itrus

May 5, 2014

I think what really drew me into magic in the first place was its brilliant art.

The fact that it could not only show you something with such majesty, but bring to life an entirely new world filled with mystery, wonder, excitement, joy, and inspiration, all in one room.

Magic tricks, illusions, and 'cardistry' (Visual display of playing cards) have always been that way to me from when I was five years old, and I'm just as sure it's been the same for anyone who has experienced that power at a young age.

Adults can be just as amazed as children when it comes to seeing an effect, and that same thrill can be implemented across the room.

 

The qualities a magician should possess

 

Performer: The everyday magician isn't all black and white. Rather, he is a spectrum filled with many colors. With a wide variety of attitudes and emotions, you can say. He can be a charmer with a classy ego and wit, he can be a relaxed and gentle friend, a "clown-y" unsophisticated jester, the dark, serious, straight-forward spawn of Satan (as some would say), or even a nimrod with a bag of miracles up his sleeve

 

With controlled Multiple Personality Disorder: The everyday magician (mainly close-up artists) will respond to the attitude you have, and experiment with all the colors he brings. Truly a rare form of diversity or a controlled multiple personality disorder.

 

Connect to audience: Any magician who can connect and respond to his audience, rather than perform as if he knows nothing about having an emotion, aka operating like a complete robot, is most favorable in my opinion (or in anyone's opinion for that matter)

 

Mastery: His attitude and responses maybe favorable to audience's desire, however the one attribute he takes pride in is his skill. His mastery in the art of sleight-of-hand is a craft so very few people ever master; or in other words, to be able to make a switch without one's notice, or disclose an object so naturally, takes countless nights to perfect. This unique ability motivates him to strengthen his ego, and work harder towards perfection so he can achieve his goal. All till he is invincible.

 

The artists who inspired me

 

Dai Vernon, the man who fooled Houdini!

Being a close-up, sleight-of-hand artist/performer myself, my most recent and best inspiration to my work would be a man who calls himself Dai Vernon (Also referred to as "the professor"). His work has not only impacted so many of his audiences, but influenced the work of countless magicians like myself. Dai Vernon was also known as the man who fooled Harry Houdini himself!

The same trick he used to fool Houdini is the same trick every sleight-of-hand to this day has a variation on, and despite it's common knowledge, it still manages to dazzle audiences every time.

 

Tony Slydini, famous for his ‘One-Coin Routine’

Another inspiring artist to note in this craft is Tony Slydini. Once again, the combination of rhythm and showmanship which he brings forth in his "One Coin Routine" is fabulously demonstrated. Not like your TV magician

 

The everyday magician is not like the magician you see on TV. There is actually a much bigger difference between them than you notice. The TV magic-man only shows you what he wants you to see, whereas the one right in front of you will show you everything. No Camera Tricks. No Actors. No rules. It is all in how you see it that matters.