I was walking in downtown Salt Lake City one cold evening when hunger ambushed me and I realized I could use nourishment. I remembered a deli ahead and walked with renewed determination toward what I knew would be a warm and satisfying meal. It was a slow night at the deli and there was only me and a solitary attendant behind the counter. I surveyed the menu and chose a large Italian sandwich. The attendant, a young man of about twenty or so, asked me if I was ready to order. I nodded yes and told him what I wanted. He repeated back what he thought was my order. But he got it wrong and I corrected him. A shadow of frustration must have crossed my face because he blurted out, "I'm sorry I'm lame, I can't hear very well."In the dim light I noticed behind his ears two large hearing aids. Ashamed at the possibility he had detected my impatience I said, "No, please! Not at all. I'm a mumbler" (which is often true). I made myself understood, the attendant prepared my sandwich, and I left the restaurant. I enjoyed the warmth of the sandwich as much as the sandwich itself as I walked back to the studio.
The cold but pleasant evening gave me time to reflect on my interaction with the young man who had labeled himself lame. I imagined the difficult moments he would have faced in his short life, especially at a time of life when it is important to be like one's peers. I thought of how my impatience had been detected and how unimportant it was that I had been misunderstood for the briefest of moments.
I have since reflected on that young man's humility and how he helped me see my weakness of impatience. We are all lame, maimed by one experience or another. Some of our disabilities are visible. Others are not and because they are not seen are perhaps even more debilitating.
I have added subtitles to several of my videos (links below). If you know of a student of painting who is hearing impaired I hope you will forward these videos. I have started with what I think are the most important topics but in time hope to add subtitles to all of them. It may take some time but I hope it will be of some use.
I hope you enjoy a beautiful Christmas Season!
Brad Teare December 2013
CLOSED CAPTIONED VIDEOS as of DEC 14
Getting greens right
Rediscovering Black and White
Exploring composition
Painting a small landscape
Another acrylic 1 of 3
Great thoughts, Brad. As I've gotten older my hearing has been diminishing quicker than other people our age. I now have a hearing aid for both ears. I'm alway turning the close caption on whenever I watch a movie. Your efforts are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Rob. I have some hearing loss and am probably not far behind you. Some is genetic no doubt but I didn't take very good care of my hearing when I was younger. Google has made it relatively easy to add subtitles to Youtube movies, except for HD videos for some unknown reason. I was planning on upgrading to HD and hope for a solution to the subtitle problem by the time I get my old videos subtitles.
DeleteHi Brad:
ReplyDeleteYour story was touching, both in your response, and in the emotions it brings about the young man with the hearing problem.
It is sad that someone who has diminished hearing has grown up thinking that it makes him "lame". I'm sure that programming didn't come from within, but from his environment and those around him.
My hearing has been diminishing these past years. I have a bad case of tinnitus and need hearing aids but can't afford them. I can hear most things ok, but find myself saying "could you repeat that" or "what did you say?" more often.
I'm glad you felt compelled to learn a lesson from your experience and to enable closed captioning on your videos to assist those with hearing difficulties. That is very kind of you.
BTW....great painting above! I just love the hint of warm orange at the top of the hill at the focal point...not too loud, yet strong enough to help emphasize attention.
Yesterday I...uh...I mean "Santa" got me a small bottle of real Copal Varnish from James C. Groves. I can't wait to try it out!
I'm leaving in about an hour to see if I can close a commission and have a couple paintings back up on the easel. Time to get back in motion with the brushes!
:)
Thanks for the article, Brad!
Thanks, Bob. I've had tinnitus since I was 37 and hyperacusis (hypersensitivity to sound) in my right ear. It's pretty annoying but can be dealt with. It has given me greater empathy for people with hearing difficulties.
DeleteI just got a new easel! I will be setting it up tonight. I'm super stoked. I have experimented with some of the Groves mediums. It is fun to play around with. Let me know what you learn! Have a GREAT Christmas!
Touching to see how you understood him, it doesnt happen so in life often to find understanding people, I know what it is like to be hearing impaired and getting people to understand. Thanks for this post Brad.
ReplyDeleteThanks Padmaja. It was a growing experience for me. Empathy doesn't come easily. I hope you find the videos useful. Stay in touch!
DeleteJust wanted you to know that I've been watching your videos and think they are a wealth of information. I'm thankful you are doing this for us. Have a warm and wonderful Christmas, Brad.
ReplyDeleteThanks for you comment Diane. It means a lot to me. Merry Christmas to you, too! :o)
DeleteI am drawn to your teaching videos more than to most, and I think it is because you seem like a rel person. Merry Christmas, yourself!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for your kind words! I hope you have been able to push forward in your artistic journey.
DeleteBrad, thanks for your blog post. I find myself having one of those days of high frustration and your post helped me find the hummble and grateful button.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Sharik. I'm glad it was of some help.
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