Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => The "Star" Interview => Topic started by: Graham Lee on April 07, 2008, 11:37:41 PM
Tom Bibo will be the person to answer your questions from the 2nd/8th June.
Tom is an excellent balloon artiste but also a great performer as well, a man I admire and who is a dear friend.
It was a pleasure to really get to know him in China last year.
So here's your chance to get advice from one of Europe's top performing artistes.
More details about Tom can be found at,
http://www.tombibo.be/ (http://www.tombibo.be/)
Graham Lee
Oh Wow..he's more charming than those Tom i knew...:)
Hi Tom, why don't you answer several emails via your website? I wanted to know the events where you are booked for twisting in Belgium so I can see a real pro on the job..Thx
Hi Parcival,
Nice of you too post, would you like to do an introduction post about yourself in the welcome section?
If you get the chance it is well worth going to see Tom as I personally rate him as one of the very best twister/entertainers that there is at the moment.
Graham Lee
Quote from: "Parcival"Hi Tom, why don't you answer several emails via your website? I wanted to know the events where you are booked for twisting in Belgium so I can see a real pro on the job..Thx
Hey Parcival,
My website is controlled by my management. So I don't get the messages personally.
We are working now on a guestbookpage that will be redirected inmediately to me.
We will also put on my schedule. You're welcome any time! ;)
Tom
The interview starts on 2nd June, wow so few days left to prepare all my questions,
:D :D
Hi Tom,
Here are a selection of the questions that members have put together for you, thought we'd start from the other end for a change.
Thanks for taking the time to do the interview and I'm sure more questions will come your way as the week progresses.
20, What is your personal goal when you set off to work? Is it money or to entertain etc?
21, What are your balloon goals for the future?
22, If you could start all over again, would you change anything?
23, How would you like the future of balloon modelling to develop?
24, Who's the most famous person you have made a balloon creation for?
25, How do you keep the enthusiasm going & what still excites you about our great world of latex
26, What inspires or is your thought process in coming up with a new design
27, Who would you like to work with dead or alive?
28, What makes you laugh?
Graham Lee
_________________
"Lets Improve Our Art"
http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk (http://www.sempertexballoons.co.uk)
Colin,
Have you prepared your questions yet :D
Only a day to go :o
Graham Lee
Hi Graham,
I will take an early start ;)
20. When I go to perform I am always aiming to have fun. I like entertaining people and I get payed for it. I think I owe it to my public to have fun! If they see that I am having fun, it makes it so much easier for them to enjoy theirselves!
21. My future goals with balloons is doing what I have been doing so far, try to combine entertaining together with technique to get the public to love balloonentertainers, even more than they do now ;)
22. I wouldn't change a thing, even though it's a hard way to make a living, every experience, good or bad, made me who I am today, and I like my life, so...
23. I think that balloonentertainers around the world are already changing the future. Everywhere I go I meet people with the same goal, to get balloons on stage and to get our profession out there. We are a fairely new industry and haven't got the impact like e.g. magic, but I am sure that we are getting there! Just keep on twisting, ballooncomunity!
24. The most famous people? I made balloons for Colin Myles, who is a worldfamous fashion designer. And also for the next FISM winner! ;)
25. Entertaining and finding new ways how to is what me keeps going, also my philosophy about making people laugh to help their and your own health. What excites me is that every day new people start doing balloons and how fast they pick up all the techniques. Also how fast their creativity adds to the known things. And ofcourse the professionals, who keep creating the most fantastic stuff people have ever seen!
26. Inspiration comes in different ways. Sometimes by just seeing things or people asking for specific designs. I try to get a clear picture in my brain and see the lines in which way I will model the balloons. Sometimes it works very well, sometimes not at all :D
27. I have the pleasure to have worked with great minds already, all over the world. I am planning to keep on doing so! Someone I would loved to have worked with though, was George Carl, who had a perfect timing regarding visual comedy.
