The Things That Matter
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 มี.ค. 2023
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Things are disposable. We'll be happier if we don't become attached to objects. Everything can be replaced.
Or, maybe not...
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This video struck a cord with me. Years ago, our family lost 99% of what we owned in a house fire plus 1 family pet. We all survived but the scars ran deeper. It was the loss of photographs, family heirlooms, childhood keepsakes, to say nothing of all the hard work, time and money spent over the years, making the house a home for 8 children. My family recovered eventually so I can know how this family cherishes this keepsake. Thank you for helping them.
i’m so sorry for what happened. that sounds like a nightmare, honestly. i’m glad you and your family are doing better now. bless you
I too had a house fire as a child. Photographs are the only thing we miss! Back em up folks!
@@DreamClean photos from my childhood are in photo albums, under lined sheets attached to adhesive pages. I could take every one out and scan them now to preserve them, but the original photos, that is different. I appreciate your thought, but remember photos were not always taken on a phone.
I am so glad to hear that your family made it through. Five years ago I went through a process of letting go 98 percent of the things in my life. I was able to say good bye to each thing. I can’t even imagine what it would have been like to have my things ripped away from me without those goodbyes. The remaining 2 percent mean a lot to me. I hope you were able to save a few things to be a touchstone to all your happy memories and not a reminder of the fire. ❤
Sometimes your shorter videos give forth a more poignant insight into your empathy for people and their experiences. You have such faith in the things that matter, Julian. It's truly beautiful to see you restore this one piece of their life.
Your words caused tears to flow because my house is filled with ‘avatars’ of all my deceased loved ones. Each little vase, clock, figurine, painting, book, furniture, etc is a memory of someone I loved that is now gone. Thank you Mr. B for validating my silly attachment to these ‘things’.
I feel much like you feel. My mother passed away last year, and while he was cleaning out her house--30 years of "stuff", and some of it going back to her mother or even before--my brother sent me her jewelry and some other keepsakes. It took me a long time to get through all of the boxes, because everything I took out was full of memories. This box was always on her dresser; I remember her wearing this necklace or that bracelet; this figurine was in my grandmother's home. Sadly, my brother was not great at packing fragile objects, and several porcelain pieces arrived in...several pieces. I'm going to be looking for someone who can repair ceramics professionally, since it feels wrong to just try to stick some of these things together with super glue, and at least one piece is so badly damaged that it's going to have to be partially reconstructed.
@@redwitch12 That is so heartbreaking when others touch objects with little care, or not the care they need.. the Japanese philosophy wabi-sabi describes a world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection (thank you google). That is why they repair objects that are broken with gold, to amplify transience and the beauty that lies within that. Be well and enjoy your heirlooms, even when less perfect than you wish them to be
@@ISTEasnoneother My brother was her caretaker in the last couple years of her life, during which she had dementia. He was with her right up to the end, and it fell on him to do most of the work in clearing out the house, though I and other family members helped as best we could. I'm not mad at him for the broken things; I feel it speaks to his frame of mind and the burden he was carrying when he packed them. Thank you for reminding me of wabi-sabi...it makes my heart ache a little less when I look at those damaged pieces, and makes me look forward a little more to having them repaired. Even if they aren't perfect at the end, they'll still be a record of very personal history.
When my father died I was so distraught I didn't get involved with the cleaning out. It hurt too much. Most of my father's stuff was just removed. He had so much. Even now I thank my brother's for keeping a few precious books that dad loved. An entire world ends up in a skip. It is so sad. Bless you. @@redwitch12
It's amazing how it turned from B&W to a colorful painting. Great job.
Ted Turner approves.
More black&black than black&white...
For real tho, I had NO idea what the painting was till he hit the ice and I was like "oh! Pond, skating, house! Got it" he's amazing
I was thinking the house had a horror movie vibe in the before pics. :-)
The very first corner you cleaned went from so dark to so bright that I was immediately floored and excited to see the rest of the painting. The difference is jaw dropping.
We had a house fire 15 years ago and everything was covered in black acrid soot. The insurance company art restorer was not willing to take on the removal of the soot from our favorite oil painting, so I did it myself - I had nothing to lose. With cue tips, a toothbrush and an incredibly dilute mix of water and toothpaste I was able to clean it enough such that I could hand it off to the restorer to finish it off. The painting is now hanging on our walls not much worse for its horrendous experience! This experience makes me all the more in awe of this incredible restorer!
