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Creation of Life

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Creation of Life, a sort of take on the Japanese Butterfly illusion, is when a small piece of paper (originally a cigarette paper) is folded up into the shape of a moth or butterfly. It is then released, to fly away, leaving the spectators in awe of the "creation of life".[1]

The name has come to be used for any illusion in which an insect is created from something.

Leipzig was known to reserve this effect, using a white moth, when he really wanted to impress someone. He told Dai Vernon that he considered it to be one of the most effective tricks he performed, even though he only performed in on a few special occasions.

Ricky Jay performed it as a finale on his British television special, creating a butterfly.

History

Thayer's Magical Bulletin (July 1919)

Variations

  • Creation by Patrick Martin in Art of Astonishment, Vol. 1.
  • Piece of Paper by Patrick Martin in Mystery School (Origami bird to live bird)
  • LADYBUG by Paul Vigil - A prick of blood from your finger turns into a ladybug. (2007)
  • "Creation of Life" by John Carney in The Book of Secrets (his handling of "Egg on Fan")

Refrences

  1. Dai Vernon's Tribute to Nate Leipzig by Lewis Ganson (1975)