active 3 months, 4 weeks ago

Base

Name

Phillip Bryan

Type of Artist

Spins Flags, Spins Poi


Region

Texas

My History

What is it about flagging that you enjoy the most?

The feeling of being connected; to the music, to my body, to the flags, to those around me, to other flaggers.

Some people paint, some people write poetry, some dance – and some
find other means of expressing themselves and their creativity. For
me, it’s flagging.


What was your first flagging experience?

At the opening ceremonies to the Gay Games in Amsterdam, I saw a flagger from across the colliseum. At the time I had no idea what he was doing, but I was completely entranced watching him spin…

My friend was taping the ceremonies, so I excitedly pointed out the "guy with the spinning things" so we’d get him on video. We only filmed about ten seconds, but I watch that ten seconds several times, and was determined to figure out how to do it myself!


What was one of your best flagging experiences?

There was a point, years ago, that I broke through a plateau I hadn’t even known was there. The experience was magical for me.

I wrote to a friend and did my best to convey the experience.

I’ve posted the letter on this site as the article: "Deep Flagging"…go take a look!


What was one of your wildest or craziest flagging experiences?

Ask me in person!

;-p

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

One or two…

I make mostly silk flags these days, but use other materials occasionally.

With silk, I make flags that are all sorts of sizes, shapes, and weightings. I’m constantly experimenting, trying things and seeing what works, and finding a few things that don’t! Lately I’ve been going big–seeing how big I can make flags and still weight them well so they’ll fly nicely.

For special occasions or when the mood hits me, I’ll use nonsilk materials for a particular reason. Sparkle organza is nice for soft, flowy flags, and silk essence (actually polyester) is good for panel sets.

And I have a few unique sets as well. I’ll add some pictures of them soon.

For pictures of many of my sets, please visit the "Creating" page on this site.


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

Silk. All sizes, all weights.

I love the way silk moves across the body. I like trying difference sizes and shapes, to vary the way the fabric moves and feels.

These days I really enjoy large sets. It’s a great sensation to have the silke completely wrapped around your body as it moves through the air.


What are your favorite flagging quotes?

Said during rehearsals for the Thanksgiving Day half-time show:

— I think the dark bandannas are better…they aren’t quite so "Elton John"

— I don’t think my outfit has enough "bling" on it…

— So, for the first song, it’s just us on the field, and … some singer … what’s her name again?

— If you look around and all you see are blonde hair and pom-poms, you know you’re in the wrong place!


What advice do you give to beginning flaggers?

Slow down, and remember to enjoy yourself….


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

u should work on a racing circuit like Formula 1!
LOL
- Mark


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

Dan and I have discussed this for awhile,
and he suggested I add it as a new
survey question:
“Do you have a flagging “Everest” /
dream / ultimate experience that you
would like to achieve, but haven’t yet?”
It doesn’t matter how unlikely or difficult
the “Everest” is, just that it is possible.
Any thoughts?
A tip for site members, log in first and your answer to this
question will automatically be added to your member profile.
(Now, how cool is that?)


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

Denver originally started this thread, as
a question about a final wish, or even a
flagging “afterlife”.

Dan suggested it would make an
interesting survey question, so here ya
go!

A tip for site members, log in first and
your answer to this question will
automatically be added to your member
profile. (Now, how cool is that?)


What are your favorite songs to flag to?

Denver originally started this thread, as
a question about a final wish, or even a
flagging “afterlife”.

Dan suggested it would make an
interesting survey question, so here ya
go!

A tip for site members, log in first and
your answer to this question will
automatically be added to your member
profile. (Now, how cool is that?)


Phillip's Latest Activity See All →

  • Avatar

    Phillip Bryan posted on the forum topic May 1 – Flagging at Purple Party main event in the group Texas Flaggers:   1 year, 9 months ago · View

    Confirmed:
    RJ Taylor
    Mark Berry
    Alan Gentry
    Angel Saratiel


  • Avatar

    Phillip Bryan posted on the forum topic Loving the new look in the group San Francisco Flaggers:   1 year, 10 months ago · View

    So, I Think you know, to join a group, Select “forums” from the top menu, Select “San Francisco Flaggers” from the list of groups, Select “Join Group” under the picture of Randy I believe I’ve also set it so responding to a forum post automatically adds you to that group. Once you’re a member of a group, a ” Send Invites ” button [...]