My dad brought a painting home in 1973. He was a real estate agent and his broker gifted him this huge and naively painted lake scene. It has a fire that is too large for the composition, and a tent that is too small, with a canoe that is just about the right size. It is a night scene and the fire illuminates the trees under a full moon. It is such a whimsical painting, and it is HUGE. It fills an average sized wall, with it's gold mid century modern frame. It is about 6 ft wide and 2 feet tall. It fit well in our mid century modern chalet style house with its wooden paneling and knotty pine ceilings. But my dad died, and we lost our home. My mom held on to this painting longer than she wanted to, because it didn't fit our new home. So she went to throw it out. My son was the one who pleaded with my mom to not toss it out. So she gave it to him.
Now she is gone too. And my son and I live in her home, with all of her things around us, and we've put that painting in a place of pride. It fits with the way we've arranged everything. That painting has a deep impact on not just me and my son, but all of my siblings love it. It isn't well painted from a technical point of view. But it has the power to transport me not only like a time machine to the home it once set in, where it looked like it belonged. It transports me to when I would look at it with my child's mind, imagining being at that lake, by that fire, under a full moon. And for me it is the most treasured art object that I own. And I have quite a few now.
Pure poetry. All of it. The narrative, the painting, the music, the backstory... Absolutely beautiful.
this restoration and its story reduced me to tears, there is magic in that for all...... bravo!!!!
Me too. A friend lost all but one lone ring that was her grandmother’s, Found, while sifting through the ashes. It made me think of her and her family.
I had tears running down my face. Based on what he was saying I think he knows it's this, restoring a little of what was lost to a family violated in their own safe space, this and not the old masters that are nice to look at but not beloved that truly elevate his talents to their highest point.
Yes, agreed! Julian, you really captured the beauty of the story and the scene. What a comforting, evocative and blissful image - from the children enjoying energetic outdoor activities, the adults watching (all cozy by the fire!), to the welcoming light within the house and the enveloping trees...
I think this was my favorite so far. I’ve been watching from the beginning. I enjoy each video of process and reveal…this one more than any…I felt anticipation. When the first winter hat appeared I thought, “I knew it, red!” and laughed a little as the color shown through. I’m at the end of an exhaustive day…Subbing 6th grade mere days before Spring Break. This clearing away of soot from a family painting was sublime. 🌈🌈🦋🦋
Same here. Lost my dad in Nov 2022 and this brought back so many memories.
It's amazing how you don't see your work as a mere job but as a true vocation. There's true determination in what you're doing and knowing that that's your part on forming the world around us. Giving things a second, third or fourth life. Rescuing artists from the void of oblivion. And healing wounds of people by keeping their emotional bonding intact. And in my case: leaving me in awe every time I watch your videos and admire this form of devotion. Thank you for this, Julian!
This is truly the work God gave him his talents for, the old masters are nice and all, but THIS! restoring a family's memories, that's what helps to patch even a little, a heart broken by loss and a sense of violation of your own safe space.
I know, because I have felt that heartbreak as a child when our home was broken into, and my jewelry box stolen. It didn't have anything worth over $40 in it, but they took from me the beautiful earring's that my grandpa bought for me for my 12th birthday, 'since I was growing into a lovely young lady'. He died less than 2 weeks after giving them to me. And that box was stolen less than year later.
30+ years later it still hurts.
There is an old saying too that goes like this: When you find a job you love, it's no longer a job. It's your passion that has finally started paying you.
The artist was able to catch the winter light so delicately. Underneath all the soot and grime, you couldn't see it. Beautiful!
The fact that the actual painting was basically in perfect condition aside from the ash and soot and dirt is actually incredible. Not only did the painting survive, but after cleaning it, it didn't even need further restoration. That's really a miracle.
This is exactly why I only watch Julian, nobody compares to him. Not just in his work , but in how he sees things. Pleasure to be part of this community ! X
I feel the same!
I have witnessed many restorations by you. No painting has spoken to me like this one. Stunning!
I was thinking exactly the same Max
Amazing how it goes from being a "somebody's grandma bought that from a garage sale 40 years ago" painting to this scene that conveys warmth and light and a sense of place and time.
First, I was thrilled to see the young ladies hair flying behind her as she skated. Then, a black dog racing across the ice. Oh, there's a fire there! The lights glowing in the windows, and I realized it could have been painted in the little town in Michigan I grew up in. There are many old farmhouses like this house, with grandchildren playing in the winter evening gloom, while grandpa in his hat with earflaps stands close to the fire, and his old farm dog races to keep up with the kids. Now I am homesick...
