GROWING BOLDER WITH

David Blaine, 49

Illusionist, endurance artist and extreme performer David Blaine has never felt more grateful. His next birthday will be his 50th and his life is coming into focus. For over two decades Blaine has been pushing the limits of life itself. It is why he’s considered by many to be the greatest magician of all time. He’s been buried underground, hung from a crane, gone without food for 44 days, and gone without breathing for 17 minutes. He’s been electrocuted, hung upside down, submerged and frozen. From each challenge he has gained something unexpected: appreciation.

“That's exactly right,” Blaine said. “For me, it is all about understanding, respecting and discovering what the body is able to do.”

He believes it can be beneficial in all our lives; that finding out what our limits are and then perhaps pushing a little further is where true accomplishment comes from.

“It is difficult to accomplish when you are comfortable,” Blaine explains. “Discomfort forces us to work harder, become creative and pushes us into a most productive and inspired state of being.”

So, how does that apply to us? “There are many ways to challenge yourself to do things you normally would not. Unleash your curiosity! It’s amazing what can happen if you do.”

He is often asked where he gets the ideas for his stunts and is quick to answer that most come from real-life examples.

“We can all learn from what others have done, that’s what I do,” he explained. “I take information from all sources, but hope and inspiration? That can only come from the experiences of others.”

It is not always easy, and quite often training himself to do things like holding his breath for 17 minutes or going 44 days without eating can be difficult and dangerous.

“Whenever your goal is to exceed the norm or push the envelope you will find many who tell you not to. You can listen to the no’s but do not let yourself be dissuaded by them. Our capabilities are greatly limited by negativity, by people telling us that we cannot,” he said. “I have learned that if we push slowly and carefully, and if we surround ourselves with knowledgeable people who inspire us, then we can accomplish so much more than we ever thought possible.”

Blaine has a philanthropic heart. Giving back is something that has been a part of his life since he began performing magic shows at juvenile centers and hospitals at the age of 18. During the pandemic he continued performing for hospitalized children online. “The greatest satisfaction as a magician is bringing joy to people who can really use it,” he said. “I’m so happy to do anything to show that I appreciate what they are all going through.”

Seeing Blaine perform live became easier than ever when for the first time he accepted a Las Vegas residency. He is performing his show nightly at Resorts World Theater through December 17. It is another example, he says, of welcoming the opportunity to take well thought-out chances. Whether it is performing a new show, deathdefying stunts, or whatever it is that you’ve always wanted to do, Blaine believes it is your obligation to try, because that is where you find passion.

“Sometimes it leads to failure, but that's okay,” he said. “Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with enthusiasm,' and that is what I live by. Just putting yourself in a place where you very well might fail, but you also might accomplish something significant that you’ve never done before is, well, as far as I’m concerned, that is what life is all about.”