The power of magic

Gary Scott

Hi Jay,

Magic is a funny thing. The biggest illusion in the world can have the same impact to someone as a sponge ball vanishing from one hand and appearing in another. What are your thoughts on creating powerful magic?

Jay Scott Berry

Hi Gary,
It has become very clear to me that a bigger illusion is not always better. In fact, I have tended more towards minimalist magic lately, as the impact is often stronger. If the ultimate goal is creating a true sense of wonder, how you get there does not rely on the size or quantity of your props. In fact, perhaps, the fewer things that distract from you, the magician, the better.
I have found that visual, clean effects are often the strongest. The ultimate strength of an effect relies on the moment created between the magician and the audience.

Style

LeeAlex

Where did you get the idea of the elegant Gothic type gentleman figure?

I have visited the costume link on your site. Great reading!

The style is rather reminiscent of Losander - same tailor?

Do you always wear the same costume when performing, or does it depend on the venue and performance?

How many of the same costume do you have?

Jay Scott Berry

The specific costume that you mention grew out of the abstract idea of "magic from the ancient future". This is a term that I have used to describe my general style...ancient, yet futuristic: A fusion of past and future.
It was designed by Lisa Richards and myself, each of us adding elements that make up the whole. Lisa is a performer, costume designer and seamstress. She has over 10 years of experience creating costumes for Magical Artists.
She did not, however, design Losander's costume.
I only have one of these but also have a number of other costumes for, as you say, different venues and performances.

Influences

Gary Scott

Hi again Jay

Well, I like to ask the majority of the guests here about their history in magic and how it all came about!

Who influenced your decision to become a magician and who are your main influences throughout your magic career?

Gold_Fish

Hi Jay,

I suppose my question is also about influences but from a different perspective.

I wonder, are there any effects that you learnt and performed early on in your magic career that you still perform regularly today?

If so, why do you think that is? Are they traditional pieces? Or do they have some sort of timeless appeal to both you and your audience?

If the answer is no, can you see the progression you have made from those early effects and how would you say they have influenced your current act?

All the best and many thanks for taking the time out to visit us here,

Jay Scott Berry

One of the nice things about the Art of magic is that, if one wishes, there is almost a perpetual state of evolution. For me, I am always "raising the bar" on my own effects and performances. There are a number of effects and gimmicks that I continue to use and "perfect".
The one that comes to mind first is the Ring and Ribbon. When I was 17, I got a job at Hollywood Magic. One of my co-workers was Earl Nelson. Within a few days, he had completely amazed me with his style and skill.
It was from him that I was first inspired to take up the Ring and Ribbon.
Over a few years, I developed my own series of moves, including the false thread. This has been one of the most perennial effects and routines over the years. The consistent response to this has probably influenced my gravitation towards a more minimalist style.
I think that there is an ultimate timelessness to an effect like this.

Gold_Fish

Thanks Jay, that's really interesting.

Was Earl a big influence on the rest of your "education" and performance?

You spoke about a perpetual state of evolution and a tendency to move towards a minimalist approach to magic. Do you have an ultimate goal in where this might be taking you?

Jay Scott Berry

I still regard Earl as one of my favourite magicians. He is polished, elegant and soft-spoken. Three qualities that are rare indeed
As for where this is all going, I still have a number of ideas to make my effects stronger and cleaner.
That said, I am also preparing to produce a large-scale show. Hopefully I can apply all that I have learned up to this point to create something new in a magical/fantasy illusion show.
Time will tell...