Great sentiments. This painting was a metaphor for me about what makes this channel so popular. I was thinking today how many people Julian's videos helped through the Covid times. They are so grounded, thoughtful, Zen-like, patient and always perseverance - and those attributes are always rewarded at the end with beauty returned. It's not just the painting restoration that is so appealing (though a part) but Julian's always insightful and thoughtful words, delivered in a calming cadence - and with never an "um" or "like" or "you know" to clutter it. How nice!
Thank you for your philosophical thoughts. Working through all that as we pack up my mother-in-law's house as she transitions to a home and my dad's place after he passed away. Some items are so much more than mere stuff. Your work is amazing! I am sure the family will be thrilled to have this painting rise from the ashes.
When my childhood home burned down, my father found several oil paintings in the ruins. He brought them back to life the same way you do. A very easy solution of brown soap and water, without the help of preservatives. They have now lasted for over 50 years. When my father died we auctioned two of the pictures. They brought in a total of $60,000!
As I sit in my living room, with my grandmother's furniture around me, this hit hard
My family lost my childhood home to a fire about a year ago and my parents lost nearly everything, including a lot of my own personal art. This video and it’s sentiments are so lovely. Thank you for helping this family have something back.
At a time when minimalism is celebrated, we need to remember the sign posts of our past, the little and the big. As Miss Bernadette Banner said, "You're allowed to find joy in stuff!"
I grew up near a skating pond, and I remember the sounds of voices coming across the pond and the smell of wood burning. Lovely painting. Thank you, Julian.
May not have been the difficult restoration I've watchef, but the most heart felt. To restore it to its former glory after a fire...just wow!
This brings back vivid memories and thank you for helping this family move on from their grief.
Your gentle and loving narration brought tears to my eyes. Your talent knows no bounds. Congratulations
You made me cry ... sad tears for their losses from the fire, and then happy tears for giving them back something precious to their hearts. Thank you for your words and heart. ♥️
What you do is more than restore a painting. You bring a painting back to life and touch our hearts with that painting. Thank you.
Having lost everything in a house fire, I can relate to how the owners of this painting must have felt. I'm very glad you were able to restore it for them.
Your words and artistry are art themselves. Thank you for making my day. 🙏🥰🌹
Agreed.. wow.. this is the answer to why he gets sponsored
Another beautiful restoration. But even more, your fantastic narration. I love watching you work!❤
As well as being an art conservator, you are also a wordsmith. My heart breaks for that poor family and the loss of their home and belongings. I'm so very happy that they managed to salvage this painting and that you were able to repair it. Great work as always Julian.
It’s a pleasure to watch someone as dedicated, skilled and knowledgeable as you whilst at your vocation. You certainly matter to us who are following along.
Oh, to see the reaction of the family when this piece comes home and they open the box. I hope there are as many tears of joy as I imagine.
I love the transformation of this painting. This channel has given me a whole new perspective on art. I visited the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam recently, where they're currently working on the Nightwatch. Because of this channel I understood a lot more of the processes involved.Thank you.
People are always more important than things - but when the people pass on, their things are the tangible memories of them.
This is probably one of the most beautiful videos you've ever done, Julian. I loved the narration and the transformation of the painting is amazing.
I did photographic restoration for almost 20 years, working on either (rarely) the original, if it was in good enough condition, but usually had to be copied first. Then working on the copy to "restore" the image. You are so right, it is what matters. After fires, floods, any calamity, the things people look for are the pictures and photo albums. It was very rewarding to be able to save the memories in the images for people. They were so grateful. I never knew how to repair paintings, but have learned a few things from you. I retired several years ago but appreciate your work tremendously! Thank you!
This transformation is absolutly stunning!
I have never been brought to tears by words before! You are an amazing wordsmith when it comes to designing the thought behind what you say!
You captured not only the importance of one painting to a family that lost virtually everything else, but you captured the way my soul feels about all of the work I do, capturing everything that I can to keep, restore and maintain my family history. Artist or Family Historian - it all falls into the same place. Deep seated conviction that what we do is very important. Thank you for your words and your deeds.
Amazing! How beautiful this painting was underneath that soot, etc. i’m sure the owners will be really grateful.
I appreciate that your commentary is not simple. It's almost poetry which is effort worth appreciation. Thanks.
it’s absolutely amazing to see people still care so much about old art, it makes me happy
Hockey , skating’s, winter , play in the snow , this is call my Canadian soul
Julian, your narration is spot on. Artifacts and objects are more than mere "things". They embody the labor and cares of persons who made them.
For those wondering, the piano piece is "Tears of the calm wind (original motion picture sundtrack)" by Acoustic Instrumentall Vibes.
