Thoughts on De’vo’s thoughts on cardistry

De’vo did some good research on this one. Obviously I can’t deny history. However, I don’t think his conclusions are really proven based on the research he’s put forward.

I have admitted time and time again the word “cardistry” has been used a handful of times as a magical term. But the key thing is it has only been a handful of times, even going by the research that De’vo has posted.

Apparently it appeared only TWO times from 1914 to 1949. Again — TWO times in over THIRTY-FIVE years. Wow, how widespread! There was briefly a magazine published (for one year) called “The Cardiste” but didn’t seem to last long enough to grab hold. It was used once more in 1954. And then one other person who’s been using it for himself for 30 years, which he then published a book over a year after cardistry became more widespread as a non-magical term than any research that has been brought forth.

In 93 years, that’s a TINY spec.

Counter that with the several (non-magical) cardistry videos posted on YouTube, and people posting on their profiles that they do cardistry (intending to mean the non-magical, artistic manipulation of cards). This is all without even selling one product as “cardistry.” This is a total community thing. And now one of the largest magic websites in the world references “cardistry” as a non-magical term, with people on staff like Chris Kenner, Lee Asher, Aaron Fisher, Jonathan Bayme, Dan and Dave Buck, Mathieu Bich, and Wayne Houchin.

Yes, cardistry had been used a handful of times in the magic community. But it never really caught on, going by De’vo’s available research. I don’t see the proof on how it’s “very popular” as a magical term yet. But with more research to come, maybe he’ll finally finish the nail in the coffin?

Even if the term “cardistry” has been used in the past in a magical sense, it still seems like it hadn’t caught on over there. I also believe that the term is much more suited to describe our art anyways, it’s possible for “cardistry” to take own widespread, popular meaning as the non-magical manipulation of cards.

Time will tell I suppose. In the end the community at large decides.

I’m all for the open discussion about this kind of stuff. I’m glad to see many recent circumstances have accelerated this process.