidence to my children, now i'm 60 and look up to my children, they are awesome human beings!!....but wait, now i'm a grandfather and my grandchildren ,8 and 3 yr, they are way more awesome!!😊

[@VeniVidiVid]

The fire making bird’s nest analogy was beautiful and profound. Thank you.

[@k.v.2049]

aww man, hearing about these conversations of encouragement makes me emotional. Cause I definetly had some opposite experiences, which led my teenage self to save guard my creative passions. Almost 10 years later i'm still slowly peeling away at how cool I was in my teenage years - but barely showed it

[@SolaceEasy]

People won't remember what you believe, what you say, or what you do. People will remember how you make them feel.

[@Ventuskeymaster]

adam has amazing videos that I enjoy all the time, Thanks Adam for the amazing videos. I enjoy it all.

[@katiemiller8313]

That's my goal as a (math) teacher. There's enough evil in the world telling us all how wrong we are, especially by the time I see them as students (18ish year-olds); I try my hardest to find and encourage each spark. This video may have inspired me to start each semester with a writing assignment. "What conversations have been most impactful to you, and how have they shaped you?" is a fantastic way to get to know someone on a deeper level.

[@nicklang7670]

I think that is a beautiful idea. I love teachers who come up with original assignments. They make the best ones. Shows how passionate you are. Thank you.

[@jimmyers4890]

Wow you had a truly incredible upbringing. I don't think there is anybody that I know who was talked to at that level in their early years and even as an adult no one has ever said those types of thoughts to them.

[@johngannon]

This was really beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@guy_withglasses]

I'm so excited to learn that Adam also watches primitive technology. Easily one of, if not my favourite channel for so many reasons

[@wesleybrehm9386]

I’m watching this as I struggle to get motivated for creative work. This is exactly what I needed to hear Adam. Thank you!

[@TorQueMoD]

Wow, you are so lucky to have had 3 different incidences in support of your passion before you were 20! I wish I had even one.

[@jliller]

Adam Savage is unquestionably a very intelligent person, and by everything I've seen also a very nice person. But it also sounds like, given the financial status of his family and the amount of support and encouragement he received, he really SHOULD be the successful person that he is. A lot of people are not so fortunate.

[@davidtomasetti8520]

another great one Adam!!

[@skribblestyle]

Man I love that idea of letting new artists know that their experience is *worthwhile*, while simultaneously letting them know there's more they can learn/add. It's a perspective I definitely lacked as a young artist, and absolutely something I would have benefited from.

[@DAWS0NStream]

LOVE JOHN PLANT!!!! been following that guy since his second or third video!!! what an amazing channel, the restarts, and then the change in direction after covid! love his work!!!!

[@themeandrousengineer]

I continually love the reflection and wisdom of your experiences. Having been both an artistic and scientific person myself, it’s not often that I hear people speak about the disciplines the way you do, at least not publicly. Creativity is indeed a flame to be nurtured and with the right encouragement, will rage on forever.

[@exstock]

Huh, I spent several years as an artist in residence. It was interesting, I must say! But not quite as revolutionary an experience as you might think; I mostly remember how hard it was to come up with multiple ways to depict the same abstract concept! Very glad to have done it, though; it was a blessing. I only stopped because they couldn’t afford to keep me on staff anymore, sigh, but it was years of great exercise.

[@bannablitz247]

The most influential thing that has been ever said to me comes from my Father. He always said wjen growing up and even now that no matter what I do I will be successful. This has given me the confidence to walk into the unknown.

[@adam872]

This really resonates with me. I've had a group of conversations with different people through my life that have impacted my life enormously. Top of the list: one of my old high school teachers finding my parents phone number after we'd moved elsewhere and I'd been at another school for a couple of years ringing me after the final exam results had come out and asking me how I went and being really pleased with the answer. He was a grumpy old bugger that us kids also really respected, so to get that call from him meant the world to me. I've never forgotten it. I've had a number of conversations with mentor figures in my career where some gentle advice around approach to work, career development etc have really helped me. I've made it my mission in the last few years to be that mentor for others and be their unbiased sounding board.