  • Avatar

    Phillip Bryan joined the group San Francisco Flaggers   1 year, 10 months ago · View


  • Avatar

    Phillip Bryan posted on the forum topic
    Flagger Weekend 6 this weekend – coverage in the Dallas Voice & additional info   2 years, 7 months ago · View

    We’re looking forward to Flagger Weekend 6 starting tomorrow. We have a few new
    details to share:

    This week’s Dallas Voice contains an article about the weekend:
    http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_11511.php

    Thursday Night Dance – DJ Michele Miruski

    Friday Night Dinner – Homemade Lasagna by Disney

    Saturday Night Dinner – Cheeseburger Pie by Disney

    Sunday SpinOut Showcase and Tea – DJ Paul Kraft

    Hope to see you here!
    Regards,
    Phillip Bryan


  • Avatar

    Phillip Bryan posted on the forum topic
    SpinOut 2009 – Dallas – Flow Arts Showcase   2 years, 7 months ago · View

    spinout1.gifFlow
    Arts Showcase
    Sunday, July 5th
    eXcuses eXtreme Cafe
    – 3025 Main Street, Dallas
     
    SpinOut Showcase: 3:00 pm
    to 4:30
    Tea Dance:  Immediately
    following to 11PM
    Join us for an evening of
    flagging/fan/poi performances, and enjoy the opportunity to showcase your art!
    A blacklight rich environment
    will be provided. Singles, doubles, and groups will have the stage for one song
    (4 minutes per person), have music on a disc ready to give to our DJ or let DJ
    Paul Kraft pick one for you.
    The showcase will run till
    everyone has had a chance to spin, starting at 3:00 pm. Participants are encouraged
    to arrive early and cheer on performers.
    After the showcase, the club
    will be open to all flaggers, fanners, and poi spinners for a Tea Dance.

    spinout1.jpgIntent:
    Gather the tribe; provide a supportive space to showcase our talent; watch,
    cheer on, participate; spin silk, spines, staff or poi; film the showcase to
    document the art and its artists.
    Cost:
    Free – This year we’re slimming down.  Simple videos of each
    performer will be posted to Flaggercentral and made available for downloading a
    few weeks after the event.
    This spin-friendly weekend is an
    annual event created by flaggers to keep the art alive in our community. 
    Sign up for the showcase at the registration desk over the weekend.
    Questions, comments,
    concerns?  Contact Xavier – xcaylor@…
     
     


Phillip's Wire See All →

  • Avatar Image
    Stratten Moore : May 6, 2009

    I MADE IT!!!!!!!! thank you so much :)


  • Avatar Image
    visitor : February 26, 2009

    Lawrence Needham :
    been flagging off and on for a number of years now in NY but I did not live near the city and it was hard to conect with flaggers, but I moved to SF in the fall and met Xavier and got involved with the Flagging family here. And now i’ve fallen in love all over again, just cant get enough.


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    visitor : November 9, 2007

    Britt:
    Beautiful art form.


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    visitor : October 24, 2007

    luyz fernando:
    Fhillip am your first fan

    Love your video with their flaggs

    My name is luyz am of brazil,

    Practice began with flaggs now, but I do not know much And I do not know nobody around q can help me I want to know if cn learned everything alone or had help from friends ….

    If it can help me I thank ..

    A hug: luyz

    (luyz_cac65@homail.com)


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    Dante Phelps-Harris : October 10, 2007

    I also flag. It’s wonderful to find you!!!! I only know one other person in my area who does it, but we’re not allowed to do it at the clubs here in Las Vegas. I also spin poi: fire, glowsticks, and kite poi. you can find me at: firepoidancer67@yahoo.com, or myspace.com/dantesinferno67


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    visitor : September 5, 2007

    david m. bieberitz:
    i enjoy watching flaggers, it facinates me how co-ordinated you and others are


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    visitor : August 10, 2007

    Carmella:
    I wanted to thank you so much for all the information sharing you have done here. This site is very well done and more than helpful.

    I used your site a long time ago to create my first set of flags. I am doing a few more rounds now experimenting with different fabric.

    I was wondering if you ever heard of anyone using "sausage beads" instead of curtain weight? I am trying it out (the same type of beads you see dog tags attached to) and it seems to work and much more affordable alternative as well as easier to find. What do you think?

    From Carmella


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    Ryan Wilcox : July 21, 2007

    you will be, have patience…look, watch, love, and learn…kisses

    rye


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    visitor : July 21, 2007

    Jerry:
    hi, I like your flagging dancing, and I love it, but not good at it though, anyway I am practicing now. take care and be happy

    thanks from Jerry


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    Derek Cover : June 25, 2007

    When you decide to sell some flags, please let know, would love to buy a pair from you. I love the ones that look like "liquid fire" as you describe them. =)

    —

    Response:

    Thank you for your interest, Derek. Please check the "store" page — the link is on the home page of the site, and here’s the direct link:

    http://www.flaggercentral.com/go.php?g=119

    Regards,

    Phillip