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JT Kordesich Regular user Pittsburgh 118 Posts |
Hello Paul!
I'm a Pittsburgh native, and I was just wondering where you would say the inspiration for your creations comes from? Is it your surroundings, something you see in a film or on TV? Do you come up with the effect or method first? Thanks for your time!
Illusion: Reality in the mind of the audience.
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MagicMunkey New user Nashville 58 Posts |
My wife and I lived in "The Burgh" for about 4 years and absolutely LOVED it (the people, the vibe etc). Can't wait to get back some day. Also, two words: Cuckoos Nest.
Chris |
Paul Gertner V.I.P. 147 Posts |
Hi JT,
I find inspiration for new ideas in different ways. For example my most current tricks on the market Bite Me actually came to me in a dream. Sounds strange but it's happened before. I dream up an effect and in the case of Bite Me the method was part of the dream also. I recall not too long ago I had a dream in which John Carney was doing a cool trick with a ribbon and when I woke up I was thinking ***, I wish I had thought of that... Then I realized wait a minute that was John Carney's trick but he was in my dream, it was my idea. The eventual trick did not work out to be as good as it was in the dream on that one. Often I am inspired by another trick that I feel is missing something. Heartbreaker my other new trick is like that. It was inspired by The Anniversary Waltz, but I wanted the signatures, or in the case of Heartbreaker the initials to be on the same side of a normal card. So another trick was the inspiration. I usually try for effect first, but more than effect is the story or the plot, now days that seems to draw more out of me than a cool method first. HallowMan: Yes Pittsburgh is a nice city, having lived here all my life. I have a very large extended family (54 first cousins) many here in Pittsburgh. We talk of moving just for the experience of living in another city and that could happen in a few years. We like Seattle, Boston (our daughter lives there) and we recently visited Charlottesville Virginia and I really liked the feel of that town also. It's now just Kathy and myself with the kids on their own so we shall see. The Cuckoos Nest is doing just fine. I am always calling Linda and presenting a concept and saying "What tricks do you have that will demonstrate durability etc." And they always seem to have something. Paul |
Eric Jones V.I.P. Director of Product Development 2101 Posts |
Charlottesville Rocks!!!!!! Sorry...I'm being random......
Paul, have you ever run into George A. Romero?? I know I've visited the city on several occasions to visit locations from some of the "Dead" movies.
“We're two tigers away from an act in Vegas.” Greg House M.D.
<BR> <BR>http://www.ericjonesmagic.com |
Paul Gertner V.I.P. 147 Posts |
Eric,
I have met him and my wife taught some of his children she is a middle school teacher. She tells the story of how George could not help but get over involved in his kids school creative projects. The other kids had some type of simple paper mache art project and George's kid would have this thing that look like a movie set complete with story boards a script. They kept having to remind George that it's the kids project and to back off. I met him because a friend of mine is an actor and magician and he has appeared in small parts in a number of his movies. We used to always shop at Monroeville Mall where one of the Dead Movies was filmed. Paul |
e-man Special user HILTON HEAD,SC 880 Posts |
Hi Paul,I lived in Pittsburgh for 1 year 1978-79
I went to the magic store It must have been the Cockoos Nest The counter guy did the most amazing feat for me using half dollars...Which years later I realized it was the "Hanging coins" What a cultuaraly rich city,Point Park,The Carnegie Melon Museum,I saw Santana At the Stanley Theater...The Steelers won the Superbowl... Great city Great times Eric
我被烹调
ERIC HELVENSTON |
ncarifo New user Burbank, California 56 Posts |
All of us hailing from Pittsburgh perform in the shadow of Paul Gertner... and we couldn't be happier to be there!
Paul mentions his admiration for Fechter, Tullock and Del Ray, how he was inspired by their performances and dedication to the art, and how he feels lucky to have known them. What he doesn't tell you is that most every magician lucky enough to be in his hometown of Pittsburgh, myself included, feels the same way about Paul Gertner. We are proud to be from the same city and feel very lucky to have him in our hometown magic community. It's always a thrill to run into Paul at the Cuckoo's Nest and get to have him "try out something new" he is working on or to show up at a local magic club banquet to find out Paul is a surprise guest on the show, always willing to help out the local clubs when asked. Most everyone here knows Paul Gertner from his performances, writing and tv appearances. Those of us from Pittsburgh want you to know that aside from the talent and fame in magic, Paul is simply a nice guy that we are proud to call a "Pittsburgher". Best, Nick Carifo
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Nicholas Carifo Modern Magician Productions nicholas@modernmagician.com www.modernmagician.com |
pepka Inner circle Uh, I'm the one on the right. 5041 Posts |
Although I headed east to the Harrisburg/Hershey area when I was 11, I was born in the area. I haven't been back in years, but will be there this weekend. I may have to try and swing by the 'nest.
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Paul Gertner V.I.P. 147 Posts |
Eric,
Pittsburgh is a great city. Santana at the Stanley Theater, wow! The Cuckoo's Nest was in a different location then I think, but they are still going strong and just expanded their shop. Stop by if you are in the area and say hello to Linda and the gang. Paul |
Paul Gertner V.I.P. 147 Posts |
Nick,
Thanks for the very kind words. You are right we all learned a lot from Del Ray and I am really looking forward to the book on him that is in the works. I'm still trying to work out exactly how he was stealing the dice with one hand while doing the dice stack but he never tipped that. Wonder if that will be in the book? Paul |
JT Kordesich Regular user Pittsburgh 118 Posts |
I agree about the pride of having Paul be a member of our "Pittsburgh Crew"!
Paul, hopefully I'll run into you at the Cuckoo's Nest sometime, I'm a 15 minute walk away at Duquesne.
Illusion: Reality in the mind of the audience.
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
I was born there and have great childhood memories from visiting my many relatives in the area.
Here's a tribute video to Pittsburgh Innovation for those that might care. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o75yBx8XBK0
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
Chad Sanborn Inner circle my fingers hurt from typing, 2205 Posts |
Go Steelers!!!
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jag1959 New user 6 Posts |
How about the Dove and Rabbit?A great Pittsburgh magic hang out!
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Paul Gertner V.I.P. 147 Posts |
Jag1959,
I performed at the Dove and Rabbit a number of time. Dennis Miller might have even graced that humble stage but he would probably not admit it now. Paul |
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