I am delving more and more into sumi-E or Ki painting and came across a reference material entitled "Copying the master and Stealing his secrets" by Jordona and Weston which in of it's self isn't that big a deal.
what is a big deal to me is that I have told this by many High level karateka. this book is about painting!! I thought "wow,how cool is that" painters "steal" also.
Of course the stealing isn't about physical theft from the master ,although I have "borrowed" and returned a bunch of books unbeknownst to the master, but in terms of watching,experimenting and trying to see what it is the master is pursuing. I am reminded of the cost of such 'stealing" from a sword maker in that it would cost a student his hand or an eye,back in the day, so judicious use of this manner of learning is to be done with caution!
It is a challenge to try new things and not be afraid to mess up stuff. My son has a favorite saying in his home that goes"What would I do today if I knew I wouldn't fail?"Schuller. I try to remember that when I pick up a brush or run a kata.
So i quess "stealing" is part of the process as long as it's done with a servant's heart!!
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