After graduating from college, I was a professional magician. For about two years, I paid life expenses magishing.
I starved.
It quickly became apparent that to really do this, you needed a couple of things; (1) you needed to be away from family from Wednesday afternoon until Sunday matinee and (2) you needed talent. Since I had issues in both categories, I only did it for the aforementioned two years.
But it provided me with some incredible memories and experiences that I could not probably find in any other venue available to me. The grind and hustle was exciting for a young man still finding his position in the lifeline, but eventually I discovered I didn’t need so much the hugs of strangers. Now, an occasional kind word of unexpected, out-of-the-blue-approval and appreciation from folks whose name I will not learn goes a long way to supplement that which comes from persons from who I have memorized the freckles on their back. Memorizing the freckles of a son, daughter or spouse became more important than I ever thought possible.
But I digress. This is about magishing memories and an attempt to put them in some sort of order.
Magishing Memory #1:
It’s been said that “People love a mystery, enjoy a puzzle and like being fooled for fun.” Not necessarily. At a show for a DeMolay* formal dinner, a cocky young man who turned out to be the group’s President or Alpha Dog DeMolay or some other grand title, tried repeatedly to spoil my act.
When performing for a social group, it is not uncommon to use the group’s leader in the act, to provide him or her with some stage time. This is especially important if the effect being performed will make them shine. The reason for doing this is repeat bookings, good word of mouth and a higher potential for a unsolicited tip. If you can make an alpha dog look smart, strong or clever in front of any of the beta females, a folded twenty passed via a firm handshake is more likely to occur. In this instance however, the guy decided that he would attempt to turn the tables on the performer and in short, make the trick fail.
Without going into minutiae and giving away any magicain's secrets, I became aware about half-way through the routine that he had sabotaged the trick. This might be best compared to a standup comic facing a loud, rude, profane and potentially dangerous heckler.
After discovering his dirty work on stage, I momentarily paused as if in concentration and looked at his most satisfied smirk. A knowing glance passed between us as his look of “try to get out of this one, magic man” came into focus. I nodded and silently accepted his challenge and decided to remove the gloves and strap on my magician's brass knuckles.
I carried on and quickly worked through the problem and successfully completed the routine to a rousing round of applause, laughter and amazed looks.
But I did so at his expense. Before the routine arrived at its no doubt amazing denouement, I made sure he was made the recipient of embarrassing comments (much to the delight of the audience, I might add) and silly moments that passed as comedy. Ultimately, he appeared the complete fool.
Today when I think about that show, I am more than a wee bit uncomfortable for what I did to that guy. We were about same age, but I showed an immaturity that is embarrassing now. In truth, I didn’t handle it so well and I know that I could have achieved a pleasant result for all in attendance without resorting to magical fisticuffs.
Yeah, I won the contest but victory was not so pure, not so appealing. I suppose I learned more about me than what I was trying to "teach" to the young man that night. It just took about 20 years for me to figure that out. I wish I could apologize to the young man.
In the canon of Magishing Memories, it’s not a pleasant one. But it’s one that I dredge up now and again. Even now as I I consider it, I think it’s a pretty good memory to have.
*DeMolay is the official youth group for the Order of the Masons. The Order of DeMolay takes its name from Jacques DeMolay, who gave his life rather than betray his friends. Sounds like a prison gang to me, but what do I know?
Monday, October 09, 2006
Friday, September 01, 2006
Out Of The Closet
I suppose it was only a matter of time before the truth was revealed. But I feel it is my duty to my friends and family to finally admit something that only a very few know. Those that do have been supportive and understanding and I appreciate this so much. Without them, I don’t know who I could talk to about this, “coming out”.
I am a fan of Project Runway.
I am a married, straight male and have gone as far as recording episodes if they would have been otherwise missed. At the earliest opportunity, generally the next evening after a new episode is recorded, dinner is eaten while watching.
