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Tom Frank V.I.P. industrial Strength Magic 493 Posts |
Been searching for beauty in my work, the artistry. . . the outward demonstration of joy and the desire to share a unique experience with the audience. I just struggled with what word to use. My first inclination, was to use the word crowd, but thought the word audience sounded more refined. Perhaps that's a fundamental issue. What's the difference between a crowd of people watching something and an audience? Chairs. . .
Every night I go to work, as I'm leaving the house, I come up with some half baked strategy for the evening. The other night (after seeing Man on Wire) the strategy du jour, was to find the beauty in what I was doing. Found it in the strangest place that night. In my deck pitch. I can't get most people to tip a buck for an entertaining show. . . but I can get them to hand me $25 for a Stripper Deck. It's beautiful thing that I fine tuned over the years of owning magic shops. The next night, still searching for the beauty in my work; I had a new notion. I wondered why I only measure the beauty of the magic by external factors like audience reaction and the money I make. It's ****ed up, when I'm making money, everything is great. . . . when I'm not. . . . I can't see the beauty. I work at the Universal CityWalk for people coming out of Universal Studios, at the end of a long day of being over stimulated by the magic of Hollywood and the excitement of a theme park with roller coasters. They're hot, tired, broke and emotionally spent. But, bless their hearts, they stop and watch. . react or not, tip or not. If I've learned anything in this life, it's all a crapshoot. Things are tough out there and I'm really feeling it in my hat. My peak season numbers were down over 50% from last year. . . Ouch!!! People are scared, and they're holding on to their money. . . while they drink $4 coffee's from Starbucks. Is a flower any less beautiful if it never gets seen? Is the art, that I'm working hard to bring forth, any less beautiful, because I didn't make money? I did some beautiful magic last night. Multiple card selections/revelations. 4 handed and 8 handed poker deals. Esoteric Coin Manipulations (that no one cares about), the linking rings. The money I made sucked and the people seemed cheaper than their usual puckered *** selves as Wall Street Crashes over 700 points in two days. But hey, I found the beauty. It's a simple thing. To smile. . . to live. . . to love. . . . to learn. . . and grow. I got a great life |
Mitch Schneiter Special user West Linn, Oregon 672 Posts |
Tom, thank you for taking the time to share your magic experiences and thoughts. I have enjoyed reading them over the years, here and on your blog, and you have inspired me in my magic. Thanks again...
Mitch |
jimmy talksalot Special user new orleans 757 Posts |
What mitch said.
man tom you always change my negative outlook. |
Airave Regular user Germany 137 Posts |
Hwat a Wonderful (and Beautiful) Post, Tom!
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gallagher Inner circle 1168 Posts |
Hmm, don't know Tom. I appreciate `your looking',.. your questioning,... your writing; but reading the Post three times,.. I wasn't sure. Are you being sarcastic?, serious?, or hmmm,... maybe I've just thought too much about it. I should probably Log Out, and let this one go,.. but,... I think a lot about this one. All the time. It's my bread.
I thought you mentioned `money' a lot. Then again, I liked your conclusion,.. `the simplicity'. But maybe before looking for `Beauty', we should try to figure out kinda like `what' we're looking for. (I had to pick those words, as well. Saying, "to define Beauty", I would be killed!) Anyways, my `choice of words' for Beauty, are; "an honest expression of emotion". Hey, before thinking too much about it. Try to create something `simple', but with an honest expression of emotion. How do you feel? OK, that's what I'm trying to work with; create, and share. I know, too most, that's going to come accross pretty hoaky!,.. especially when playing with `Magic',... but that's the direction I go with. The `rest'(money and such), that takes care of itself. And the feeling inside, even when it doesn't work,... well, that's growing,... that's the risk,.. that's worth it!,.. `cause WHEN IT WORKS,... AHHH,..I don't even need to drop a hat!!! Think of it,.. the Creative Process, using Magical Entertainment, to create an honest expression of emotion. And hey, go beyond comedy! I play for people who are open for it,... chairs or no chairs! It's no longer such `a simple little thing'. but Magic. I wish you all luck, hope I didn't go over board,.. gallagher |
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