[@petermot645]

I am reventing myself every day after two years of retirement. Boredom is not an option. greetings from Yonkers, New York. Keep up the good work.

[@damoncasonreiser7772]

You are an artist in residency. You are humanity’s artist in residency. And thank you!

[@Shiny_Hunter_Rob]

Not many videos touch me. But htis one did. Thank you, Adam.

[@watcher1326]

Never before heard of an artist in residency. Perhaps Adam will hire such a person on. Sounds like a pretty great venture. Love the idea of seeing people's ambitions as an ember that should be treated with that much gentle care.

[@jliller]

I've heard of "artist in residency" before but I had no idea it was something people were "hired" to do or that corporations did it. I thought it was just something done by public lands and perhaps some universities or large museums.

[@tqmog]

Your story just caused a fundamental shift in the way I encourage and teach my children. Thank you for sharing!

[@nedanother9382]

My mothers undying belief that I was special and this channel have been the most transformative information I've ever heard as a creator. I thank you and can take that further to say I love you for sharing such personal insight that an ADHD mind can absorb with great ease. You are a major asset in my toolbox. If I did that for a single person I would die happy. I hope your happy with your legacy.

[@roxiepoe9586]

Many National Parks in USA have an artist in residence program. and - being seen is the greatest encouragement.

[@PamdaDev]

11:41 Still looking for that safe place. But I cannot put into words how much it meant to hear you talk about it. Thanks Adam!! Thanks Tested Team!!

[@Campfire_Bandit]

It feels to me like Science is the process of shrinking the universe to a scale that you're mind can comprehend, Art is the process of expanding our mind to a scale the universe can comprehend.

[@nichan008]

wat

[@gomjabbar6246]

well, that's either art or Psilocybin....probably both

[@darknessdarkrai4549]

huh what does the universe have to comprehend It'd be more like art is the process of expanding the mind to comprehend the universe

[@gomjabbar6246]

@@darknessdarkrai4549 I think they're more going for: science is the process of making the universe knowable, art is the process of accepting that we are part of the unknowable universe.

[@LBFescape]

That was art itself

[@runmarkrunheinrich]

For me it was my 12th grade humanities teacher. We read a TON that year and analyzed it deeply- from 19th Century philosophers to contemporary playwrights. Toward the end of the school year she pulled me aside asking what I was going to be doing after graduation. I was go to study Aerospace Engineering. She subtly fenced around a bit to determine if that was what I wanted to do or what I thought I should do. To wrap up she looked at me with an earnestness that was intense and said "You can do absolutely anything you choose to do." While I was a high performing student among a peer group it has stuck with me for nearly 40 years that she would a) pull me out for this conversation b) grant be the gift of freedom to aim high if I wasn't. Heavier that air flight has been magic to me for my whole life so my path was fine. But I will always remember that moment.

[@bluelantern27]

Thank you. As a kid, I didn't really ever have that. My ideas and art were mainly just criticized and thought as weird and why. Well, thank you for your video. I love your channel, and thank God the time I get to watch you. PS I met you once kinda 😅 you went to eat brunch with your family and I was one of the persons attending your table.😊

[@Sammowah]

I would love to see a series of videos on Artists in Residence on Tested. Just sayin'.

[@briandeschene8424]

I saw this on CBC a while back and went looking for it on YT after reading your comment… kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpOQmmqlprJ0etEsi=71B_Rh1P-OW9wP6Z

[@charlesvane2774]

LOVE the emphasis on encouraging the flame rather than killing it!

[@KannikCat]

Acknowledgement and engagement is so key -- or as I heard put once, "presence, not praise". Validating someone's interests as their interest, and their practice as their practice, and engaging with them authentically into why it excites them and what does it mean to them, that's the greatest gift we can give, I think. And definitively "presence, not belittle." I can remember more than a few moments of that in my past, where my work was blasted or my interests laughed at, and they all threw me for a loop and shut down my self expression in ways that has taken time and work to complete and to recapture those sparks and little embers. Thank you Adam.

