As magicians we often get hung up on searching for what magic is
For me it's when your 8 year old son
is more excited about his father performing for his school
On December 22nd
than he is about Christmas
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
More thoughts on the art of magic
Where but in magic can you be an artist who creates miracles,
to enable others to laugh, think and feel a spectrum of emotions?
Take them by the hand on a journey into the incredible?
I care deeply about the art and hold it with the respect in deserves.
This is my chosen profession and I have to be the best I can.
This means study, learning, practice, love and everything else
needed to give every audience I go in front of the best possible experience.
How could anyone want to do anything less
with one of the most beautiful performing arts!?
to enable others to laugh, think and feel a spectrum of emotions?
Take them by the hand on a journey into the incredible?
I care deeply about the art and hold it with the respect in deserves.
This is my chosen profession and I have to be the best I can.
This means study, learning, practice, love and everything else
needed to give every audience I go in front of the best possible experience.
How could anyone want to do anything less
with one of the most beautiful performing arts!?
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thoughts on the art of Magic at Thanksgiving
It saddens me deeply that some consider magic as simply entertainment for children. Imagine throwing away, ignoring or belittling an art form that can enable you to think and feel, something that can elevate you from your normal daily existence, an art form that can move you to tears from laughter, creating beauty and touching other deep emotions
This is not the fault of the art consumer, the challenge lays with the performers who do nothing to enhance or elevate the art and appear simply as a trickster, "Hey look at me and what I can do, aren't these tricks neat".
The performer who does nothing to educate their audience?
Those who don't or can't give their audience an experience that will elevate them, that will touch them, that will tuck something away in their mind for later consideration or even simply (and sometimes the hardest) share a huge face splitting grin have cheated their audiences as well as cheated themselves and harmed the art.
Does the challenge lay with so called performers who don't share with their audiences what magic can be and instead appear in a foul polyester vest pulling objects from their mouth or their various other insults to the art? Or does the fault lays with performers like myself who know something different and don't enlighten those less fortunate? Those who haven't had the guidance to read and study the amazing books on the art. Who may not have had the time or experience to know how rewarding it is to create and share those special moments with the audience.
I've often said I don't do magic, the magic happens in the audience. Without an audience I am nothing, a guy doing odd things. It is with that consideration I go into every show and know I have to give the best possible show, try to create art, to reach the audience on many levels and craft a unique and memorable experience. Anything less is a cheat, totally unacceptable and unthinkable.
If all you are looking for is someone to ask "How did you do that" then you have missed the boat as a performer.
Children are the easy ones to win over (even though they can be the most severe audiences) it is adults who most need their imaginations sparked, their funny bone tickled, their thoughts stimulated and their heart strings tugged.
Please join me as we begin a journey into a world where anything is possible
This is not the fault of the art consumer, the challenge lays with the performers who do nothing to enhance or elevate the art and appear simply as a trickster, "Hey look at me and what I can do, aren't these tricks neat".
The performer who does nothing to educate their audience?
Those who don't or can't give their audience an experience that will elevate them, that will touch them, that will tuck something away in their mind for later consideration or even simply (and sometimes the hardest) share a huge face splitting grin have cheated their audiences as well as cheated themselves and harmed the art.
Does the challenge lay with so called performers who don't share with their audiences what magic can be and instead appear in a foul polyester vest pulling objects from their mouth or their various other insults to the art? Or does the fault lays with performers like myself who know something different and don't enlighten those less fortunate? Those who haven't had the guidance to read and study the amazing books on the art. Who may not have had the time or experience to know how rewarding it is to create and share those special moments with the audience.
I've often said I don't do magic, the magic happens in the audience. Without an audience I am nothing, a guy doing odd things. It is with that consideration I go into every show and know I have to give the best possible show, try to create art, to reach the audience on many levels and craft a unique and memorable experience. Anything less is a cheat, totally unacceptable and unthinkable.
If all you are looking for is someone to ask "How did you do that" then you have missed the boat as a performer.
Children are the easy ones to win over (even though they can be the most severe audiences) it is adults who most need their imaginations sparked, their funny bone tickled, their thoughts stimulated and their heart strings tugged.
