Marlena Kroft, better known in the industry as Maee Kroft is a very successful and sought out makeup artists in Vancouver BC. Maee is a powerhouse who enjoys flesh hook suspension as a hobby in her spare time. Maee was curious about hook suspension early on. She was a big fan of www.bmezine.com and a part of the body modification community. She came across pictures of people doing hook suspensions and was very curious. She looked into it, met a ton of people in her home town that did it, questioned them and then eventually got up on hooks herself.

Maee has been in this suspension industry for seven years. She has been part of “The Rise: Vancouver Division,” but is presently not affiliated directly with any team. Maee is a qualified piercer for suspension.

Maee has done many forms of suspension including suicide, lotus, 3 point single knee, and fallen angel. At Dallas Suscon 2013, Maee was able to participate in her first 3-way tandem facilitated by the collective “Rise” teams.

One of the more challenging hook experiences for Maee was her single point sternum chest pull in Dallas this past April. “I had one seademon in my chest. It was really pinchy and I had someone else pulling on me, so I had somewhat little control as to when and how fast I was being pulled.”

Maee enjoys hook suspension because “It’s a mix of pure fucking bliss and adrenaline! I feel free, like nothing in the world can change my life. That I have no burdens anymore. It is kind of like the feeling you get when your life is perfect for a few minutes. The moments like sitting on a rooftop with the person you love the most in the world, watching the sun come up after a long night with them.”

Some of the things Maee is planning for in the future are 2 point resurrection, a spinning beam suspension, a tandem with someone she cares deeply for, and more outdoor suspensions.

Maee is a very talented, passionate individual who has found a deep love for flesh hook suspension. She is looking forward to new hook suspension experiences and looks forward to growing and evolving in her journey with hooks.

More photos:

David Earnest became interested in body suspension after seeing a documentary on the discovery channel where a woman was doing a “coma” suspension. “The whole time she was up, she was giggle and I couldn’t understand why someone who was in pain could be laughing, so I decided I needed to find out first hand.”

“I had a friend who had friends in the tattoo/piercing industry that told me about a few shows they were doing. I went just to see if it was as intense as I thought. It was and I was addicted to the rush of watching.”
He first suspended in 2004, with Chris Steele (Psychotic Suspensions). “He gave me the chance to try. After about 5 years a friend, Josh Prentice was killed and a few of us decided to put together a small group in his memory: Prentice Suspensions.” David’s main role with Prentice Suspensions is mainly performer.
“I think my only challenge with it is the fact that I still get nervous every time I do a suspension. I have to psych myself up for it, but I think that adds to the experience.” His favourite thing about suspension is the physical rush he gets from it. He also has a deep rooted love for the “family vibe” from the people in his group. “It’s like we’re bonded by blood. There’s definitely a lot of love and trust between us.” David also enjoys the reaction from the crowd; especially the first timers who don’t know whether to turn away in disgust or high five.

He doesn’t have direct “goals” as far as suspension goes, he just wants to keep doing it until he can’t anymore.

“My first time was in front of people I had been watching for a while and it didn’t go as well as I planned. I almost got sick. I was embarrassed. I had to prove to myself mostly that I could do it so a few weeks later I tried again. This time was much better. It was a 4 point suicide. I felt like I was flying.”

His favourite position so far is 4 point chest. “It has been the most intense for me. It seems very therapeutic. I’m able to block out people and things around me and just be in the moment, in my own world. (This may sound cheesy but that’s the best way I can describe it).”

David continues to hook with vigour and passion.

Dukkha has been suspending for 3 years. He first went up on hooks because of a joke. “My Driller back on my old rig was bullshitting the oil consultant because of my piercings and wanted to make our crew sound more bad assed than the last, so he said I hung on hooks for fun.  So I got to thinking I can do this.”

While he is not in the piercing industry, Dukkha is a Shibari/Kinbaku instructor and artist. He has worked with industrial overhead equipment and oilfield rigging for 5 years. When it comes to hook suspension “I threw my first hooks in Danailya about 2 years ago under the guidance of Russ Foxx, and continued to help out with suspensions whenever he came through town.”

Dukkha has been a fundamental in helping organize the Edmonton division of “The Rise” suspension team. Currently Dukkha team leads for The Rise: Edmonton Division. The Edmonton division has been up and running since November 2012.

When it comes to challenges and struggles with hooks Dukkha says he is grateful for his first suspension. Because he struggled very hard to get up off the ground he has immense compassion for first timers who struggle. This makes it easier for him to relate to first timers, which is a crucial aspect for a suspension team lead.

