active 2 years, 2 months ago

Base

Name

John Wong

Type of Artist

Spins Flags

Region

California

My History

How would you describe yourself as a flagger?

Experimental. Wanting to try new and various movements and playing with different fabrics.


What is it about flagging that you enjoy the most?

The way the flags express the music and emotion channeling through my body.


How long have you been flagging? How did you get started?

I picked up my first set of flags a couple of years ago from Dr. K., but didn’t feel very confident until June of 2005 when I got my first set of silks from Phillip. Now I can’t put them down. Thanks Phillip!


What was your first flagging experience?

It was the beautifully sad closing of Pleasuredome. A night to remember. Keith L. talked me into going up on stage, put a set in my hands and taught me to take flight.


What was one of your best flagging experiences?

There are so many, but most recently, a group of us flagged on a float in the NY pride parade. An extremely exhilarating experience and getting to sharing that with good friends.


Who has inspired or taught you?

Keith Loring was my inspiration. I was mostly self taught until I met Xavier Caylor, my flag daddy at FITP (flagging in the park).


What was one of your wildest or craziest flagging experiences?

It was at Lake Powell on top of a Mesa overlooking part of the lake. It was over 100 degrees and I had a set of white flags with my headset on. Some boaters came by and stopped to watch. Later, I found out they were yelling out to me if I needed help or was in distress. : )


Do you make your own sets? Can you describe what kind you make?

I made my first tie dye a few months ago with the guidance of Xavier. Soon after, I’ve become addicted to the myriad of patterns, colors, and the birth of a new set of flags.


Where do you often like to flag?

Anywhere I can, but mostly at the clubs like Matinee or Colossus under blacklight. I love to see the colors pop.

Being out in nature is also a treat and flagging keeps me in tune with the environment.


What are your favorite types of flags to work with, and why?

Silks are my favorite because of the way they flow, especially the big ones. I guess I enjoy the drama.

Larry Reigal’s are excellent because they are so durable and don’t stick when you’re sweaty. : P


What are your favorite flagging quotes?

"Who needs to eat, when you can flag!"


What advice do you give to beginning flaggers?

Perseverance. Slow down and feel the fabric. The flow will come with practice, and before you know it, you’ll be soaring!


What nice/unusual comment has anyone said to you while flagging?

You are very fluid when transitioning between moves.


Do you have an ultimate flagging experience that you would like to achieve, but have not yet?

Guess I’ll know when that happens.


Do you have a wish for what happens to your flags after you leave this world?

That would be for all my flags to find a loving home with new and experienced flaggers, so a part of me can live on.


What are your favorite songs to flag to?

That would be for all my flags to find a loving home with new and experienced flaggers, so a part of me can live on.


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  • Avatar Image
    Don Baker : July 15, 2006

    It was great meeting you in New York. What a blast. Hope to see you again soon.

    Don