This Post is Dedicated to my friend and mentor Darwin Ortiz. When I first read this routine as a fourteen years old, I could hardly hold a deck of cards in my hand. Just so that I could visualise the effect, I placed each of the four aces in my jacket pocket and stood in …
The next routine I would like to feature is Triumph. This is another stellar routine from Stars of Magic. It should come as no surprise to you that all the routines I have discussed so far, I learnt in my teens from this book. Now, before we go any further, take a look at this …
It may not surprise you to read that the second routine up for discussion is another classic effect direct from Stars of Magic. As a fourteen year old, Christmas Day 1978, this book was wrapped up under the Christmas Tree along with Cy Endfield’s Entertaining Card Magic. These two books had a big impact on …
My post yesterday generated a lot of positive feedback. Big thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts. In reading through my notes, I realised this particular conversation is incomplete. Rightly so because Cutting The Aces is a big subject. The routine by Dai Vernon is a presentation masterpiece. The handling described in Stars …
Welcome to a new series of blog post dedicated to classic routines. I would like to start off with this wonderful premise of Cutting The Aces. I was first exposed to this plot from reading Dai Vernon’s brilliant interpretation from Stars of Magic. Once again, I am referencing a book that has had a profound …
He passed away in 1992 and still, his teachings are present in my work. As I look at my magic now, I can see the hand and influence of Dai Vernon in all that I do. Simplicity. Directness. Pure Effect. This is my model for strong magic and effective presentation. Take a moment please to …
Everyday around 11am I like to visit my Petit Cafe. It is one block away from my home. This is where I order my Cappuccino, take out my mat, my Journal and create. Do you have a daily ritual? This is an important consideration. This is very often the best part of my day. It …
This Quest is a process with no end point. Take any technical discipline and you will see the best practitioners constantly refining and improving. Bruce Lee was always refining, eliminating anything that did not contribute to his expression. My magic has entered an interesting space right now. I am noticing stronger reactions from my audience. …
This post has been many years in the making. Simply because I couldn’t have written about it ten years ago let alone when I first turned professional. How is it possible for a new student in magic today going to discover their style? They may be fortunate to be able to perform with confidence, …