When it comes to suspending, Dukkha enjoys getting up and swinging around the most. “It’s a great feeling when you have the right space to really let it out and fly around.” He really loves playing around with suicide and knee suspensions. Suicide suspensions in general, really give him a chance to get up and play hard which is very important to him. Recently back from a trip to Texas for Dallas Suscon 2013, he is really inspired to try different suspensions and become more artistic.

Dukkha is looking forward to playing around with a spinning beam and a lotus suspension in the near future.

“I intend on making art with this medium. It has been fun starting to mess around with Kinbaku and flesh hooks. But I was also recently inspired by what Orb and Anchors Aweigh are doing with hooks and art.”

See Dukkha’s work: http://dukkha-dukkha.deviantart.com/

http://therisehookdivision.com/dukkha-magga

http://therisehookdivision.com/the-rise-edmonton-division/

“Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible in us be found” – Pema Chodron.

Dave Navarro

 I want to thanks Dave for giving me a chance to read about and share some of his story. Hook suspension is such a beautiful experience and every person’s journey is so different and personal. It is a great honour to share a small piece of something so amazing.

Dave first became aware of suspension in the early 90s. “. There was a bookstore in Silverlake called Amok Books and one of their bigger selling titles was a RE Search book called Modern Primitives that was published in 1989.” This is where he first learned about Fakir Musafar. “I was instantly intrigued by Fakir and his practices. I read as much as I could find on Fakir and quickly found myself at different happenings in Los Angeles. Art shows visual and performance, conventions, odd book store openings, fetish community gatherings etc.” He jumped on every opportunity he could. It was at this time that he learned of Ron Athey and had the opportunity to meet him at one of his performances. “These guys were both inspiring and fascinating to me through their penchant for performance and seemingly super human powers.”

Fast forward to the early part of 2000. “I was doing a show In Vegas to celebrate the opening of Mario Barth’s Tattoo shop. This is where I met my friend Steve Truitt, founder of Ascension Suspension.” Steve travels around the world doing body modification and suspension. “Steve hung a few performers, Stitch and Stigmata, during my set at the opening and I was once again re-introduced to this practice I had been so moved by years earlier. Steve, along with Victoria (Stitch) and Miss Crash became some of the people I would see around from time to time and ultimately become friends with. As for the set, nobody in the room could take their eyes off of these performers. The stage was adorned by two suspension artists hung from either side. The adrenaline and overall magic in the room was instantly elevated and I was once again hooked, so to speak. I had more fun interacting with the suspension artists than I can remember ever having on a stage. Of course, I was now thinking, ‘I wonder what that’s like! I wonder if I could do that.’”

During some downtime Dave had an online interview show called SpreadTV. This is where he met Matt Zane. “Matt came on the show to discuss his band Society 1 and do some in house suspension for us. I was blown away with Matt’s ease and comfort with the suspension. I would ask the obvious questions. ‘Does that hurt? What’s that feel like? Etc…’ He laughed. ‘Dude, just try it!’ I laughed too. ‘Uh huh… Yeah I’ll get right on that!’ It was then I knew I would one day HAVE to. I am the kind of guy that once I realize that I am spooked by an idea I have to walk through it. It would still, be years before I would.”

Years later Jane’s had a show at The Roxy. They wanted something special, so Dave reached out to Steve Truitt and his team. He invited him out to come and be a part of the show. Steve brought two performers: Miss Crash and Jane Jett. “Again, hung from either side of the stage these two brought an electricity and level of danger to the show that one could taste in the audience… The twinge of iron from the blood of these women stained the tongues of everyone who witnessed the performance.” Jane’s would go on to do a full world tour with two artists suspending at every show. “We brought Steve, Miss Crash and the lovely Samar. On the stage, we all felt the magic and intensity as we collectively created a sound and a visual that was full of a physical, emotional and spiritual infusion. Crash and Samar would hang just about every night, switching between their backs and rib cages. They pushed their bodies to the limits and I am forever grateful to them. Some nights I wanted to shout at the crowd, ‘Do you have any idea what these two are putting their bodies through?’ They would hang with such ease that I don’t really think that many observers were even aware of what was actually happening or what they were actually seeing. I was RIGHT THERE and it was difficult for me to even contemplate. I had to get up now.”