28. Actually, I laugh very easily. As long as it's good comedy, whether visual or spoken, balloons, magic or stand up, TV, movies or theatre or at the bar ;). When a joke gets delliverd the right way, I will laugh and laugh and laugh!
Tom,
Here are some more selected questions from the members;
13, What is your favourite/ideal gig to do?
14, What irritates you most at a gig?
15, How do you book yourself?
16, What's the biggest thing you've ever made?
17, What has been your proudest achievement in our wonderful world of twisted latex?
18, What advice would you give to someone starting out, or wanting to increase their business?
19, What road in latex do you see yourself taking in the future
There is also a question from Danny & Princess here;
http://www.balloonchat.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=285 (http://www.balloonchat.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=285)
Graham Lee
13. My abslote favourite kind of gigs are theatre gigs, whether I am just a piece of the show with a 4 min or 12 min bit or if it's my own full evening show. I like the idea of people coming to see the show rather than to go to gigs where you are 'filling'. I began as a professional 'filler' and I liked my job, but being on stage, doing your own thing, is much more satisfying!
14. Inpolite people. I have had my share of annoying children and parents that don't have the abbility to raise their childeren properely. I mean, most people aren't brought up anymore with a theatrical education. Now a days it's much easier to put them in front of the TV and let the little box raise them... I think it's a pity. They get the tendency to treat artists and people in general as taught on TV.
What also irritates me a lot, are people who book you that think that they are suddenly your boss, because they pay you. In that case, I usualy say this and if the situation doesn't get better, I just leave.
15. I have a manager who does my bookings for me. He contacted me, made me an offer I couldn't refuse (didn't involve dead horses in my bed though) and I accepted. It makes my life easier, mostly because I don't have to worry about finding gigs or doing paperwork, so I can concentrate more on the artistic side of our job.
16. In the past I did a lot of business trade shows, where I was booked by companies to build 'stuff' for them. I did a three week car trade show, where I builded a different car everyday where people, at the end of the day could sit in. I also builded an act (you may remeber it from the Millennium Jam) where I builded 28 till 30 hours (depending from the details) for a 12 minute act on stage (I performed this act for 5 years). Also a big tanker (ship) for shell, an oil company. This was all in the past, the biggest thing that I build last year, would have been my last balloon dress, which was a tiny mini skirt for a dutch model! ;)
17. Achievement... dificult one... as far as prizes won, I am proud to have won the stage competition at the Millennium Jam 3 times, as well as the other in figure competitions around the world, also that I was asked to MC the event 3 times. Because it's really hard and exciting to perform for your peers, who know your job so well. It keeps me pushing myself to the limit all the time.
Also I am very proud to have my own TV balloon show. It's airing soon and I will keep you guys informed! ;)
18. Work hard! When I started doing balloons, 16 years ago (my god, I feel old telling it like this!), I twisted about 40000 balloons a year. I trained my ass off! A balloonfigure was 'known' if I could make it behind my back (so I never have to watch my hands when I perform). In the beginning there weren't as many books and video's/ dvd's as now a days, so I had to create a lot of my own things, which was a good thing.
If I go on stage, I always try to give the public the best Tom that I can be. If you give your best, people will believe in you and will try to get their friends to see you.
To increase your business, good pr material is a must, but remember, we are in a job that sells itself the best when people 'see' what we do. It's our best sales pitch.
For example, I had balloons in my pocket all the time. Once I made balloons in a traffic jam. We were stuck, I pulled out my balloons and started to make simple stuff. People booked me... I pulled them out in restaurants, bars, highway gasstations, litteraly, everywhere! It got me booked a lot!
Now it's my manager's job to worry about how he gets me booked, but if I get to go on my own again, I would be a walking talking self selling machine again! :D
19. What I would really like is to assist younger artists one day, when I myself find the time... I am doing a lot of directing of shows these days, mostly circus, and I feel the tendency to build out this side of me. One day I hope I can be of service to balloonartists to help them build their acts.
Thank you for your interesting questions!