Please join me as we begin a journey into a world where anything is possible
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The closer it gets
The more I look forward to it
The B &O Railroad Station Museum in Ellicott City Victorian Fun Fair. It's a wonderful event, a good time for the entire family with something for everyone.
Illusions by Vick will be back with my brand of unique, thought provoking and enchanting magical entertainment for the Victorian Fun Fair
The Victorian Fun Fair is a great time for all. Ellicott City is truly beautiful in the fall and every reason to enjoy a fine fall day is well worth considering.
B & O Railroad Station Museum in Ellicott City, Maryland
http://www.ecborail.org
Victorian Fun Fair
Saturday October 17 & Sunday 18, 2009
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Step back in time as the B & O Railroad Station Museum celebrates their Victorian Fun Fair.
For kids of every age! Explore Victorian home entertainment: toys, conundrums, parlor games, & crafts. Have fun the old fashioned way with a variety of activities and maybe even learn a little about life in the middle of the 19th century.
Magical performances commence at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm both Saturday October 17 & Sunday 18, 2009 and the show runs approximately 1 hour. The Illusions by Vick show is not a "children's" show but is crafted for all ages to enjoy so bring the entire family and settle in for a world where nothing is impossible and the seemingly ordinary can become incredible.
A great time awaits for one and all! We look forward to seeing you there
For more information about the B & O Railroad Station Museum and or the Victorian Fun Fair Mr. Travis Henry is the site manager for the B & O Railroad Station Museum and may be able to assist.
Illusions by Vick will be glad to answer questions about magic and or illusions both of the 1830 to 1950 period when the Ellicott Mills B & O Railroad Station was in service or other questions regarding the art and craft of magic.
Thank you for your consideration. Please be well.
Look forward to seeing you there
p.s. I know where the best pubs and shopping are ..... just ask
The B &O Railroad Station Museum in Ellicott City Victorian Fun Fair. It's a wonderful event, a good time for the entire family with something for everyone.
Illusions by Vick will be back with my brand of unique, thought provoking and enchanting magical entertainment for the Victorian Fun Fair
The Victorian Fun Fair is a great time for all. Ellicott City is truly beautiful in the fall and every reason to enjoy a fine fall day is well worth considering.
B & O Railroad Station Museum in Ellicott City, Maryland
http://www.ecborail.org
Victorian Fun Fair
Saturday October 17 & Sunday 18, 2009
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Step back in time as the B & O Railroad Station Museum celebrates their Victorian Fun Fair.
For kids of every age! Explore Victorian home entertainment: toys, conundrums, parlor games, & crafts. Have fun the old fashioned way with a variety of activities and maybe even learn a little about life in the middle of the 19th century.
Magical performances commence at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm both Saturday October 17 & Sunday 18, 2009 and the show runs approximately 1 hour. The Illusions by Vick show is not a "children's" show but is crafted for all ages to enjoy so bring the entire family and settle in for a world where nothing is impossible and the seemingly ordinary can become incredible.
A great time awaits for one and all! We look forward to seeing you there
For more information about the B & O Railroad Station Museum and or the Victorian Fun Fair Mr. Travis Henry is the site manager for the B & O Railroad Station Museum and may be able to assist.
Illusions by Vick will be glad to answer questions about magic and or illusions both of the 1830 to 1950 period when the Ellicott Mills B & O Railroad Station was in service or other questions regarding the art and craft of magic.
Thank you for your consideration. Please be well.
Look forward to seeing you there
p.s. I know where the best pubs and shopping are ..... just ask
Sunday, September 27, 2009
It's getting to be that time
When shows pic up and more fun & $ awaits
One of my favorite shows of October .........
B & O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Maryland
Victorian Fun Fair
Saturday October 17 & Sunday October 18
Illusions by Vick goes on both days at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
With the show running about 1 hour
Show included with admission
Downside is it's an outdoor show but the place is great,
10 minutes from my home, Ellicott City is beautiful and even more so in the fall
Will be bridging the time from 1831 when the Ellicott City (then Ellicott Mills) station opened until the last commuter train in 1950. In 1831 it is the only Railroad station of it's kind in the world
Lots to see and do (great place to eat, drink and shop in Ellicott City)
For more please see
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com/
Sorry I couldn't give more here, the cut and paste would not let me ..... hmmmmm ... duh!