I'm Canadian, this painting appeals to me. The kids are outside playing Hockey during the Winter. I can almost hear one of the kids think to himself....
*"Today i'm Guy Lafleur of the Montreal Canadiens...and it's the Stanley Cup finals"*
"Aujourd’hui, je suis Guy Lafleur des les Canadiens de Montréal...et c’est la finale de la Coupe Stanley"
I could completely relate to how you were speaking about this painting and the family who it belongs to. Having to deal with that kind of devastating loss and trying desperately to hold on to and salvage that memory. Thank you for sharing your work and the story behind it.
Thank you for saving this painting and allowing us to see the massive change. You preformed a miracle for that painting and the people who hold it dear.
As someone who is currently in the hell of moving and processing entirely Too Much Stuff, this was a very reassuring video. I'm but one in an entire family tree of hoarders, and it's been so frustrating to sort and purge and clean and pack only to find more and more things to process. However, this was a reminder that we're very fortunate in that it has been our choice to part with things that have mattered to us, and be able to re-home them with others who will have the time, energy and resources to love them.
I hope that your work has made it easier for this family to keep their heads up and welcome in new things into their lives, things that they will genuinely love and share together so that they do, in fact, matter.
I left behind my scarf of eight years at a restaurant last Friday, and only was able to retrieve it the next Sunday without clearly knowing its state in the meantime. The kind of upset and relief I felt through that experience was a wild rollercoaster; at first, it was being uneasily hopeful, then initiating the five stages of grief when I think it may be gone forever, then the relief of setting my eyes upon it, and then... Sheer euphoria.
I was watching a PBS special on the Mona Lisa and the painting had some old conservation and really old natural resin varnish that had yellowed. The curator admitted as much and the whole time I was watching all I could think was "I would LOVE to see J Baumgartner do a conservation on her
Your thoughts and the wonderful revelation were very moving. Marvelous !
Wow! At first I thought it was a night scene. So brilliant when cleaned. Thank you for restoring their memories.
About Over a year ago, there was an electrical fire in the garage which moved to the laundry room that was connected then the dining room. We had just moved into that house so many of our things were in the garage. The things in our rooms were ok mostly dirty from smoke or some water damage, but the stuff in the garage was all gone. So many memories gone.
Not only are you a master in your craft but also a master story teller. I'm 100% your father was so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing with us.
The piano piece is "Tears of the Calm Wind" for anyone interested.
I grew up in the 80s in Central Ontario. This image is basically what weekends and after school in our winter was. It was great to see it come back to life. It kind of reminded me of the art for Roch Carrier's book "the hockey sweater"
Same!
Dad’s funeral was today, and I can’t begin to explain to you how much of a blessing this video is.
Even though you are a restorer of someone elses work, I see you as a great artist in your own right. Wonderful job, as always...!
I actually had a print of this painting in my house growing up :) so beautiful to see it cleaned
I like this painting the most out of every one of those you have restored. It has a sense of place, animation and meaning that seem to emerge from the medium in a quite compelling way - the perspective on the house is truly masterful as is the relationship between the players and skater. Thank you for cleaning this picture and for making and posting this video.
The artist managed to capture the winter light very masterfully
"[These objects are] a catalyst for the emotions that send us into a reverie otherwise unattainable." Wow. Just wow. Your craftsmanship with paintings is pretty spectacular, but the poetry of your words is equally as impressive. Thank you for putting words to feelings that are so hard to express.
I love the fact that some time ago i knew nothing about art conservation, i wasn't even interested in it. But this channel. It brought me so much joy and passion for something new. I'm genuinely so exited every time i see that you've posted new video. like, hahaha don't mind if i do *clicks the video and leaves a like*
This made me cry. A blend of heart-wrenching and nostalgia-longing tears sprinkled with a bit of unadulterated-joy tears were spilt while watching.
Having witnessed and thereby smelled a house fire once, I can very much imagine the smell. Watching this cleanup gave me goosebumps.
To say the difference is night and day is an understatement. 😢
I swear, you could become a writer. The way you describe things so beautifully, how well you express what you want to say, your carefully chosen words, it’s incredible. And as a bonus, your wonderful voice and calm tone with which you read it out. I’d definitely buy your books
I was feeling surprisingly emotional as you spoke. Your restoration of that painting as it progressed lifted my spirits and made me understand how important your work really can be for its owner.
Moved to tears by this one; I know exactly what that feels like. And to be painting on one screen, while you restore one on the other screen made it feel especially touching. I hope one day the things I paint speak to someone in such a way that they one day would go to great lengths to restore it just to see it again how it was. Art being beautiful in that way, to the artist, the conservator, and the beholder. In all different, but tangible and meaningful ways.
