When you stop and think about a person who has mastered their craft, we nerds often think of ancient swordsmen, incredible artists and powerful orators. The next step is often to describe a masterpiece created by their handiwork.
Bruno Walpoth is a great example of a traditional master. His incredibly lifelike figures are the work of hundreds of hours of toiling away at the these masterpieces.
When you stop and look at this single work, you can instantly see the masterful craftsmanship, attention to detail and eye for lighting that went into the creation and presentation of his beautiful figures.
While anyone can agree that his work is incredible, it is nearly impossible for you or I to look at this and know what it takes to become a master sculptor of wood. An experienced wood worker might have a little bit more luck – they could describe his techniques, the choice of wood or varnish used to coat it.
It is ultimately this gap in knowledge, tools and experience that causes us to separate ourselves from those we call masters. And it is this separation that prevents us from reaching out and trying to close that gap.
So let me show you someone else I view as a prime example of a master:
“Wait, are you serious, Alex? A street performer?”
Yes. If you wish to understand what is that defines a master, you need look no further. This man has taken the simplest of side jobs and turned it into a thing of beauty. The great thing about this man, is that there is no doubt in the minds of anyone that they can make cotton candy.
Cotton candy is pretty easy. Reach into a machine, pour in the sugar, swirl a paper baton and viola – a delicious dental problem!
So what is it that separates how we’d make cotton candy from him? Let’s point out the obvious first.
- He’s dancing
- He can make cotton candy in multiple shapes
- He can weave the candy a long distance away from the basin
- He freely gives away bits of the candy
- Dancing
- He enjoys what he does
- He is healthy and effective
- He can afford the extra effort of dancing in addition to performing the basic task
- Shape Control
- He has done this many times before
- He doesn’t limit himself to producing the same thing repeatedly
- He remembers the details to control the outcome
- Distance
- He can influence the material indirectly
- He has pushed the limits of what he can create
- He knows how far he can go and still produce a product
- Giveaway
- He knows how to keep a crowd nearby
- He keeps those who watch engaged in the performance
- He has an abundance mentality
Hello sir. I tried making a comment, but things didn’t work out well, so this will be a bit shorter than the last one. First, let me say that you are an excellent writer. Mistakes have been few, and all the posts are well structured and coherent.
Second, I have only recently been made aware of this site thanks to a post on the League of Legends forums. I’ve read all of your posts, and they are fantastic. Thank you for writing all of this, it’s a fantastic read, and I feel privileged for having had an opportunity to read these posts.
Third, this post is most definitely true. Having taken a moment to compare the qualities defined within to some of the people that I have met that I consider to have mastered a skill, I can wholeheartedly agree that they share some of the qualities listed above.
Fourth, thank you for the video reference. While watching it, and afterwards, I agree with your statements, and quite enjoyed the video. It was an excellent display of skill, reminding me of some fond memories, and for that, I thank you again.
This site is excellent, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the wisdom contained within its walls. Thank you for writing it.
~Jeff “Badfur” Coleman