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| "Humility," by Xavier Fernandes. Read the story of this painting. See the other sacred teachings paintings by Xavier Fernandes. |
Artist's Note
Having humility does not mean you value of yourself less. Humility is not to think less of oneself, but to think of oneself less. We are all equal, no more, no less.
I have had times in my life when a situation presented a problem and because of my knowledge and experience I knew what the solution was. But I had to take a back seat to other people’s ego. Sometimes you must take a step back so others may take the opportunity to grow and learn at their own pace. Ego and pride can get in the way of humility.
When woodturning, at times you can feel like you know what you are doing, but sometimes you will be humbled. You are good but not perfect. The wood has flaws, but understanding them, I can learn from them. Learning how far to push the limits to get the shape I want, while letting the wood tell me what is possible. I don’t assume I know exactly what will happen when turning pieces on the lathe. I have knowledge of what could happen and how to achieve what I want, but in the end the wood lets me know what will happen.
Awareness of oneself is important to have humility. If you do not know yourself, how can you relate to others? Learn to recognize mistakes and learn from them. Accept opinions form others and recognize to understand you must first listen. I do not know everything. So I cannot speak as if I do. For me to have humility is to listen and observe and be open to what people are saying and then react. This project is a reaction. The question is what will you do after you leave here with your knowledge? Me? Do something.
Having humility does not mean you value of yourself less. Humility is not to think less of oneself, but to think of oneself less. We are all equal, no more, no less.
I have had times in my life when a situation presented a problem and because of my knowledge and experience I knew what the solution was. But I had to take a back seat to other people’s ego. Sometimes you must take a step back so others may take the opportunity to grow and learn at their own pace. Ego and pride can get in the way of humility.
When woodturning, at times you can feel like you know what you are doing, but sometimes you will be humbled. You are good but not perfect. The wood has flaws, but understanding them, I can learn from them. Learning how far to push the limits to get the shape I want, while letting the wood tell me what is possible. I don’t assume I know exactly what will happen when turning pieces on the lathe. I have knowledge of what could happen and how to achieve what I want, but in the end the wood lets me know what will happen.
Awareness of oneself is important to have humility. If you do not know yourself, how can you relate to others? Learn to recognize mistakes and learn from them. Accept opinions form others and recognize to understand you must first listen. I do not know everything. So I cannot speak as if I do. For me to have humility is to listen and observe and be open to what people are saying and then react. This project is a reaction. The question is what will you do after you leave here with your knowledge? Me? Do something.