On his greatest influences in magic, he said, “I was born in 1981, and was influenced by magic in the 80’s and early 90’s so David Copperfield was the guy for me, and he still is. Although, how can we not love every guy who has made magic popular again and again and again over the years. Because of them, I had work. Good artists like Criss Angel, Penn & Teller, David Blaine, and so on help everyone by making popular the art of magic for different generations.”
Regarding his future plans, Knotts said, “Hard to top 2016, with receiving the Merlin Award, and having my second daughter on Halloween born, but I will try. I’m busy this year developing new illusions and escapes that no one has seen before. My new years resolution is to really add good content to social media this year. It is after all 2017, so time to start living like The Jetsons.”
The 2016 Merlin award was a thrill for Knotts. “It is so nice to be recognized with such a high honor, and up to now, it’s my crowning achievement, and I had a feeling of pride on all the hard work, and I felt fulfilled as an artist; however, as awesome as it felt to receive the Merlin Award, I’m ready to win another one. It inspires me to keep excelling for greatness,” he said.
Knotts continued, “Being a husband, and a father is the best feeling in the world. I am beyond proud of my family, and I hope I make them proud with everything that I do. I am proud of how far I have made it between graduating from West Virginia University where I received a Bachelor of the Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre to seeing those dreams and ambitions every year taking place more and more on stages across the United States and abroad.”
When asked about his favorite magic demonstration, Knotts responded, “In my show, I love involving the audience members in the stage illusions, we currently levitate, spike, and saw our audience members in half during our show as well as many other effects involving them. It’s always fun for me, and you never know what they will do and say. The unexpected is such a thrill and some of the best payoff and reactions from the audience come in those moments. My favorite magic to watch is close up. I do not perform close up, but I could watch that and street magic for hours. Every time I attend the Magic Castle, Eric Jones is there to blow my mind. If you don’t know who he is, check him out. He doesn’t know me, but he has blown me away time after time.”
For aspiring magicians and illusionists, he said, “Remember, above all else, you are there to make memories for your audience. You should not take that responsibility lightly. There is a saying, ‘People may forget the things you say, but they will never forget the way you make them feel!’ This past year, I have met so many talented magicians, and I feel so fulfilled to compliment them on something I really enjoy that they do or have done. Share your love with the people who get you, your fellow magicians. We are after all a brotherhood.”
For more information on Josh Knotts, his magic and illusions, check out his Facebook page, and homepage.