I have been a fan of PR since the first episode from the first season. I did not tell my wife about this but she soon learned about this after walking in on me and asking, “What are you watching?”
I hushed her into silence until the commercial break came. Then the stammering and stuttering started. You would have thought I had just got busted watching kiddie porn. But once the words came out in order, the flood gates were opened. My gushing proved to be enough for her to join me and we were hooked. During and after each show, we talk about it and how good or bad the designs were that week.
The reasons are myriad for my fandom. The soap opera antics of the designers are amusing. The comments of Tim and the judges are often funny. Or bitchy, which can also be funny. The models are hot. The clothes and designs are often fascinating and engaging. It’s fun to out-guess the judges and honk at the bad outfits. But mostly, it’s watching talented, creative people engage in the whole process of, well...of creating. The challenges are met with varying degrees of success and I thoroughly love watching it all play out.
Of its kind, I don’t think there is a better made show. It is great TV. It’s a show that can be talked about because there is some substance to it all, or so it seems to me. There is something tangible that can be seen, touched and experienced. The outcome seems to matter a bit more because the winner (in fact even those lower on the list) is given additional opportunities to create even more interesting fashion designs with the promise of seed money to start their own line and/or job offers.
It also creates opportunities for viewers to discuss and decide what makes good fashion and see how the process works. In many ways, the show is somewhat like a true documentary rather than just a contest show. Unlike other “reality” shows where the competitions are based on being a lying shit head or merely stronger and luckier than your opponent, this show demands more. It’s great to watch a contest show where the truly talentless are "Auffed" and the smart, creative types rise to the top. The results seem more meaningful as a result.
Plus you get to watch young models get dressed.
I am a fan of Project Runway.
I am a married, straight male and have gone as far as recording episodes if they would have been otherwise missed. At the earliest opportunity, generally the next evening after a new episode is recorded, dinner is eaten while watching.
I have been a fan of PR since the first episode from the first season. I did not tell my wife about this but she soon learned about this after walking in on me and asking, “What are you watching?”
I hushed her into silence until the commercial break came. Then the stammering and stuttering started. You would have thought I had just got busted watching kiddie porn. But once the words came out in order, the flood gates were opened. My gushing proved to be enough for her to join me and we were hooked. During and after each show, we talk about it and how good or bad the designs were that week.
The reasons are myriad for my fandom. The soap opera antics of the designers are amusing. The comments of Tim and the judges are often funny. Or bitchy, which can also be funny. The models are hot. The clothes and designs are often fascinating and engaging. It’s fun to out-guess the judges and honk at the bad outfits. But mostly, it’s watching talented, creative people engage in the whole process of, well...of creating. The challenges are met with varying degrees of success and I thoroughly love watching it all play out.
Of its kind, I don’t think there is a better made show. It is great TV. It’s a show that can be talked about because there is some substance to it all, or so it seems to me. There is something tangible that can be seen, touched and experienced. The outcome seems to matter a bit more because the winner (in fact even those lower on the list) is given additional opportunities to create even more interesting fashion designs with the promise of seed money to start their own line and/or job offers.
It also creates opportunities for viewers to discuss and decide what makes good fashion and see how the process works. In many ways, the show is somewhat like a true documentary rather than just a contest show. Unlike other “reality” shows where the competitions are based on being a lying shit head or merely stronger and luckier than your opponent, this show demands more. It’s great to watch a contest show where the truly talentless are "Auffed" and the smart, creative types rise to the top. The results seem more meaningful as a result.
Plus you get to watch young models get dressed.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Art Unraveled 2006 – Wine, Women and Waxed Linen Thread
“Art Unraveled” is not unlike other art workshop retreats. There are numerous short classes offered on a variety of art and art/craft topics including paper arts, jewelry making, painting, drawing and fiber related subjects. The workshops are either all day or half day sessions. This was my second year of teaching at AU and must admit that it is time well spent.
