Houdini - An Artist's Interpretation

Houdini has been popping up on my radar lately. I came across this interesting sketch of the great escape artist on Ebay today. It was drawn by Richard Bryant Ogle and dated 5-20-1920. The artist also did some other Houdini artwork for the Grim Game movie (1919) (http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/houdini-original-art-work).

I thought this drawing was unique because the artist shows Houdini in what looks like a kimono. In my opinion, Ogle has given the middle-aged magician a youthful, almost feminine looking face . This is in stark contrast to most of Houdini's photos of the time. Here he seems relaxed and in a a pensive mood.

I am curious how much this will sell for. We shall see...

The auction is http://www.ebay.com/itm/1920-HARRY-HOUDINI-Famous-Magician-Vintage-Photo-/370841317835

Houdini's Bubble Gum Dilemma

I don't blog as much as should, but here's one you may enjoy. I am always finding little bits of magic history and I thought you might like this one.

This funny story first appeared in the Muncie Post-Democrat 1922-07-07 (Vol. 02, No. 26). Houdini, Conan Doyle and bubble gum - what a great story!

 

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there and until next time...

Is Magic an Art?

I came across this very thoughtful video asking if magic is art. I think magic can be artful and it is definitely an artform. I wrote in my book The Art of Deception that true artists strive to evoke an emotion of wonder that lingers in the hearts and minds of their audiences.

The Sistine Chapel's ceiling is a work of art that is never forgotten once it is seen. That can hold true for a magician's performance that lives in the mind of a spectator until the day they die. I'm not saying a magic trick is on the same level of effort and skill as Michelangelo's work, but both products are capable of touching a spectator in a meaningful and special way.

Watch this video and come to your own conclusion.
Is Magic an Art Video

The Magician by Hieronymus Bosch

Happy Holidays!

It's hard to believe another year is almost over. I wish all of you the best of health and happiness in the new year.

For the past ten years or so I have created my own magic-themed holiday card. Here is the one for this year - Santa and Houdini. Happy Holidays!

Out of Print

Only 5 copies of my book, THE ART OF DECEPTION, are available before it is officially out of print. Get your copy today http://bit.ly/NhVC6G

Houdini Whodunit

Besides writing and performing, I also enjoy doing illustrations. I am a graphic designer by trade. In 1995 I did an illustration of Houdini (below) in the style of a woodcut. That image was used on a set of note cards I produced and sold. The Houdini Historical Center (HHC) in Appleton, Wisconsin sold the cards in their gift shop. The liked the illustration so much the used it on the cover of their gift catalog that year. The HHC usage was the only time I gave permission to use the image.

I came across my Houdini image again a few years later while surfing the web. This time it was being used as table decoration for a “magic” bar in Spain! I was shocked because I knew nothing about it. In a way I was flattered, but I was also a little angry I wasn’t asked for permission. Who was the person that pilfered my Houdini image? I have no idea. http://www.flickr.com/photos/8044288@N07/2487157147/sizes/l/in/photostream/

The other day I took a look at one of my favorite blogs, Wild about Harry. It is the creation of John Cox. If you are a Houdini fan you should really take a look at it. The blog entry “Houdini apparition appears in Visalia?” really caught my attention. There was my Houdini image being used again. This time the Houdini portrait had been painted on the side of a house in California! Who took the time, effort and paint to steal the great escape artist’s visage this time? I will probably never know.

In retrospect I am glad so many people like the image and choose to “use” it. Maybe next time somebody will ask for my permission before they paint it onto the side of a house. Until then I am happy to keep the memory of Harry Houdini alive!

Where did they print those magic lithographs?

Carter, Brush, Maro and many other wonderful magicians had their posters produced by Goes Litho in Chicago. The factory was located at 42 West 61st St. Below is a photo of what the building looks like.

The Goes Lithographing Company was founded in 1879. The company moved from Chicago years ago and is now located in Delavan, Wisconsin. They no longer print posters, but they do still print stock certificates and awards. Reportedly, Goes donated some original litho stones and  printing presses to The Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY, Stout State University, Menominee Wisconsin Graphics School, The Art Institute of Chicago and the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC.

Maybe there is a hidden stash of magic posters left in the Chicago factory just waiting to be found. We will never know... 

Brush poster printed by Goes.

P.S. - The Dover poster book I had for sale is SOLD.