Wow, what a wonderful transformation. I am so happy that this family gets to enjoy this painting for many years to come. It reminds me of an old house that had a pond we skated on when I was a child in North Dakota. Thank you for not only sharing your talent but also your caring
Utterly blown away!!! A beautiful painting that could be straight out of Norman Rockwell. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Your voice is just so soothing, Julian!!!
Amazing job as usual!!!
❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
The narration of this story of love and loss, then recovery of the object and the meaning in it, speaks so much to some of us of a certain age. I recently had a roll of old family documents restored. They were professional titles and personal papers of my great-grandfather, dated around 1865. The price of the restoration was significant, but the value of the objects for, hopefully, the next generations of my family, is incalculable. Julian and his work made me appreciate how important it was to invest in that future. I am so grateful that I had the opportunity and the resources to do it. It will be my legacy and my gift ❤
Julian you are a really talented writer. The story moved me as much as the painting your skill revealed. Well done.
Seeing the painting coming back to life was breath taking its this moment in the conservation work that holds most value to me. It’s seeing a glimpse of the day when it was painted.
That was beautiful. The way the painting was restored from the soot and ashes to its’ beautiful state once again and in turn, can help the owners rebuild and restore their home in some way. Another amazing video!
It's like you saved it from the fire all over again. . . Thank you for what you do, and for restoring this painting.
The poetic cadence of this video is perfect. I this is one of your best video ever.
You are a poet! And this painting is so evocative and emotionally connecting to times gone by. Watching and listening made me cry.
As I listened to your commentary you bolstered my own sentiment that these are not just things that can easily be replaced, these objects represent moments in our very existence. I can recall my first oil painting purchase as if it were yesterday. I can still see another laying on the floor of the gallery half uncrated and knowing that it I had to make it a part of my collection. Just things? No, they are part of the story of our lives.... Bravo Julian, you get it!
I really like that painting. Well done restoring it. It looked like it went from an old black-and-white photo to a full color painting. :D
I'm not even half way through your video yet and I have to compliment you on how eloquent your description of items we cherish was so spot on! I may have to have my son listen to that when he scoffs at some of our old family treasures.
Watching you work is so good for the soul. Thank you
When you revealed a beautiful white house from under the blackness of the soot, I felt it became a powerful visual point. In a sense, you were restoring a house that was doomed lost. And yet it wasn't because of your patience,efforts, and talents. You gave the family back a beautiful reminder that all adversity can be overcome. Bravo and Well done, Sir!!
This was amazing. I have a close friend who sees the world in terms of dollars and cents. She derides anyone who has attachments to "things". She is surrounded by Dollar Tree rubbish and thinks she is so smart by saving money. I feel so sorry for her because, as Julian so well explained, objects connect us to memories of loved ones past and present. Objects are sometimes the vessels that allow us to realize that through these connections we are all as one.
Thanks Julian for the emotions you make us feel through your words and art.
I feel for them. Lost our home in a hurricane. Hope they are back on their feet. Sending love and prayers.
Gooood afternoon from central Florida! Hope everyone has a great afternoon!
This restoration was phenomenal to me. To realize the level of damage and age that can be repaired/reversed is mind boggling. Thank you so much for sharing such miracles with us.
Wow, there’s no question that you’re an extraordinary art restorer, but your writing skill is equally impressive. Great job bringing back the painting and providing inspirational commentary.
I'm so sorry for the family and their loss and I do hope they take a little comfort in the rescue of this little treasure from their lost home.
Wow! The amount of dirt / residue on the surface of the painting was shocking and the transformation is amazing. I find it very satisfying and fun to watch this part of the restoration.
The music, your words & the revelation...simply perfection x
Your words put a tear into my eye. Thank you for putting into words feelings I have not been able to vocalise.
Such a beautiful and poetic narration!
This video might be my favorite of yours. Loved the monologue.
It was a delight seeing the figures suddenly emerge from the darkness. After the first, there was the anticipation for the next. I'm so glad it was found and not destroyed, and that you were able to restore it's vibrancy.
My mom has an old framed print that was hanging in her grandmother's house, and it's one of her most prized possessions. This painting reminds me so much of her print, and how devastated she would be to lose it.
Such a beautiful transformation. This one really touched my heart. Have no doubt that family were thrilled with your work Julian.
I’m so glad this little piece of heavenly memory survived, it’s beautiful I would be happy to own it in my family
It went from an old timey Halloween image to a heartwarming memory.