“I ran into Steve again in New York City. We met up at Sacred Tattoo to see our friend Damien Echols. Damien was tattooing me that day. I found myself surrounded by even more suspension artists. Starr Belew, Brian Decker, Steve… It was time. I turned to Steve at one point and without even thinking I said, “Hey man, would you hang me one of these days?” “Sure.” he said. (Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to be that simple… I may not have asked had I known it was!) In any event I was now locked in and committed. We found a date that worked for both of us and confirmed our appointment. We were to hang at magician, Rudy Coby’s loft in DTLA. I have to admit, I initially thought that my suspension would be a one time experiment to see if I could even go through with it. Like some kind of thrill seeking, bad ass thing… A mind over matter type of dare to myself and nothing more. I had heard of all the “spiritual” aspects to this craft, but I have never been much of a spiritual guy… At least not consistently. I pretty much felt this was something I needed to try and feel for myself. I mean, I had always been interested. With a small collection of friends and artists I set forth to pursue my goal.”

“The rest is difficult to explain. All I can say is that I got something out of the experience that transcends words. I had asked many artists in the past, “What’s that feel like?” I now understand the look I’d get as they searched for the right words to explain… Sometimes even a subtle look of annoyance as they knew they really couldn’t. For me, it was the following: Calm, spiritual, still, trust, love, passion, ecstasy, clarity, adrenaline, God, invigoration, vision, light and dark… Just to scratch the surface. Nothing bad ass, nothing daring, nothing experimental. Nothing of what I expected. So much more than I could have imagined. I have since gone up two more times and plan on more. I would like to thank those who have inspired me: Fakir, Ron, Steve, Stitch, Stigmata, Kyle, Crash, Samar, Marlo, Starr, Brian, Todd, Rudy, Chris, Heather, Ash, Jane, Rick, Dan, Riss, Matt… The list goes on and on.”

Please make sure you check out Dave’s work

Website: 6767.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DaveNavarro‎

Catch some articles and videos of Dave’s suspensions:

http://www.wwtdd.com/2013/03/dave-navarro-is-just-hanging-out/

http://www.tmz.com/2013/03/19/dave-navarro-suspension-meat-hooks-video-piercing/

Brett Kennerson is a 19 year old, petite, Makeup Artist from Moncton, New Brunswick. Brett found herself entrenched in the body modification world at a very young age being pierced at 14 and tattooed at 16. Today she has several tattoos, scarification and recently got her ears pointed by Russ Foxx. She has been hanging on hooks since February of 2013.

Tyler Wolfe, her boyfriend, opened her eyes to suspension a few year ago via movies/documentaries etc. “I was instantly intrigued but unsure if I could go through it myself. But I saw him suspend during May of 2012, facilitated by Russ Foxx, in Halifax. Bliss was simply written across his face. I had never seen a human look so at ease, so happy. This is a person I love and trust, and to see him like that, made me want to be apart of this. Not to mention, the small crowd that was in attendance of that suspension day, was so encouraging, and positive. It was the most uplifting environment I had ever been in, and continues to be today every time we get together to throw hooks and suspend.”

“When I suspended, I lacked the mental block of leaving the ground. Within minutes, my feet were up and I was laughing. Therefore I was chosen to be on the team alongside Tyler. My love for this is quite apparent. What I enjoy about suspending is the emotions I feel when I’m up. When I’m suspending, the world sort of fades into the background, including all of my self doubts and fears. I feel powerful, overwhelmed, giddy, silly and at peace, all at the same time. I feel beautiful! And I’ve always struggled with that. Every time I get rigged up I get a little more comfortable in my skin as I challenge my body and mind. It makes me a little more sure of the person I am. Of course my team, The RISE: East Coast Division is a big part of the success I feel when I suspend, and when we suspend clients. Right now Russ and Tyler are training me to pierce/throw hooks for the crew, and even just piercing someone I have all this encouragement from my team mates! Something else that is also very worth dedicating my time is the experience. Its literally priceless. When you’re rigging someone up it’s almost like your going up with that person, when they leave the ground we all feel that happiness and success. You share that joy. They are looking to you for encouragement, even if they only leave the ground for a few moments, it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world! Each member makes an impact.

The RISE: East Coast Division was created by Russ Foxx, and our regional director is Tyler Wolfe. We have members from Truro, Halifax, Moncton, New Glascow. We’re all so close, it’s like a little family when we all get together. We all appreciate one another so much, because our different values of suspension are what make the group so diverse and understanding. We all bring a little something special to the table.

