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For “El Duco”
the invention process evolves. “You
must have THREE things in order to develop any product from a theory
on paper to a working prototype—CREATIVITY, FANTASY &
EXPERIENCE. “First,
start with the effect itself. What
should happen? Second,
try to find a solution.” This
usually takes between two weeks and six months for Christer.
“Third, the outcome is not always the way you
thought when you started. But
then, this combination can take on quite unexpected results that may
allow for different applications.”
He also draws upon these same three elements to properly choose
the type of materials to use that will best create the effect.
A variety of metals, silks and fabrics, quality leathers or
plastics may be chosen for performance and reliability.
And even if this
process is fine-tuned and complete; how well will his ideas be
received? Christer first
tests the reactions of his wife, Ing Britt.
If it pleases her, the invention engine moves forward until it
arrives at the destination Christer calls “Practical Magic”.
He says, “If it’s too difficult to learn or perform, it
goes in the drawer.”
So seeing his
inventions in the hands of others, how does he feel?
His buyers are 25% full-time, professional performers and 75%
part-time magicians. However,
the difficulty I see is simple for Christer.
He tells me, “THEIR audiences are quite likely the
same.” Therefore, an
object easily handled, delivered by undetectable means, accompanied
with a playful story equals the joy of being baffled.
If a performer of any kind can be skillful at all this, then
Christer is pleased. Of
course, his smile grows wider when the products of his
imagination are being displayed!!
There are days, however, when he is blocked and needs to free himself
from his mental gymnasium. He
goes golfing. If you golf
you know this... On the course, the only relative equation
involves PAR. In his
hometown of Malmo. There
are FIVE golf courses. You
wouldn’t guess this in your visions of Vikings and Nordic winters,
but there are 430 golf clubs in Sweden!
Something tells me that Christer has done a serious study of
this phenomenon.
As inventors
go... “El Duco” is recognized by the general public (some-what)
and most definitely by magicians around the world.
Perhaps, he tells me, “Because we are not so many.” In
truth, there are hundreds, if not thousands of inventors.
Most are born out of necessity and no money.
And like most magicians who have at least tried to create
something for us, our productions only tend to fill a singular need.
So, the reality is just as Christer explained, “There are
few inventors that have gone beyond this level and continue to create
more than just a few items.” Some
of Christer’s friends and contemporaries that “transcend” are John
Cornelius, John Kennedy, Jay Saley, Lubor Fiedler and Pavel.
But, Christer as
“El Duco” may also draw his recognition from the fact that he has
been organizing national magic conventions in Sweden for the past 20
years. “A MAGIC
WEEKEND” sponsored by the Scandinavian Magic Dealers Association (SMDA)
began with only a small group of 75 attendees.
Christer’s premise was: “No
contests. No banquets. A
2-day event with good lectures and great shows.
Also, the registration fee should be low so the people would have
money to spend with the Magic Dealers.”
This too is an example of his forward thinking and inventive nature.
What began as a two-day event has grown into three.
A small group has bloomed into nearly 550 every year AND
continues to be held at the Scandic Star Hotel in Lund,
just outside Malmo. This
hotel has been the ideal choice location, then and now.
First, it’s accessible. It’s
an easy travel distance for magicians from Sweden, Norway and Denmark,
although they certainly host an international guest list.
Second, the hotel has its own theatre stage.
Everything is under one roof!
And Christer has been able to draw international talent as well
like John Calvert, Rene Lavand, Jeff McBride, David & Dania,
Fertigen Fingers.
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