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Gabriel Cohen
Tarzana, CaWhile my bio may say that I started magic in 2014, that is sort of incorrect. I really started magic around 2011 or 2012. i only started delving into it in around 2014. I'm a 13 year old magician and beginner cardist. I'm also a guitarist in a Jazz Band (we don't only play Jazz). Fun fact about me: I'm the youngest kid in my grade, so while everyone in 8th grade is 14, I am still 13. But really, who cares? At the beginning of the school year, I would bring a deck of cards to school and perform for people. Sadly, they either saw how I did it, or simply weren't impressed. Who isn't impressed by a FREAKIN' TWO CARD MONTE!!! Anywho, I learned several lessons about adjusting your effects depending on your audience. I stopped performing at school, but this year, I will try to do it more often.
How did you first get started in magic?
Back in 2011 or 2012, my brother learned a self-working card trick where you split the deck into four piles, and have the spectator do some stuff, until you reveal the top card in all four piles to be the aces. Then, I decided to learn a card trick. This continued back and forth to see who could do better magic. After we got bored, I stopped for awhile. it wasn't until 6th grade in late 2013 or early 2014 that i saw an Instagram video of my friend doing a backpalm vanish. After I learned it, me and two other kids in my grade became magicians. I don't want to grow up and perform shows in Vegas (practically impossible), but I want to perform shows at Clubs and Bars, and slowly work my way up to bigger venues.
Which artists have inspired you the most in your work thus far?
Most definitely Jarek 1:20 on Youtube. I know, I know. He gets a lot of hate for teaching effects that aren't his. I too, definitely don't agree with his ways of pirating. However, he is the one who really kickstarted my interest in magic, and I couldn't have done it without him. He taught me how to be a performer, and I have to thank him. Zach Mueller also sparked my interest in Cardistry, so I thank him for that. he also led me to discover Theory11.
If you could have dinner with any magician, past or present, who would that be and why?
Most would say S.W. Erdnase, or David Blaine, but I would have to disagree (although David Blaine would be awesome). I would go with either Andrei Jikh, or Calen Morelli. Andrei could teach me awesome cardistry moves and tips. I'm a little shabby at cardistry, but I hope to get better. Calen would be my next choice because he is just a smooth, cool, guy. His magic is unbelievable. Oh, Zach Mueller would be another choice. That guy's hilarious. I would mainly chose more modern magicians, because performance has changed since 1902, and crowds are different now.
How often do you practice - how do you keep your skills (and mind) sharp?
I practice pretty much every day. Mostly at home with a poop deck. I always practice skills over and over and over and over again. Sometimes I get discouraged, and wonder why I even do magic. But, I aways remember my reasons, and grab a deck to practice again.