Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: Diversions

Greenville freshman Sean Beard fixates on the fork in his left hand. For a few seconds, nothing happens. He keeps his focus on the fork, not saying a word.

Then, without warning, the fork bends, like a special effect in a movie. The tines slowly twist around the handle of the fork, while he simply stares at it.

This is just one of many countless tricks and illusions Beard has taught himself. He's been practicing magic since March 2004.

His abilities aren't limited to slight-of-hand tricks. He also practices telekinesis, premonitions and other aspects of mentalism, a category to describe magic that deals with the mind.

His inspirations for his craft are Lance Burton and David Copperfield. He grew up watching all of the famous magicians' specials on TV.

"One time I was watching a special, and I was so inspired to do it, no matter what," Beard said.

However, "Shade," the Sylvester Stallone movie about slight-of-hand and card tricks, is what really got him motivated.

What began as a hobby has turned into what Beard hopes to be a career. He's performed for elementary schools, restaurants, parties, festivals and other special events.

His best friend, Murray State University freshman Clay Brigance from Beechmont, has known him since seventh grade and is still amazed by the feats Beard can achieve.

"He wows us," Brigance said.

Brigance said he's seen Beard move a card through a window pane without ever touching the card.

Although performing may attract lots of attention, it isn't the only reason Beard does it. It's about two other things, he said - creating unforgettable moments for others and as Hugh Jackman explains in Beard's favorite movie "The Prestige," it's all about the look on people's faces.

By practicing his skills and learning more about magic, illusions, telekinesis and the like, he's opened his mind to different ideas and possibilities - one thing he tries to help others experience, he said.

He loves to turn people's minds upside down so they question everything they've spent their lives learning, he said.

"I wake up every day thinking about what I am going to do, not what I can't do," Beard said. "I don't believe in the word 'impossible.'"

He also wants to change stereotypes. He stresses that not all magicians wear a cape and pull rabbits out of top hats.

"Some people look at me like I'm crazy when I say I'm a professional magician," he said.

Beard's roommate, Franklin freshman Keith Kinder, said he admires Beard's dedication to his dream and his ability to practice so often.

It's not uncommon for Beard to practice for as many as eight hours at a time, Brigance said.

Kinder said he believes Beard could be the next famous magician, like David Blaine or Chris Angel. Although he has seen Beard's tricks many times, Kinder said he still gets dumbfounded by the things he can pull off.

"He's tried to explain to me how he does some of it, but it's just over my head," Kinder said.

Beard said he wants to communicate with as many people as possible in the most effective way. Although he hasn't decided on a major, he plans to take communication and foreign language courses to help him use his magic to communicate with people around the world.

Reach Heather Ryan at features@wkuherald.com.