If some of the words don't seem right, it's because it seems quite difficult to me to write my first thoughts in English, so I think and rethink... Mea culpa! :)
Hi Danny, thank you for your questions!
Here we go ;)
What is your favourite thing to make in balloons?
My absolute favourite is the rattle snake, taught to me by Sean Rooney and which altered the rest of my balloon life ever since! I try to find ultimate combinations between entertaining and technique, kind like a juggler or a magic manipulation act. I like for people to go 'WOW' or 'I never saw that in my life' while I am doing just average stuff.
What training in performance have you had?
I was fortunate to meet a known magician by the name of Rafael when I first started out. He pointed some stuff out. So I started pantomime Marcel Marceau direction, I studied Commedia dell arte and finally worked with the best clowns(for me) in the world, people like Carina Bonan and Joseph Collard, Gerard Aerts. I also attended Jeff McBride's Masterclass 5 times. Masterclass is a new way of thinking and a new way for us, balloonartists, to see our performances, led by one of the most innovative minds in the performing industry. (this will cost him! ;) )
All these classes permitted me to create my own character. Every year I take at least one new class in some kind of performing art. Avner is on my 'most wanted' list! ;)
The best training that I 've had, is the amount of shows that I perform. For example, this summer alone I do 150 shows in 35 days. This allows you to test your material inmediatelly and to change inmediatelly. These shows are theme park shows and aren't the shows that I am aiming for, but it's been proven to be the best school for me. Here I build the show for the next years to come.
Another good training are street performances, where your public changes all the time and where you get tested all the time. ;)
Will you be at TMJ 2008?
Does a belgian guy drink beer? Ofcourse I will be at Millennium Jam! ;)
And I will be your humble servant and host throughout the festival. :)
@ Princess.
Thank you for your question!
Hi Tom.. did u ever got embarassed by balloon popped on ur face in front of the audience or ur show..?
In the beginning I always 'died' when it happened, because childeren laughed with it and I didn't want parents to think that I sucked...
Later I realised that it doesn't matter at all, but when I was young and inexperienced, I thought it was hell.
Now I pop balloons a lot myself, sometimes to get the laugh, sometimes to prove that I suck ;)
What I learned in my early days, is to close my eyes while I blow up balloons. I had one popping in my eye, causing me to finish my 4 hour gig with a thick, watery eye, not funny at all at that time, now a funny story to tell at the bar amongst balloonentertainers! :D
Thanks Tom.
I can highly recommend Avner. He does his main workshops twice a year, once in August at Celebration Barn (two weeks) and once in February in Hawaaii for two weeks. I've taken about five of his workshops and he has directed my stage balloon show.
I hope to see you in TMJ!
danny
Tom,
Do you want the rest of the questions now or shall we wait a while?
I've really enjoyed reading your answers and thanks for answering them so comprehensively.
Graham Lee
Hi Graham, it is as you wish!
I enjoy the questions!
If anyone has specific questions about some things, I 'd be glad to answer them!
Hi Tom, As Graeme has already said, it is fantastic that you give time to be interviewed on the forum.
Can I ask,
You said you have been working with balloons for I think 16 years, were you doing performnce before this, or did balloons lead you to performance.
When you first started to work with balloons did you attend workshops or conventions, ( you say early on Sean Rooney taught you the rattlesnake ) or did you just pick up tips when you met other performers.
Did you ave any conventional jobs before you entered the world of performing and balloon art
Did you always have an intrest in art, or did you find this side of yourself when you started working with balloons.
I was going to be bad and ask whch part of France is Belgium located, and what type of shampoo you prefer but now as I get older I find that I am too mature for such frivolous remarks ;)
Finally, once agin thankyou for taking part in the series of interviews that Graham has conducted, and I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you again soon
best wishes
Colin
Hi Tom,
I'm marrried to a belgian. She was so prowd to learn that one of the best balloon artists is a belgian. Nice to know what she thinks of my act :lol:
Hi Colin, we will see each other soon, my friend! ;)
In meantime I will try to answer your questions as fully as possible (is this a correct sentence?!)
