Editors Note

Volume 1, Issue 1

David London

 

This journal is designed to be a place for magicians to explore the art of magic.

 

At the core of all exploration you can always find questions.  And Beyond The Smoke and Mirrors is no exception. Asking questions implies a desire to expand our knowledge. If we were happy with what we knew or where we were, we would not seek out new information or new places to travel. Questions are the key to growth.

 

What is this thing we call magic?  Where did it come from?  Where is it going?  Why does it exist?  Why am I drawn to it?  What is it, to me?

 

You and I are magicians.  But what is that?  How do we perceive ourselves? How do others perceive us?  And what is my relationship with fellow travelers down this path?

 

It is my privilege to be able to present to you these and other questions, as well as various answers.  If I did not believe they were worthy to be asked or answered, I would not be writing this, nor would you be reading it.

 

You could be reading another magazine, or watching TV, or driving to an exotic location, or, perhaps simply daydreaming about a person, a place, and idea, or yes, even a trick.

 

But, you’re not.

 

You are here.  In this magazine, which tells me that these ideas have a vessel in which to be explored.

 

When I ceased this publication in 2002, I knew it was the right thing to do.  I needed to focus on other areas of my life, and spend more time asking and answering my own questions.  I am grateful I did.  And now this journal of ideas is once again ready to sprout wings and take flight.

 

There are no tricks here.  There are plenty of tricks out there.  The words and ideas on these pages can be applied to your tricks and your magic.  I hope that the words contained herein will dance around in your mind, sparking new ideas, new ways of viewing this bizarre thing we call magic, and yes, new questions.

 

So many new ideas can certainly be overwhelming.  Embrace this. From chaos comes creation.  Mental confusion can turn into gold in an instant.  And suddenly we are born again, much like this magazine.

 

As I do a final read through of this issue, I realize that much of what is said here could benefit any performer, or, for that matter, any artist.  We are all artists here.  Magic is our paint.  Life is our canvas.

 

Welcome back. It’s a pleasure to be here with you.

 

 

David London