I can’t say that it is the class offerings that makes it a special event. It is not uncommon to see the same instructors making a kind of circuit between similarly organized and mounted events. Art and Soul, Artfest, and the well remembered and loved Art Continuum retreats are just a sampling of the art workshop weekends that one can attend over the course of a year.
This may sound trite, but what makes it a special event are the people in attendance. Good natured folks (admittedly mostly women attending this thing) who are there to have a good time, learn a few things and eat too much.
Linda Young organizes AU to the last detail and the attention shows. The event runs smoothly and everyone is made to feel like the attention was undertaken just for them, personally. Complaints are minimal and generally the gripes are from folks who bring the grief upon themselves. They’d complain if they were buried in a solid gold coffin. 99.9% of the attendees and teachers are all smiles, regardless of the lack of sleep each receives during the course of their participation. Who can sleep when there are things to solder, shape, color, glue, stitch and transfer?
But complaints do occur now and again and though I have not received any about my classes, touch wood, I have been witness to some of it and have made the following observations:
The beefs are generally based on the fact that the student didn’t read the class description close enough to understand what the hell was going to happen in class. “But I thought I was going to make this and we ended up making that.” Well, folks…read the class description carefully. If you don’t understand the nomenclature, ask before assuming something.
"I don't get it...it doesn't look like yours..." (said with a whine, please)
The project is not working out as it should because the student doesn’t listen to instructions or pay attention. If the REST of the class heard it and got it, I think you need to look in a mirror to find where the weak link might be.
Your project will NOT be perfect nor will it look like the instructor’s sample. This is the first time you’ve made the thing; it should take practice and increased skill to make one that may be more apt to meet with your muse’s approval. You are making a model, a practice piece for future reference.
“It's not working…this is too hard…you’re going too fast…” (again, a nice whine accompanying each statement)
You can get it if you’d merely stop whining about your lack of understanding. It better be hard to do, otherwise everyone would be making one of these. You’d probably do better and move along a little faster if you just concentrated on learning the skill or construction or technique or whatever it is you are doing rather than share with the world your inability to do any of those things. You can catch up, don’t worry about it. The teacher and the rest of the class will NOT abandon you. Despite what each of us secretly wishes for, this is not "Survivor" so you will not be voted off the island.
"Her classes are too expensive...it costs too much to go...lower them so I can attend..."
You're correct, the classes are not cheap (but people, they ain't that expensive, either) because instructors are often not in it for purely altruistic motives. Some pay their mortgages through teaching classes and selling wares at the shows. However, teachers are NOT getting rich. Even those who have authored dozens of books often live very modestly. In fact, no one is getting rich doing this. Fortunately, most of the teachers and vendors I know do this because they enjoy meeting the people and are passionate about their art.
Certainly it’s not for the notoriety. It’s not that hard to get on the Carol Duvall show. If you can’t afford the class fees, don’t take the class. I know, it's not fair.
Remember, despite your deepest and most sincere beliefs, the world does not revolve around you. We instructors do care about you and want you to have a great time. We will help you in class as much as we can and provide as much one-on-one attention as we can afford without ignoring the other attendees. We want to give you good value for the money you paid but we don’t owe you our soul.
That covers most of the general complaints I’ve observed people make. I think it would be sad to be those people. Ya pays hard earned money, spend good daylight hours in a classroom all weekend and all you can do is to bitch because you didn’t finish the project? Do yourself and the other attendees a giant favor. Stay home. Or shut up. Or both.
All righty then, ahem, that being said…I had a wonderful time meeting some wonderful people over the course of a wonderful week. This is a retreat worth a three-peat.
Lisa R, Traci B (one and two), Juliana C, Lynne P, Richard S, Kelly K, Olivia R, Kathie S, Susan LK, Ginny, Michael DM, Chuck and all the rest - I have no complaints. We had a ball even though I ate too much and still need to catch up on my sleep.
See you all in a few. Can't wait.
