Growing in the Art of Magic
What it is
6 downloads of audio recordings approximately 2 hours total, on different topics of magic. Most of the talk is done by Eugene himself.
The price for all six downloads is 13$ from Eugene's site
The 6 downloads include a total of 10 recordings (downloads 1,3,4,6 consists of two recordings each), where Eugene opens the door into the deeper secrets of magic. Rather than simply telling us "how it is", he asks questions, reflects, and makes us think, and seek out the answers for ourselves. An essential to his philosophy of magic seems to be, that there are certain secrets which cannot be told, but which must be discovered by the individual magician himself.
At the same time there is also some quite practical and down-to-earth advice, such as keeping a note book, being early for shows, writing a script etc.
- #1 Growing: How do we grow as magicians? What does it really mean to become a better magician? Does reading a magic book make you grow in magic?
#2 The Way of the Magician: "Magic is not tricks, it is a way". Here Eugene discusses what it means for him to walk that way, and what is necessary to take an effect beyond the mere trickery.
#3 Managing people close-up: Why do people heckle, and what should the magician do? Do I really want to come across as a person who is rude to other people? Is it really good business to insult your costumers?
#4 Before the show: Mental preparation and practical advice.
#5 After the show: The aftermath and evaluation of a show.
#6 The Origin and Symbolism of Magic: When we are doing magic we are doing something important... something deeply human. In order to understand magic, it may help us to know a little about how it came about.
#7 The Future of Magic: Eugene offers some insights on the two ways, that he thinks magic can go: More special effects or more personality.
#8 Seeking a Magical Vision: In order for our magic to be what we want it to be, we need to know what it is that we want it to be. We need to have a vision in other words - our own vision and this recording is about finding that vision. When we have that vision, even if only partial, we must allow ourselves to be that Magician - to be powerful and wonderful and confident.
#9 Imagination, Creativity and Solitude: Creativity is at the heart of magic, but the question is how do we actually become creative? How do we become originals rather than mere carbon copies (no exposure intended
)? We should not do as the instructions tell us. Just because someone got an idea, it doesn't mean they can tell you how you should perform an effect - that only you can decide.#10 The Flow of Water: A meditation on the power of water. A very Burgeresque way to end a reflection on magic.
Review
I think this is the best and most important purchase I have made as a magician, and I recommend it for everyone. There are no tricks, so you don't have to be a certain level to benefit from these recordings. They are for anyone who wants to think a bit deeper about their magic. And that is exactly what Eugene excels at: Making you think.
Since listening to these recordings, magic has become a much more personal thing to me. It is not the effects that make the performer, it is the other way around. Through this, Eugene has given me the tools to develop my magic, far beyond what any new sleight or trick could have. And to do so with confidence.
Now I regularly hear the voice of Eugene Burger in my head saying things like "yes, that is a nice trick, but what is your magic like?" "Where are you going as a performer"
I recommend this for everyone. Buy it! Now!
5/5 (or just 100% on whatever the appropriate scale)
