T11 Round Table Discussion - Wayne Houchin

[Ben Long]

1. I was reading AoA vol.3 and Paul Harris talks about his process of creation in several stages, setting goals, listing knowns, listing unknowns, and connecting a line of thought. He also describes the magical place he goes to make new effects.

In a video in the media section, Lee Asher discusses innovation and creation as something that comes at a certain point when the magician cannot find everything he or she in other sources and in essence must therefore become their own source.

As a creator, how do you come up with ideas for tricks and how do you develop them? Do you start with concepts or with an ultimate effect you want to achieve? Have you come to the point that Asher describes as knowing that there are things that only you can achieve?

2. Vladimir Nabokov (author of such books as Lolita and Pale Fire) said "For me a work of fiction exists only insofar as it affords me what I shall bluntly call aesthetic bliss, that is a sense of being somehow, somewhere, connected with other states of being where art (curiosity, tenderness, kindness, ecstasy) is the norm. . . ."

In what ways do you see magic as "aesthetic bliss?"

3. Paul Harris uses a jello-mold. He says "Your primal state of consciousness is neutral and flowing. Then like jello, it takes on the shape of whatever 'idea mold' it is poured into. That shape gradually congeals into your world view, your 'permanent' reality. Our culture is a competition to see who can make the most appealing mold..and to promote it as the 'real mold' so you'll pour yourself into it. The moment of astonishment temporarily breaks the mold and sets intelligence free. Astonishment is the mold of no molds. Although I'm not sure if this still works if you add tiny marshmallows."

What is a metaphor that you might use to describe magic?

[Figure Eight]

Would you ever consider coming to Eureka Ca. There needs to be some culture brought to this place. Plus it is Humboldt county and I am sure you have heard what the main crop is here.

[MikeGoyke]

3.How do you as a creator, feel about the exposure of your created effects on youtube?

[FatalAce]

Submission #1: Do you practice flourishing too? If so, do you create your own flourishes? Favorite flourishes? Etc.

[Shanku]

1. Which magicians had the most influence over your magic? How, and why?

2. What do you think is the mistake most young (or modern) magicians make in their performances?

3. Where do you go for inspiration for new effects? Do they just come? Do you go for a walk in the park with your beloved Dana? Do you read books and see if you can make the effects better? Please elaborate.

[Johnlawl]

1) Wayne, what would it be like, if YOU And DANA switched. You are the camera man, music person, etc. And Dana is the magician-creator. ?

[Toad]

whats ur favorite deck of cards? how many do you have.

[Mitchell]

1. what is the purpose of preforming magic for people to you?

[shinichikudo992000]

Sorry wrong post

[Volcan]

1.) How long were you into magic before you were booked for your first gig?