Winding down towards the end of year makes for a good time of reflection and practice. At the beginning of this year, my resolutions were to Purchase less, Practice more and Perform! Whilst curbing ones spending on all things magic related is a challenge, I’ve certainly performed more and have practiced and videoed the majority of rehearsals and acts. Whilst a steep learning curve in stage craft and audience management, filming the rehearsals and acts have proved beneficial in refining scripts and blocking. Practice little and often.
Finally having taken the leap in applying for The Magic Circle, I’ve had to dust off my close up skills, as I’ve been performing mentalism for my Mr Quinn act to date. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out Ben Earl’s latest book, ‘The Shift’. Its a fabulously produced compact book of sleights, techniques and theories that packs a punch. I’ve discovered a practice technique involving a squash ball for honing those card handling skills! Ben’s study helps you literally shift your perspective on the practice and execution of magic. Looking forward to seeing what Ben has in store with his Studio 52.
Another book to add to ones collection is the the excellent ‘Eugene Burger: From Beyond’. This has been in the works for some time from Lawrence Haas, with a sequel to follow. Its a superb collection of some of Eugenes unpublished works complimented with videos of Eugenes performances. It truly is from beyond.
And if you need some motivational inspiration to keep you focused on your magic practice, check these out…
Matt Johnson has produced these brilliant motivational bracelets if you don’t ink, that you can order from him direct. With his coined phrase ‘NEVER GIVE UP’ and on the other side ‘YOU GOT THIS’, these are a great daily reminder of what you’ve set out to accomplish. Creating some kick ass magic!
And speaking of kick ass magic, do check out my friend Erick Reateguis (ilusionista.snake) of Tumi Magic, latest creation of some visual eye candy with TGR 2.0. Performed here by the extremely talented Takumi Takahashi!
#NEVERGIVEUP
