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Chris Stolz Inner circle Mississauga, Ontario 1958 Posts |
OK all you fellow illusionists and designers:
What style of base do you like and dislike? Personally, I can't stand bevel-bases. They drive me crazy. 99.9% of the time they are poorly made and it appears that they are trying get far too much mileage out of the bevel. I like anything expanding and I am a big fan of neatly constructed "layered" looks. Anyone?
Chris Stolz
BLACK ART BOOK: Hiding In The Shadows. |
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Well. wouldn't that be the modern bevel base................... I think the term DECEPTIVE BASE and BEVEL base are used more or less these days..... Sometimes I catch myself and call a bevel base a deceptive base and so-on. So in some circles you're talking about the same thing. So in fact you're really saying you love the bevel base, but you hate it too. I know how you feel ... I'm so glad we agree on these things.
*winks at chris, chris gives R. an unsure but pleasant and "you're crazy" look: Ok, all joking aside, there are some really cool bevel bases. "Blueprint mysterey" for instance. VERY cool base. How about DC's shrinkbox. Cool as heck. Again I think my definition of "bevel base" has skewed into deceptive base/bevel base. I don't see a "bevel base" in a literal sense like I think others might...... The LAYERED BASES in my book are more or less the same. (Although literal terms are really what they should be.) I agree with you completely. Some of the prosumer bevelbases are not so great. They're too big. "Big enough to hold trucks" as some have said. Others are more deceptive... I think that comes with a seasoned builder. its a very touchy look to capture. It's got to be just right or it'll look like poo, you know? Too big; looks bad. Too small; well, that's an obvious one. It's got to be just right.. Great post Chris. Let me know if you'd like to chat about this stuff sometime - we could go on and on... Perhaps we should move this to inner circle..? hmm.... ~R. |
Crispy Loyal user Louisville, KY 207 Posts |
The bevel bases that are constructed-well are deceptive. These are the ones where the base extends further outward and the slope is very gradual. When this is done well, the bevel looks almost flat. Jonny Gaughan is a master at this type of base. Shepphard almost built this style of base well, particularly on his "rabbit to girl" illusion. However, I think the bevel was misused to the point where it became more of a wedge design and not very deceptive. I think some illusion builders have caught on and have altered their designs. I recently saw a performer use the new Crystal Casket that Chalet is producing. Of course, I know how the effect works, but I found myself staring at the illusion onstage because it looked like there was no way she could have fit in there.
Cris |
David Garrity Special user 525 Posts |
Chris,
I actually like the combination of a small bevel and the Wakeling style base, that creates the illusion that the container is sitting on legs or feet separate of the actual base that it is sitting on. Chalet uses this on their props a lot, and I use it when I build as well. Sincerely, David
David Garrity
www.MagicalArtist.com Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DavidGarrityMagic |
drmgc New user Boston, MA 21 Posts |
I agree with David. The illusion of the box/container with legs sitting ontop of a table is amazing. George from Chalet does an amazing job with this type of base. Extremely deceptive!
Derek |
Crispy Loyal user Louisville, KY 207 Posts |
I agree with you about Chalet. That is the type of Chalet Crystal Casket base I saw used last month. Very deceptive. I've always been impressed with George, not just as a builder, but as a person. At conventions he's always willing to talk to the "small guys" and he remembers you later. And he's always asking about ideas for improvements he can make. I can see why his stuff is in such high demand.I suppose I'd better stop before this post turns into a Chalet advertisement. lol
Cris |
plainman007 Special user 630 Posts |
But like you all say, when you want to make the slope more gradual the size of the base becomes very large. Plus the amount of the base edge standing in the air would need very good reinforcement to make it hold up, like when your girl or you climb onto the edge of the base. It should stay stiff and flat and not bend. Or probably break off during the show. I've constructed one base like this. Its very deceptive. BUT HUGE. In fact I've only used it in 4 to 5 shows. After that, its just standing in the yard.
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David Garrity Special user 525 Posts |
Here is a Spiker I recently built with the wakeling style 'platform atop a table' to help disconnect the container from the table.
http://briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/illusionis......hoo.com/ Sincerely, David
David Garrity
www.MagicalArtist.com Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DavidGarrityMagic |
collective foundry Inner circle 1404 Posts |
Interesting Design. Looks neat.
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magicross New user Staffordshire England 76 Posts |
Well I might as well join in.
Here are two photos of an illusion I am currently working on. http://hometown.aol.com/elusivecdj100/ See what you think Ross |
Face Elite user 495 Posts |
I like the Zimmerman Base.
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MagicErik Loyal user Sneek, Netherlands 284 Posts |
There are already some see-through bases... Tables with a person hidden in it.
When you walk behind the table you can see through the base (and the person inside) and see the legs or body of the performer. The way to achieve this is ingeniously simple. The ones that are there now cannot be turned around but the technique can work in both directions. In a couple of years everyone has a STB.. ,-p EVI |
jlind New user 1 Post |
That sounds really cool.
Do you have any links to pictures or videos of this base in use, and do you know any good builders who make them? |
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