Guest Blog | John Carey

Now that this website is back online, I will be featuring some exciting conversations from Card Men and Women who I admire.

To kick things off, here is a lovely contribution from my dear friend John Carey.

Read this carefully, John put a smile on my face with a key statement in this Blog Post. I will follow up at the end.

From John Carey

It’s a great honour and a pleasure to be asked by Michael to write a little piece about card magic.

We’ve known each other over 30 years and both share a passion for the Devils playthings.

Card magic truly is the poetry of magic as Hofzinser once said. Our literature is scattered with truly amazing work from the masters.

In an age where so many ask what’s new I always say look at the classics. The Vernon and Marlo material for example is timeless as is my first ever book the Royal Road to Card Magic.

I always say to students, if they spent a year just focusing on mastery of that text they will be doing better work than most.

When I work on card problems I always ask myself what if? This might mean what do I want to achieve or how can I streamline the handling, make the effect meaningful for people and in turn memorable.

Simon Aronson once told me there’s always a trade off. I derive a lot of satisfaction from streamlining effects, taking out unnecessary clutter/moves hopefully without diluting impact. However, if a routine requires a difficult move and it’s the best tool for the job I have no qualms with that.

Eugene Burger once said that sleight of hand is about problem solving and he was right. This is where study, discipline and focus come in. If you’ve diligently studied the classic texts and acquired the knowledge and the fundamental tools you can do amazing work!

You truly can’t build a house without the foundations.

To finish this little piece I just want to say always make your magic learning fun. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Build up your knowledge and skills and get out there and
amaze people and put smiles on faces. Trust me, the people will love it and your rewards will be so satisfying.

JC

From Michael Vincent.

I really want to acknowledge John for his insightful evaluation on card magic.

Did you pick up on his golden nugget in his write up?

Well here it is;

The Vernon and Marlo material for example is timeless as is my first ever book the Royal Road to Card Magic. I always say to students if they spent a year just focusing on mastery of that text they will be doing better work than most.

Right there you will find a big secret to making progress in your card magic.  Take your time and study one book completely. You cannot go wrong with The Royal Road to Card Magic. Somewhere on this website I wrote about this book and why I value it so much. John has shared his thoughts and give  you dear read another powerful motivation to go back to this 1948 classic and study it with a fresh mindset.

Leave your comments below let us know what you think.

Be sure to check out Johns website to learn more about his work.