You said you have been working with balloons for I think 16 years, were you doing performnce before this, or did balloons lead you to performance.
No, I didn't perform at all before I met balloons. Most of the times I was doing sports, a lot of sports!
But... when I see people that I haven't seen since that time and they ask me about my job, they all agree, they always thought that this was going to be my path! I had the urge to entertain people ever since I was a little boy, only my parents weren't that convinced in the beginning when I came home and said: 'mom, dad, I am going to be a clown!' :D
When you first started to work with balloons did you attend workshops or conventions, ( you say early on Sean Rooney taught you the rattlesnake ) or did you just pick up tips when you met other performers.
Yes! I went to conventions around the world, but at that time I was already doing balloons for 4 years. I met occasionaly with Bidou. I followed Flash(Ken) on a tour around Europe and I was with Sean a lot when he stayed in Belgium. They taught me a lot about balloons. I also attended every workshop that Leo organised (IBS) and I never missed one TMJ!
Did you ave any conventional jobs before you entered the world of performing and balloon art
I started doing balloons when I was a little younger than 18 and I am living of them professionally since I was 23, so, yes, I worked for 5 years... I worked the docks in Antwerp, I worked Antwerp nightlife and opended my first balloonshop when I was 19 (this was with my girlfriend in the day). After I opened my own, which permitted me to take classes in performance arts, because I had an income. The store was sold 6 years ago.
Did you always have an intrest in art, or did you find this side of yourself when you started working with balloons.
When I was 5 years old, I made my own comics, when I was 7 I wrote my own short stories and when I was 12 I made cartoons. When I grew older (around 16) I could spend hours and hours on making love letters. But my first interest in performing art started when I began working with balloons!
I was going to be bad and ask whch part of France is Belgium located, and what type of shampoo you prefer but now as I get older I find that I am too mature for such frivolous remarks
Belgium is located in the south of France, it's hot here all year round, about 35°, women are beautiful and smart, beer is perfect and food is excellent. Completely the opposite with the north of France, where your village is located, la Scotlande! :D :D
My shampoo I can't recommend, my hair fell out... But I am using car wax now, much cheaper, you should try it, my scottish friend!
And it really makes me happy to see that you finally grew up, my friend! ;)
@ Stevie_babe
Thank you for the nice compliment.
So, married to a belgian! That will defenitely improve your life! ;)
Where do you guys live?
Hi Tom,
what questions would you like to to be asked that nobody has asked yet?
have you any big projects coming up that you want to tell us about? You mentioned one on TV.
Danny
Tom,
A few more of the compiled questions;
7, Do you have the same act but vary the presentation for all ages or do you have set acts for different ages?
8, What's your favourite thing to make at the moment?
9, What is the most asked for model?
10, What do you tend to do more of if stuck in the 'balloon production line' model?
11, Who is your market aimed at?
12, What kind of work do you do mostly - parties? Corporate? Etc
Tom
Interesting answers so far - if you could choose to perform on any stage or at any event in the world where would it be?
Ian
Tom,
We have a section on here called;
"How did you start twisting/entertaining"
http://www.balloonchat.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=31 (http://www.balloonchat.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=31)
Link above if you fancy a nose.
Could you go into detail about how you started on your way and the path from the docks into travelling the world entertaining people with you act.
Graham Lee
@ Danny
I am not aiming for specific questions, just ask me what you want to know! ;)
Projects at the moment... I am making a new full evening show for adult audiences, non verbal, only visual comedy, something I am really forward to!
The television program is pre school TV, so for little ones up till the age of 5. It's a simple story about a balloon island, where everything is balloons... You'll see it in time ;)
Some of the balloonchat people saw it... I don't want to give too much information until it's on air, I hope you can forgive me. :)
7, Do you have the same act but vary the presentation for all ages or do you have set acts for different ages?