One of my favorite shows of October .........
B & O Railroad Museum Ellicott City Maryland
Victorian Fun Fair
Saturday October 17 & Sunday October 18
Illusions by Vick goes on both days at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
With the show running about 1 hour
Show included with admission
Downside is it's an outdoor show but the place is great,
10 minutes from my home, Ellicott City is beautiful and even more so in the fall
Will be bridging the time from 1831 when the Ellicott City (then Ellicott Mills) station opened until the last commuter train in 1950. In 1831 it is the only Railroad station of it's kind in the world
Lots to see and do (great place to eat, drink and shop in Ellicott City)
For more please see
http://www.illusionsbyvick.com/
Sorry I couldn't give more here, the cut and paste would not let me ..... hmmmmm ... duh!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
WOW
Wow, what a difference a great show can make!!!
Haven't blogged lately mostly because there's not much positive to say about magic in general and magicians specifically.
A friend recently said "Magic would be great, if not for magicians" and he's spot on!!
Over 90% of self proclaimed magicians are terrible!! What's worse is they don't realize it, won't consider or seek constructive criticism or read the books and materials that could help them.
Now I've gotten that out of the way, well not really as I could go on but .......
Today at a private show in Virginia I had the pleasure of performing for a great audinece. Great people, well mannered, intelligent, interesting and everything you could ever want in an audinece.
All the newer pieces went over great and were well very received.
Case in point, a very short version of the new closing act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8EKIKc5vDU
About 80% of the show is original materiel and it's the greatest feeling when the original pieces are the best received. Validates all the work, thought, effort and time put it.
Haven't blogged lately mostly because there's not much positive to say about magic in general and magicians specifically.
A friend recently said "Magic would be great, if not for magicians" and he's spot on!!
Over 90% of self proclaimed magicians are terrible!! What's worse is they don't realize it, won't consider or seek constructive criticism or read the books and materials that could help them.
Now I've gotten that out of the way, well not really as I could go on but .......
Today at a private show in Virginia I had the pleasure of performing for a great audinece. Great people, well mannered, intelligent, interesting and everything you could ever want in an audinece.
All the newer pieces went over great and were well very received.
Case in point, a very short version of the new closing act
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8EKIKc5vDU
About 80% of the show is original materiel and it's the greatest feeling when the original pieces are the best received. Validates all the work, thought, effort and time put it.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Through the Looking Glass
Through the Looking Glass is coming along. Will post a link to it here after the rough draft video finishes uploading on YouTube. Still not really Alice in Wonderland feeling, just sort of influenced by it. In part that is because I haven't gotten to the tea party portion of the piece.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Creative Team
It's been a while since the last blog, very busy with some things. Shows are picking back up
Have been thinking I truly have the greatest creative team one could wish for.
Have an art director and builder and a conceptualizer.
And they are my family, Chrissy my Fiancee is doing an outstanding job as the art director & builder! My 7 year young son Sebastian is the most amazing conceptualizer.
Was stuck on a presentation for a new piece and Sebastian turned it around in his head for about 6 minutes and came up with an idea, Chrissy built it in less than 2 days for under $50 and now I have the most unusual and sensible "Floating Butterfly" routine
Coming up next ......
"Through the Looking Glass"
Have been thinking I truly have the greatest creative team one could wish for.
Have an art director and builder and a conceptualizer.
And they are my family, Chrissy my Fiancee is doing an outstanding job as the art director & builder! My 7 year young son Sebastian is the most amazing conceptualizer.
Was stuck on a presentation for a new piece and Sebastian turned it around in his head for about 6 minutes and came up with an idea, Chrissy built it in less than 2 days for under $50 and now I have the most unusual and sensible "Floating Butterfly" routine
Coming up next ......
"Through the Looking Glass"
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