The Capitol's Own Criss Angel: Josh Norris

With all of this Twilight and True Blood vampire and mysticism hoopla on the rise, it's no surprise that Americans everywhere have developed a strong fixation for magic and the supernatural. Maybe it's utilized as some sort of escape with the recession hitting everyone and all (a la my mother, Joan Milas, who likes to use for an excuse for absolutely everything) or maybe it's a subconscious model of power thirsted for by our generation, craving the idea of being able to cast a spell and manifesting one's greatest desires. Frankly, I think it's a complete BS rationalization and don't even know why I wrote that in the first place, but think that the whole *vampire schtick* right now is nothing more than a fad. This time last year, girls were throwing themselves at Daniel Radcliffe during a time dubbed as "Potter-mania", hoping that they could take a personal ride on his Quiditch broom. Now, girls are drooling over the albino vampire in one of these two shows, and frankly, I don't know what's worse; to want to have sex with a man who needs shampoo and Mystic tan and will suck your blood in between, or a pre-pubescent wizard with an unfortunate looking scar on his head.

Whatever the flavor of the week is in mysticism, there's one flavor that will always have a sense of permanence; Magic tricks. From Harry Houdini to David Copperfield to Criss Angel, magic has played a critical role in pop culture, entertaining fans on a grandoise international level. With nationally touring magic shows, hundreds of blogs dedicated to strengthening the craft, and many television shows focussed around the most impressive of their kind, magic continues to arouse the curiosity in people everywhere. 

Lucky enough for Washingtonians, we have a magician to represent the nation's capitol who has the bullet of the Angels and Blanes but for a fraction of the cost (and with the stud-factor of Criss Angel, I may add also); Interactive Magic's Josh Norris.

Growing up outside of Annapolis in farm country, Josh Norris proved from the very beginning that an interest in magicianship was not only for the Dungeons & Dragons-playing guys his age. After discovering a small magic kit, he began to develop an interest in the art when he wasn't busy playing sports or helping his parents on his beautiful stretch of farm country. Throughout high school and college, he began to take on private parties as clients, offering the most superior tricks that his abilities could offer, but soon decided it was time to specialize in a particular genre; card tricks. Known around DC for his absolutely enigmatic tricks, Norris will be able to make your card appear from close to anywhere (mind out of the gutter, please).  Considering his trade "interactive magic", he describes it as "highly visual, audience involving magic". 

Norris continues to serve as DC's prominent magic man. Voted by Washington Life Magazine as "Best Live Display of Performing Arts", Norris prides himself in working over 100 events each year. His charismatic, enthusiastic nature (and incredible looks, ladies) make him an asset to any corporate function or trade show. Catch him "disappearing" weekly every Sunday at Kemble Park Tavern (5125 Macarthur Blvd NW) at 6 pm. You'll score a good meal, some crazy tricks, and who knows, you may even end up dating a magician if you play your "cards" right. 

Abracadabra,

Angela xo

Josh Norris can be contacted at 443.992.3108 or via email at magic@joshnorris.com. Please visit him online at www.joshnorris.com to book him for your next corporate event, trade show, or bachelorette party. 

If Cupcakes were Paintings: Quest Skinner Paints DC

I found one thing more beautiful than leopard print; the art of Quest Skinner.

Not to sound like a complete doofus, but I've never really been one for art before. Of course, I took the mandatory art credits needed in high school to graduate (I'll never forget the beautiful sculpture I made of Spiderwoman for the Bay View Academy Art Fair in 8th grade and everyone, including my mother, thought it looked like a purple and red hotdog...just a side note) and can tell the difference between a Monet and a Manet. But, sorry, I would much rather splurge on a Balenciaga bag than a painting that I don't even understand its premise. It's like looking at a Rorscach ink blot; most people see a butterfly and I see Michael Jackson's face (scary). Just an example to show you what I have the tendency to get out of things.

It wasn't until one Sunday afternoon that I was strolling through South East's lovely Eastern Market with my good friend Christina that I saw something absolutely orgasmic for my eyes. Unlike all of the other painters I saw throughout the market that day, this one tent was filled with glossy, colorful, and glittery glass canvases filled with fantasy subjects that resembled Barbie dolls on acid (Michael Kors uses this reference too in an episode of Project Runway, FYI). These paintings were girly, elaborate, screamed emotion, and were entirely embelished and bezalled with either glitter, golden flakes, or other unique additives. They looked like all little pieces of candy and I wanted to eat all of them (typical). After approaching the tent and getting a warm hello and hug upon meeting Her Highness, it was at that moment that I wished I was independently wealthy and could buy everything Quest Skinner had designed (Actually, let's be honest, not the first time I've had that wish). After making Christina want to kill me after being indecisive about my purchase, I went with a gorgeous glittery purple print of a curvy lady with blue skin and a haircut that resembled mine at the time. And, as a first time buyer, I got the decently sized masterpiece for a mere $120 (Half price and a deal that Quest gives to all first time buyers FYI)! Now, my house is bezzaled with five of her beautiful pieces, despite the feelings of my male roommates and the explanations they have to give when they bring females home.

Seeing my first Quest Skinner was like trying my first Georgetown cupcake. It aroused my senses and played with my inner child. The same way I don't care about calorie count when I bite into a Georgetown cupcake is the same way I feel when I buy a Quest Skinner no matter how outrageous or impractical my purchase may have been. And, if there was a painting I would ever want to have for dessert, it would be a Quest Skinner, obvi.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA but considering herself a true Washingtonienne, Quest Skinner has painted various murals around DC and is a featured artist in the DC Commission of the Arts & Humanities. You can find her on Saturdays and Sundays at Eastern Market (7th St & North Carolina Ave SE) and is also featured at various Artomatic showings (55 M Street SE, Booth 509). Quest is truly an artist who can rope people into falling in love with art who don't even like art to begin with. Check her out online at www.myspace.com/questskinner.

See you at Eastern Market this Sunday,

Angela =)