I have all kind of acts. Many of my childerens acts begin with the same story line, whether it's for pirates or cowboys or circus or birthdays. I only change the content as every style has its own balloons (can't make a pirate in a cowboytown and vice versa)
Then I have a family act, which speaks to childeren and adults, making fun of the childeren vs parents and the parents vs childeren. This is a good selling bit.
And then I have an act for adults, also different stories for different occasions. A wedding, a corporate event or a birthday or...
What I like the most is that people challenge me to do new shows, I leave a lot of room for improv in my shows, so I can play with the audience and also alter the story line along the way.
8, What's your favourite thing to make at the moment?
At this moment defenitelly the Sabina Kellner rabbit!
It's very beautiful and there's a lot of play and technique involved.
My all time favourite is the heart petal flower, I get a lot of play out of it and I get kissed at the end! :D
9, What is the most asked for model?
My Pooh bear, I will make one and post a picture later.
10, What do you tend to do more of if stuck in the 'balloon production line' model?
This is a tricky question... Those of you who have seen me work or took one of my classes, know that I don't do lines. I make every balloonfigure I know just once. (I hope that it's this what the question means). When I finish I hand out hearts with a quick joke and leave.
11, Who is your market aimed at?
Basicly at everybody. I work themeparcs, I work parties, corporate events, television, theatre, cabaret... I work kindergartens and retirement homes.
Everybody who enjoys the magic of a balloon!
12, What kind of work do you do mostly - parties? Corporate? Etc
Mostly I work theatre and cabarets. Then corporate.
But it's a path I believe... I started out doing birthday parties and bar mitzva's and stuff, after came the corporate events and the themeparcs and after more than 10 years the cabarets and theatres.
I think it's the road we're on... learn the lessons at home parties and go further along the way. Now I still do homeparties, just because I think they 're a lot of fun and I like doing them.
Interesting answers so far - if you could choose to perform on any stage or at any event in the world where would it be?
Interesting question... I like to go where the road takes me. So far it took me to quite some interesting places around the world, working with remarkable people!
A dream I have is to perform along one of the greats as an interact (don't know the propper english word for it, but I mean to do little stuff between their acts).
One of the greats? e.g. Jeff McBride, Celine Dion, ZZ Top, acts like these. Just to go on stage, making a funny appearances and leave...
Stages like in Las Vegas, where entertainment becomes magic.
For one-man shows I'd settle for the Fringe in Edinburgh and festival d'Avignon ;)
Hi Tom,
we live in the south of England, near London...well sort of. I must say I agree with you on life being improved.....most certainly better than France :P
I will come over to the big meet up with other balloonistssiss :roll: So hope we can meet.
I'm pretty new to this, so I'm a bit shy in going up to people. I think it's because I've seen really good artists, then look at myself. So I think I'm just going to have to bite the bullet & go for it. I now need to think of a name for this balloon man. I do magic & called myself magic man (I know original, but my site in No1 on Google) balloon man? naa. too many of those.
Ooops sorry carried on too long. & no Q's.
Are you/have you coming over to UK?
Funny that you mention it, it's really hard indeed to come up with a good stagename! I know the feeling! I searched for many years and one day people just started to call me Tom Bibo. My name is Tom and Bibo was a stagename, one of many.
It will come to you with time, but I would recomend to add your own name somewhere ;)
I hope I will be coming over again soon. Don't know when though...
Tom - Will you marry me?
Very interesting question indeed! :D
Knowing you like I know you, we certainly would have a lot of fun times and many good looking childeren! ;)
I'm disappointed as I thought Thelma was going to marry me :D
A few more questions for you Tom;
1, What road led you into balloon modelling?
2, when did you get started with balloons?
3, What's your best twisting experience?
4, What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during a ballooning/entertaining session?
5, What do you most enjoy about twisting & why?
6, What's your favourite age to entertain?
so it seems that all the women in your (balloon) life fancy me! :D
1, What road led you into balloon modelling?
When I first started it was just something did to pass the time, no clue at all that it would turn into a passion and later into a profession. I did balloons for cousins and nieces, for childeren in the neighborhood, you know the drill...
