Conjuring Arts in the NY Times!
On Sunday, March 7, 2010, the New York Times published an article on the Millionaires’ Magician, Steve Cohen, titled “Grand Illusions”. Mr. Cohen has been known to frequent the library when researching effects for his show Chamber Magic which plays at the Waldorf-Astoria here in New York. The article features a profile of Mr. Cohen as well as some of the tricks he performs. Additionally there are portions of the article which focus on where and how he acquires his secrets, one of which is Conjuring Arts!
If you don’t have access to the print edition of the article, it is available electronically here.
Ricky Jay on 60 Minutes
Ricky Jay is featured on a recent 60 Minutes piece, titled “Scams: Pigeon Fever”, to discuss the nature of scams and human gullibility. Mr. Jay explains why experts in certain fields are more likely to be hoodwinked, demonstrates the blind faith people put in authority, and cautions against anything that seems too good to be true. Additionally they have a scene in Mr. Jay’s library where we get to see some excellent pieces from his collection as he discusses some prominent historical scams.
Watch the whole piece above or watch the excerpts featuring Mr. Jay below:
Magic: The Science of Wonder
A new magic event looms on the horizon! Magic: The Science of Wonder is a new museum exhibit which is going to be shown in Texas at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Featuring many notable performers, including John Carney and Richard Hatch, as well as a plethora of artifacts, video, props, and other potentially intriguing displays, this exhibit holds some promise. It aims to showcase the interrelationship of science and magic by not only demonstrating some perplexing effects but also introducing some of the subtle and crafty methodology magicians use to enhance their illusions.
They have also provided video clips of John Carney and Richard Hatch performing some particularly elegant magic:
Watch Richard Hatch’s beautiful routine with the Cups and Balls:
Watch John Carney as he does one of the most dazzling effects with coins ever conceived:
Magic Show
There is a traveling exhibit of magic related art roaming around England called Magic Show. Check it out to see if it interests you and then see if it is possible for you to see it in person. One of the curators and artists is Jonathan Allen who, in 2007, guest edited an issue of Cabinet magazine devoted to magic. There are more than 20 artists represented, and it looks like a very fascinating affair. In particular, the Center for Tactical Magic sounds like a most glorious addition to any venture so, perhaps, pay particular attention to their shenanigans if you get the opportunity.
Find more information on this event here.
Additionally, there is a catalog available for the exhibition which might prove a suitable substitute for the actual experience if need be: catalog.
Sleight of Sand
A surprisingly beautiful demonstration of the esoteric art of sand painting by Kseniya Simonova, performed for Ukraine’s Got Talent. It’s a wonderful piece fluid and graceful. The morphing of one image into the next can be startling and rather magical. In fact, sand painting and magic share some history, as there have been numerous performers who featured both in their acts.
One of these was S. S. Henry, known for his “Vanishing Goat”, who, in addition to sand painting and magic, featured rag painting, smoke pictures, and chalk cartoons. Incidentally, Henry taught sand painting to Melba Dew, wife of magician Danny Dew, and the two of them performed an act together showcasing both of their talents.
For those of you that are interested, and can travel through time, here is an Abbott’s advertisement from the Sphinx purporting to give all the secrets away for just $3! (click image)
The Sound of the Voice
Greetings from Conjuring Arts! Our intrepid internet explorer, Steve Cuiffo, recently discovered that some other people, scientists, have discovered a way to levitate objects: with sound. Watch the fascinating video here or read the article first at: Acoustic Levitation.
David Blaine: How I held my breath for 17 min
In this highly personal talk from TEDMED, magician and stuntman David Blaine describes what it took to hold his breath underwater for 17 minutes — a world record (only two minutes shorter than this entire talk!) — and what his often death-defying work means to him. Warning: do NOT try this at home.
