There's no better introduction to this article than to simply quote the ideology of which the focal point consists, I recently had the following realisation and wrote it down:
An artist uses art to express his freedom; art inspires freedom in the mind of the beholder.
~
Matt Homer
Upon studying the above quote, an interesting subtext can be extracted, and that is - whatever emotion you put into your work, is ultimately what the audience will feel upon experiencing it.
Whilst the viewing of art often induces subjective emotions that are personal to the viewer, the underlying emotions and messages of the artist can often be felt.
The beauty of art, in this case, magic, is that you (as an artist) have the limitless opportunity to authentically express yourself through the medium of your craft and deliver whatever message that you desire based on your own natural style, personality, and inclinations.
You must approach your work with relentless passion, and the never-ending desire for discovery and improvement, coupled with a fastidious attention to detail. When performing, you must be enthusiastic, energised, and ready to provide the best possible experience for your audience every time you perform. The exact emotions that you convey are undoubtedly linked to your own personality and the image that you want to portray, but what must be remembered is that you have a duty to yourself, the integrity of your craft, and your audience's satisfaction, to provide a uniquely memorable experience that is authentic to you, and the very best one that you are capable of.
The role of a magician infusing his performances with energy, enthusiasm, and passion, can be likened to that of a singer or comedian. By way of example, think of how many times a well-known singer has to sing the same song over and over again for different crowds. If the singer displayed boredom or acted like they didn't want to be there through a begrudging, unenthusiastic attitude, the audience would pick up on it immediately. Instead, the successful singer must sing their songs with the same vitality, energy, and excitement as if it's the first time that they have performed the song, except for the fact that they have likely performed it hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of times before.
Likewise, a stand-up comedian will perform the same jokes, with the same planned spontaneity, for countless different audiences whilst on tour. Any worthwhile comedian knows that they must deliver their jokes and anecdotes effortlessly and effectively, yet in a way that feels like the audience is experiencing a show that's unique to them.
For magicians, we must deliver each routine, each line of patter, and each show with the same passion, life, and enthusiasm as that of the aforementioned professions despite performing an effect countless times. As a matter of fact, it's by repeat performances of a routine that we are really able to internalise it and, as Darwin Ortiz would say, achieve a level of spontaneous wit, that allows us to be free in the moment and connect with our audience.
The necessity to do this comes from the successful performer's awareness to treat his audience(s) with respect, individuality, and gratitude - for although the performer may have performed their act or routine thousands of times, each time they perform it for someone new, it's the audience member's first time experiencing it! Therefore, by way of gratitude and respect for the spectator's uniqueness and their desire to witness the very best entertainment, remember that each spectator you meet is a completely one-of-a-kind individual with their own life, background, and personality - as a result, you owe it to them to treat them as such and provide them with an experience worthy of the fact.
The incomparable Robert Greene wrote that "If you are excited and obsessive in the hunt, it will show in the details. If your work comes from a place deep within, its authenticity will be communicated."
In other words, every piece of work put in behind the scenes to master your craft is felt by the audience, whether it be subliminally or explicitly, every detail, every second of practice, and every bit of research will propel you towards mastery and enrich your work with the passionate dedication of a true artist.
S.W. Erdnase, in his 1902 book The Expert at the Card Table, wrote that "The finished expert considers nothing too trivial that in any way contributes to his success."
So I urge you, the reader, to recognise your own individuality, respect every audience member, and deliver them a seemingly unique(?) experience full of vitality and passion, performed in the very best way that you are capable of each time you perform. Be relentless in your quest for mastery, knowledge, and improvement. Avoid becoming stagnant, complacent, or lazy. But most importantly, remember my philosophy that adorned this article and let it guide you towards the realms of meaningful magic:
An artist uses art to express his freedom; art inspires freedom in the mind of the beholder.
~
Matt Homer
© Copyright 2024 by Matt Homer. All Rights Reserved.
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