[@cariiinen]

Encouragement is so important for learning. We all need loving support, such as the one we give a child

[@Skjoldborg8]

Amazing metaphors, Adam! Thank you so much for sharing 🙏❤️

[@Norman_Fleming]

What a wonderful story.

[@skysmashify_]

This was really beautiful Adam, I love these style videos you're doing!

[@markdukeshire4812]

Wonderful perspective. I have survived as a maker because of the few who embrace my wild ideas and I get tremendous satisfaction when I gently feed the tiniest of creative flames when I encounter then - especially in the darkest of places. Thanks!

[@TheIdeanator]

I really love it when adam name-drops content creators I love! I know its not that unique or anything but I cant help but feel happy that we watch similar things and hold them in high regard.

[@squidobarnez]

I love when the topic takes you on to tangents that feel super-genuine and like they're coming from a place in your real heart. This "conversation" changed my life (even if only a para-social youtube way). Thank you. *high-fives*

[@conqu2]

Wow that blowing on the small flame metaphor is so beautiful Adam. 💛 Thanks for sharing!

[@WelcomeToMarkintosh]

Wow. I love what those women said to you & made you feel. Very inspirational. I will try to do that with the “kids” I mentor at work.

[@montlejohnbojangles8937]

Thank you. I remember these conversations in my life as well, and how much they meant to me as a person and a maker, but it's really sweet to hear somebody say it out loud.

[@melcoats9696]

Thank you going farther than you expected! I'm sure most of us get so busy and not take time to reflect on those transformative moments, sn now I will take the time to look back and truly appreciate those gems that people gifted to me and to understand how I've arrived to my current position in the universe.

[@cynthiapucheanu34]

So true, thank you for sharing that experience

[@natepelham9028]

Thands Adam. I needed to hear some of this

[@Scoots1994]

The "toss to membership" is amazing ... how Adam manages to exactly match everything about the new one he did yesterday to the new one he did today and the new one he did the day before is indicative of the level of skill he has in front of the camera! :)

[@nevertrustatory9412]

I had a similar formative experience to your family friend the potter. My grandad was a mask maker (old school latex and papier-mâché) who had a workshop in London in the sixties. After he had retired to the countryside I used to spend summers helping him with his projects and trying a few of them myself in his garden studio. I remember just quietly making stuff side by side in his tiny shed listening to the radio. When eventually I became a professional model maker I always took photos to show and talk about whenever I visited. A lovely man and a quiet influence I only really appreciated after he’d passed. Edit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6vOhqyKeraZb9Usi=OoObyVi0miUjFmPi - This was him.

[@jerbear7952]

Super cute stories. Im so glad you had those people so young

[@ankokuraven]

Science is the process of understanding the world outside ourselves. Art is the process of understanding ourselves in that world.

[@jackwinstone5309]

You always have a great way helping to present your reflections in a way that helps us all come to a common understanding of your thoughts and points. With that said, I think this one was an exceptionally great video with a very valuable idea that you've shared with us. Thank you Adam!

[@Hezigrimm]

One of the reasons why I loved to teach others no matter my age was the sake of encouragement. I never had that in my life. I was mostly out of sight and out of mind from my parents. I never really had anyone to encourage me. I remember helping those in band when I was in high school. It was at that time I realized , that I was starting to surpass just playing and starting to create. I'd always let them know what errors they were making in what I was helping/teaching. However, I'd always tell them but don't let that stop you from using it in x ways. For example, I'd purposefully detune things or play my saxophone in an improper way just to get a certain sound or what I wanted. I always encouraged experimentation. There are many reasons why I have been stunted through my life and some of that was being in an abusive and toxic family. The other portion I believe was due to not having those around me teach me or let me help. It's led to a lot of self doubt. I'm finally starting my bachelors in psychology at 28. I'm still uncertain if I will stay in psychology. However, I do want to pick my music back up. I've let it go for far too long.

