Shadows on Groundhog Day

"Yes," as Bill Murray famously uttered, "it's Groundhog day . . . again . . ."  And what better day to consider the venerable art of shadowgraphy.  I'm cheating a bit here, because this is not a throwing card, but a postcard that was formerly in my collection (more on that in a second),   But this piece, which features Eduard Rickard, a/k/a Edward Bamberg, is so very special, beautiful and appropriate for today that I couldn't resist.

Rickard (1889 - 1951) was the brother of  Theo Bamberg, more famously known as "Okito," and part of a renowned magical family.  This piece displays one of the magical novelties for which he became famous, shadowgraphy -- the creation of magical illusions through hand shadows.  It was a novelty that became quite popular during the vaudeville era.  This card was autographed at an IBM-SAM convention in 1951, shortly before Rickard's death.

If you think that shadowgraphy sound like an antiquated diversion that could not hold sway with contemporary audiences, then you have not seen it performed by a master.  Leland Faulkner, who I was privileged to see at the most recent Yankee Gathering, can hold an audience spellbound with his remarkable, full-body performance.  And if you don't believe me, then see for yourself.   Below is a video link which will give you some sense of the magic of his captivating shadows.

Because Lee is a collector of all things related to shadowgraphy, from which I assume he has drawn inspiration for his fine act, I'm pleased to report that this card now resides in his collection.

So, even if the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, you can spend a few minutes seeing Mr. Faulkner's.

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