Prestidigitation
The next set is complete and it’s time to start gathering up tricks (so to speak).
I’ve been jotting down illusions and “ta da” moments I want to create and here are a few that are scribbled on my wall:
apple to skull
giant stone/Atlas moment
ectoplasm puppet
rabbit from a bottle
hypnotic spiral
horse balancing on cup
floating brick
bell toll
rapid fire transformations
noose and flower
flowering log/disappearance
water pour/thunder
shadow dance
(if nothing else they’re all good band names…)
I’m excited about taking the diorama beyond just the visual effect/gimmick and actually creating performative actions that can be dependent on the artifice and character of the staged moment.
Here’s a small test video I shot Sunday to check lighting, framing and spatial illusion. It’s pretty close.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
David, your new work is really exciting. I love how it’s getting bigger, more ‘total’. Love the illusions. Gesamstkunstwerk!
June 10th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hi David, I’m excited about the new work. It touches on many of my interests… too many to detail in this small space! I assume you are studying the films of Melies since your work seems to share the same look and obsession with illusion. You should also check out Issue 26 of Cabinet magazine. The theme was magic and it was published last year. Hope all is well!