One day though, we needed a balloonartist for a customer in our shop, and I went looking for a balloonentertainer who in that era charged 375€ (£295 or $580) and I thought, 'wow, that's alot!' and 'maybe I can do this too'
So at first I did it for the money ;)
After a few years I got bored with being a 'balloonmachine' and my journey begun!
2, when did you get started with balloons?
When we opened our first shop, I was quite young (almost 18). This was the first time I saw a 260Q balloon. I bought the first Marvin Hardy book and I tried to make his work. Isn't that how we all got started? ;)
3, What's your best twisting experience?
I have a lot of very good experiences, as the little bag of balloons took me around the world, playing nice veneus and meeting remarkable people.
I can share a very intimate and emotional experience, but it's not a good one... I did a balloonsculpture for the funeral of my friend's son, who was three years old. This was one of the hardest things I have done in my life. But they insisted on doing so, as Helder was very found of balloons. That day I really felt the power of our passion. It's dificult to say, but it was actually nice to do, helping a grieving friend with the one thing his son and me had in common. We love balloons...
4, What is the worst thing that has ever happened to you during a ballooning/entertaining session?
I had a balloon popping in the eye of a little child, not good! Everything worked out fine, but I was really in shock.
I had a spectator faint while he was trying to blow up the balloon, not good! He was around 40 and in good shape. Lesson well learned, he doesn't blow balloons anymore! :)
In my early years I had one time that I was attacked by childeren who weren't much older than 10-12 years, they stole ALL of my balloons when I wasn't watching (big busker bag, about 1200 260Q's)
You want more? I had my share! ;)
5, What do you most enjoy about twisting & why?
This question has 2 answers.
First, I know it sounds corny, but just to see the look on people's faces, knowing that you can take them out of their daily routines and worries just by offering them 5 min of your time and a piece of latex!
Second, because I LIKE it! I get in a zen kind state of mind. I litterally go into 'the zone'.
6, What's your favourite age to entertain?
I don't have a favourite age, I have a favourite kind!
I like the ones who are eager and who treat you with the respect that we deserve!
People who really understand the years of practice and the creativity that goes along with it.
And believe me, there's a lot of them out there! ;)
Tom
Mark Byrne also told a story of when he had to make a bike for a funeral in his interview as well and that it was very difficult for him, he has posted a picture as well.
A few months ago earlier in the year I was booked for two hours at a funeral for a teacher who died of cancer at the age of 40, lots of children from her school attended & the husband called the day "A celebration of life" and I have to say it was a very moving experience for me as well but one that I enjoyed doing. Things like this stay with you for a long time.
Well it's only Wednesday & you've answered all the questions Tom, this is the first time someone has got through them all :D
I've found it very interesting to read and hopefully others will come up with a few more questions for you.
Graham Lee
yep, keep 'em coming, I am on a roll here! :D :D :D
what is your favourite balloon colour?
What is your favourite balloon shape to work with at the moment?
Yes - I know it depends what your making, but....! ;)
What is in your balloon bag when on a gig?
how often do you shave your head and when did you start doing this (& why)? 8-)
What was the magic or balloon class like with Jeff McBride? I'm interested in going at some point. :ugeek:
thanks,
Danny
If you do marry Thelma, and assuming we are all invited I guess we won't have to buy hats we can make them :D :D :lol: :lol: :lol:
Anyway, a question
Who would you like to make a balloon model for most and why?
What would you make them ?
One more question if i may.
Who (Living or dead would you most like to be stuck in a lift with ? )
Bruce Willis or James Bond will not be accepted :D
Okay one more,
If you could be an animal or bird,what would you like to be and why?
I am loving it so far my friend
Colin
Quote from: "tombibo"8, What's your favourite thing to make at the moment?
At this moment defenitelly the Sabina Kellner rabbit!
It's very beautiful and there's a lot of play and technique involved.
