The Dan Harlan / Jeff McBride shows and lectures last summer were, to say the very least, pivotal moments in my growth in the art. (See the two previous posts). There are two other elements that are making a powerful impact on my progress as I continue along the road toward artistry. One category is books and other is a mix of various resources such as magazine columns, websites and blogs.
I can’t help but wonder how things would have turned out if I had read some of these books as a teenager or young man. As is the case with most magicians, I caught the passion for magic as an eight year old child. In my early life I developed an adequate level of technical skill. I was able to make a few dollars here and there doing the odd birthday party, banquet or strolling work. I was even fortunate enough to have taken a few lessons from the late, great Jim Cellini. (Thanks Dad)! But I never developed into an artist. I lacked the discipline and courage necessary for that. That’s why I never read the essential books on the real secrets of magic. As a result I was a posterboy for poor showmanship. And even if all the best resources had fallen into my lap, I guess it’s safe to say it wouldn’t have done me any good anyway. I just wasn’t ready. As cliche as it is to say, it is nonetheless true..."Better late than never".
On the topic of books, the ones I have been reading and re-reading since last spring (in no particular order) are...
• “Our Magic” by Maskelyne and Devant
• “The Fitzkee Trilogy” by Dariel
Fitzkee. (“Showmanship for Magicians”,
“Magic by Misdirection” and “The Trick
Brain”)
• “Magic and Showmanship” by Henning Nelms
• “Strong Magic” by Darwin Ortiz
• “Maximum Entertainment” by Ken Weber
• “Magic Matters” by Robert Neale
• “Gift Magic” Edited by Larry Hass
I will refrain from attempting to review these books. I am neither qualified nor articulate enough to do them justice. But I can say that from a personal point of view, reading these books was like being lifted from a dark and tangled forest of disconnected ideas and incomplete thoughts. Suddenly a pattern became visible. These books provide a road map to artistry for anyone willing to apply the disciplines and exercises offered.
All these books are dog-eared and highlighted. I have been applying the advice, techniques and exercises to the effects in my repertoire. The authors of most of these books warn that putting their respective suggestions into practice is not easy. That is an understatement to be sure! The hatching of unique ideas and treatments, the script writing, the tailoring of effects to custom fit one's own style and idiom; the breaking of old
habits and learning new ones are just some of the building work involved. But the key word here is “Building”. For me, personally speaking, this is NO hobby. It is an investment. It is a passionate respect for the art. I have been cranking every micro joule of energy into this effort, but it is NOT drudgery. It's a blast. It is a pure joy. I can’t get enough of this stuff. I now actually feel like I know what I’m doing and why I’m doing it!
Since putting these tomes of wisdom to use I am getting stronger reactions from my newly re-engineered effects than ever before. I can feel the acceleration of my progress. If I keep this up for another year or so I’m confident I will close the 20-year non-magical time gap between my old life and this one. And the best part is, I now know where I am going and how to get there.