[@ManaBDew]

I consider myself even according to my proven experience in curriculum also and, a graduate. Life is amazing so be a safe specialist in a variety of ways. It takes a team ✌️😎👍 team earth

[@jerryaaronson7061]

I like the part about trying to be encouraging and finding more of the positive aspect of a given situation, we always try to remind each other that if we need to bring correction to some body or point something out that might seem negative it always helps to feed them a Hero sandwich first. Man you are amazing with how well your playing guitar, oh, it sounds like one strings went out of tune on you?

[@nerdsunscripted624]

Hey Adam, I’m a piano restorationist in Omaha Nebraska. Before I moved here I worked for Steinway and did much of the belly (soundboard and pinblock) work on around 250 pianos. If you’re ever in Omaha, you should reach out and I’ll give you a tour, show you some fun piano specific tools, and answer any questions you might have on the process. Just send an email saying you you are to Great Plains Piano Company. My name is Louis and I’m the head rebuilder there and would love to show you around.

[@austinswift1602]

Awesome commentary about teaching and mentoring wrt encouragement that can be life guiding/ changing to a young person. Thank You!

[@ManaBDew]

Watched The Fabelmans yesterday ✌️😎👍 🎥

[@gm1590]

Beautiful.

[@mattw7949]

Love these videos, Adam. Thanks for being you.

[@UnfamiliarPlace]

Coleridge said that his best schoolteacher told him that good art (at least of that era!) had rigour: "I learnt from him, that Poetry, even that of the loftiest, and, seemingly, that of the wildest odes, had a logic of its own, as severe as that of science; and more difficult, because more subtle, more complex, and dependent on more, and more fugitive causes"

[@craigfuqua4519]

Great perspective Adam.

[@ericscottfitzgerald6490]

Point about art and science being related... I was speaking to an artist friend of mine who pointed out that her process as an artist (and several others) very much looked like the scientific method and/or the engineer's design process. Science and art are problem-based and iterative in finding solutions... This thought brings me much joy.

[@joyl7842]

Primitive Technology has the best videos. I love watching them before I go to bed, because it's so calming. I like looking around in the environment for critters, cause I used to live in Queensland - where it is filmed.

[@BehindThePhoto]

Wonderful video. Made my day. Love it.

[@RocksterOO1]

I love your brain, Adam!

[@cynicalrabbit915]

I've had conversations with people that opened my eyes and mind. But I also had people in my life, that made me afraid of living and shut down anything that I could come up with that might help me find what I wanted to do. Now at the other end of a life not well lived, I've found that all my experiences in life along with KZbin videos that I could now be a maker of sorts. To sum up my life I would say this: "That could have gone better."

[@tunahelpa5433]

The opposite of blowing on the embers is putting a damp cloth over them. This advice can be applied to parents, teachers, and - as in your case - family friends.

[@thetopcats.9154]

I always try my best to be as encouraging to others as I can in those kinds of situations, specifically because I had so few moments of that kind of encouragement growing up, and unfortunately also had countless moments of discouragement. I know exactly how debilitating it can feel when someone flat out shuts you down, tells you to give up, or that you aren't good enough. Nothing crushes you in quite the same way. So I make a point to be the exact opposite, to share what I know and offer whatever kind word I can.

[@ehsanrahee7411]

Your art and science comparison reminded me of something I heard a few years ago. It might've even been from one of your videos Adam lol. But it was the idea that despite the conventional notion that art is about creativity and science about hard work, the biggest breakthroughs/successes in both cases often comes down to hard work done on art and creative thinking to solve a science problem. This re-contextualized both for me.

[@benjaminbrewer2569]

It’s funny to hear this in my 50s, noticing how the opposite happened to me in my early twenties. A series of conversations that killed my creativity.