My all time favourite is the heart petal flower, I get a lot of play out of it and I get kissed at the end! :D
And all those that wish to learn Sabina's rabbit can as she is doing a hands on lecture/workshop in the UK on Wed 9th July, as recommended by Tom Bibo :D
Graham Lee
what is your favourite balloon colour?
Goldenrod! I loooove this colour!
What is your favourite balloon shape to work with at the moment?
Always the heart balloon. People don't know that you can twist them or use a raisin twist inside, seeing the look on their faces is priceless. Also the heart balloon always says it without needing words! And there's a lot of play with the heartballoon!
What is in your balloon bag when on a gig?
15 colours 260Q, 6 colours 160Q, 6 colours 350Q, 3 colours 646Q, 6 colours hearts, 5" and 11" round balloons, eyes balloons, black donut balloons and a rod to double stuff.
how often do you shave your head and when did you start doing this (& why)?
I shave every day. I began doing it out of a mistake.
I had long, curly hair (for real!), and one day I decided to take it all off because I thought that George Michael's haircut in 'don't let the sun go down on me' would look good on me (what was I thinking?)
So I started to cut my hair and every week I used a rasor. One day, we had to go to a party, I shaved my head but forgot to put the comb on the rasor, and there was 1 millimeter all over my head. I said to myself, 1 mm is like nothing, so I shaved it all fo the first time. I was 22 at the time and it never changed, it became a 'look'.
To be honoust, if I would let it grow now, there wouldn't be much left to let grow! :D
What was the magic or balloon class like with Jeff McBride? I'm interested in going at some point.
I attended several Masterclasses with Jeff. I highly recommend it to everybody, it doesn't matter what age or experience level you have. Jeff helps you constructing your act. In the meantime he shares a lot of his wisdom, build on years and years of his own experiences. It opened my eyes to a lot of theatrical 'secrets' and know how!
Also being in the class with several other magicians/entertainers who all have a positive, constructive oppinion about your act, helps you with huge steps!
Who would you like to make a balloon model for most and why?
What would you make them ?
This is a hard question... Normally I am very sarcastic about these things and I would make funny remarks about who I would make something for to shut him up and stuff...
To be honoust, in my previous answers I am very straight in for whom I like working for, but I think you want to hear a specific name, no? ;)
Ok, then, here we go... I would like to make a balloon for Sting or for Jack Nicholson or Christopher Walken. Because I really think the world of them and my balloons would be the only way to get to talk to them. I would make them a portrait of themselves and one of me, so they would always remember me! :D
And... I also would like to make a big cigar for Bill Clinton! ;)
and a new (balloon) friend for Graham, and a visum for Colin, so he could come live with me in beautiful Belgium in the south of France! :D :D :D
Who (Living or dead would you most like to be stuck in a lift with ? )
This one goes deep! Good!
I would like to have a chat with a few people in this lift!
First I would like to talk to Jesus, just some fundamental questions.
I would like to talk to Adolf Hitler, so I could finally understand how one can become so derranged and mad.
And finally I would like to chit chat with Chaplin, about comedy and life in general.
If you could be an animal or bird,what would you like to be and why?
I wouldn't like to be a balloondog, that's for sure! Some guy blows you up by the nose, twists your ears and legs and hands you out to some annoying kid who's only intend is to burst you! :D
I would like to fly like an eagle. As in the ancient Indian legends. Just because of the sense of freedom when you are in the air. Gliding on the wind, I imagine that this should be a fantastic feeling!
And, if I could fly, I could visit my friends all over the world, just like that! :)
@ Graham
tell Sabina that the good pr will cost her a beer at TMJ! ;)
Tom,
I'd like to take this opportunity of thanking you for taking the time & trouble of answering the questions here on
balloon chat :D .I have to say that I really enjoyed reading your answers which I thought were very honest & thoughtful.
I do hope other members enjoyed reading your answers as much as I did, as I feel that I know you even better now :D
Hope to see you soon, if you need a place to stay in London your more than welcome. ;)
Graham Lee