I can’t say that it is the class offerings that makes it a special event. It is not uncommon to see the same instructors making a kind of circuit between similarly organized and mounted events. Art and Soul, Artfest, and the well remembered and loved Art Continuum retreats are just a sampling of the art workshop weekends that one can attend over the course of a year.
This may sound trite, but what makes it a special event are the people in attendance. Good natured folks (admittedly mostly women attending this thing) who are there to have a good time, learn a few things and eat too much.Linda Young organizes AU to the last detail and the attention shows. The event runs smoothly and everyone is made to feel like the attention was undertaken just for them, personally. Complaints are minimal and generally the gripes are from folks who bring the grief upon themselves. They’d complain if they were buried in a solid gold coffin. 99.9% of the attendees and teachers are all smiles, regardless of the lack of sleep each receives during the course of their participation. Who can sleep when there are things to solder, shape, color, glue, stitch and transfer?
But complaints do occur now and again and though I have not received any about my classes, touch wood, I have been witness to some of it and have made the following observations:
The beefs are generally based on the fact that the student didn’t read the class description close enough to understand what the hell was going to happen in class. “But I thought I was going to make this and we ended up making that.” Well, folks…read the class description carefully. If you don’t understand the nomenclature, ask before assuming something.
"I don't get it...it doesn't look like yours..." (said with a whine, please)
The project is not working out as it should because the student doesn’t listen to instructions or pay attention. If the REST of the class heard it and got it, I think you need to look in a mirror to find where the weak link might be.
Your project will NOT be perfect nor will it look like the instructor’s sample. This is the first time you’ve made the thing; it should take practice and increased skill to make one that may be more apt to meet with your muse’s approval. You are making a model, a practice piece for future reference.
“It's not working…this is too hard…you’re going too fast…” (again, a nice whine accompanying each statement)
You can get it if you’d merely stop whining about your lack of understanding. It better be hard to do, otherwise everyone would be making one of these. You’d probably do better and move along a little faster if you just concentrated on learning the skill or construction or technique or whatever it is you are doing rather than share with the world your inability to do any of those things. You can catch up, don’t worry about it. The teacher and the rest of the class will NOT abandon you. Despite what each of us secretly wishes for, this is not "Survivor" so you will not be voted off the island.
"Her classes are too expensive...it costs too much to go...lower them so I can attend..."
You're correct, the classes are not cheap (but people, they ain't that expensive, either) because instructors are often not in it for purely altruistic motives. Some pay their mortgages through teaching classes and selling wares at the shows. However, teachers are NOT getting rich. Even those who have authored dozens of books often live very modestly. In fact, no one is getting rich doing this. Fortunately, most of the teachers and vendors I know do this because they enjoy meeting the people and are passionate about their art.
Certainly it’s not for the notoriety. It’s not that hard to get on the Carol Duvall show. If you can’t afford the class fees, don’t take the class. I know, it's not fair.
Remember, despite your deepest and most sincere beliefs, the world does not revolve around you. We instructors do care about you and want you to have a great time. We will help you in class as much as we can and provide as much one-on-one attention as we can afford without ignoring the other attendees. We want to give you good value for the money you paid but we don’t owe you our soul.
That covers most of the general complaints I’ve observed people make. I think it would be sad to be those people. Ya pays hard earned money, spend good daylight hours in a classroom all weekend and all you can do is to bitch because you didn’t finish the project? Do yourself and the other attendees a giant favor. Stay home. Or shut up. Or both.
All righty then, ahem, that being said…I had a wonderful time meeting some wonderful people over the course of a wonderful week. This is a retreat worth a three-peat.
Lisa R, Traci B (one and two), Juliana C, Lynne P, Richard S, Kelly K, Olivia R, Kathie S, Susan LK, Ginny, Michael DM, Chuck and all the rest - I have no complaints. We had a ball even though I ate too much and still need to catch up on my sleep.
See you all in a few. Can't wait.
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