My personal goals: To A) Open the public’s mind around the Maritimes! This is art! Recently I performed, alongside Tyler, at the 2013 Maritime Tattoo Festival, a 2 point suicide with a 1 point chest pull on a spinning beam. To say the least, it was intense. Russ helped me breathe through as long as I could, but after 5 minutes we had to cut the pull down. We still had a lot of fun, whipping around on the beam, but I promised myself I would try a chest pull/suspension again! 3) I am one of the twelve RISE members, Canada-wide, that are signed up for Omaha’s SusCon, Mecca. There is no way I’m missing out! Another goal is to get my butt there. I want my crew to be known internationally, and for other teams to look forward to hanging with us Canadians!

The Rise: East Coast Division: https://www.facebook.com/TheRiseEastCoastDivision?fref=ts

What got you into hook Suspension?

I was first intrigued by a photo on the internet of a dude jumping into a cooling tower over in Russia only to be caught by shackles in his back. But it was a chance meeting that I believe was fate. Being served vodka in a Thailand bar by that Russian that gave me the opportunity to do a suspension, and free fall body suspension

How long have you been in the Industry?

Personally I would not claim to be in the industry. The day I did my suspension was my first real look into the practice, I am still yet to see any one else do a suspension. Though I know I will be looking to attend more events in the future.

What are some of your challenges and struggles with hooks?

I can only really speak of the one day I did my free fall suspension. It was such a unique experience. I had never seen any one else do a suspension, be pierced with anything bigger then a normal body piercing needle, let alone to a bungee jump on to piercings. I had to repeat telling myself over and over again I had made a safe calculated decision that I would not regret and that I needed to push through the pain and fear involved. It was unlike doing a sky dive, bungee jump or getting a normal piercing because I didn’t watch any one go before me to know it was 100% safe and legit.

I first had to decide my reasons to try this were the right ones. I wrote down why I wanted to do a free fall suspension the night before, as well as what I planned to gain out of putting myself through the fear and pain. After I had decided that I could do a jump without bailing out, and there was personnel gain I needed to keep reminding my brain these things that night and the next day walking through the jungle to the location of the piercing, suspension and jump. I also had to deal with the reactions of other people. Telling me I was crazy and it would not work. Though I hardly took any noticed, it still did play on my mind a little. I was also scared of what if I decided I could not do it on the day. I’d feel as if I had failed and be embarrassed. Though I think one of the scariest thoughts on my mind was not the pain if the shackles ripped out of my back, but the embarrassment of explaining the scars on my back for years to come if it failed. How do you explain to people you attempted to bungee jump out of a tree with shackles pierced through your skin and explain to them how you considered the fact it would actually work. Years of being mocked would have really sucked some confidence out of my personality and would have made me doubt my abilities and influenced other decisions in the future. This worried me.

On the day, I was all good and confident with just a small amount of fear until the first needle pierced the skin. Thoughts shot into my mind such as “What are you doing? This is insane! This won’t work! Stop now!” Then the second piercing hurt considerably more then the first and that snatched even more confidence from me and really made me doubt myself more. The fear only got worse, and the confidence only got lower from this point. The next moment of intense fear and the next major challenge and struggle would have been doing the first suspension. I was standing next to a cliff over looking an amazing view of the beach and cliffs that I could be climbing, instead I had to shackles in my back and I was about to be hauled in the air by them, apparently for spiritual gain and pleasure. When the skin started to stretch, before I was even off the ground my brain was screaming for me to stop but I needed to meditate through it and positively remind myself that I had all ready made the smart decision and that I could do this. I think in a way it sucked more confidence out of me, though it did assist me have trust for the jump. It is a really hard feeling to explain. At one point I did think my skin was tearing and the right shackle was about to rip out, but apparently that is just part of the stretch feeling. When I was back on the ground I had made the decision to can the jump. Though Stas mentored me so well and continued to remind me that I could do it and that I had experienced the worse part. If it was not for Stas helping me, and my trust in him there is no way I could have jumped after this point with my confidence alone.

Once I was up the tree and ready to jump I was fine, I just knew I had to prepare myself and jump. Not have any hesitation. This I felt ok with.

Another challenge I have had is people’s reactions. I have had mainly positive feedback though there is a lot of negative. It is mainly the ignorance that is a challenge and people not understanding why someone would be interested and find pleasure and spiritual gain out of doing a suspension, or a free fall suspension. I have found though when people are explained more details their opinions are changed. I needed people to know this was not a stunt to look tough or cool, but for my own spiritual gain. It was not just for the cameras!

What do you enjoy about hook suspending?

I enjoy the artistic element, the taboo element, the pain, the excitement and people’s reactions. I love the way people can not only test them selves and their limits, but receive such great mental gains from each practice. I believe suspension assists to open your mind and be more confident and strong headed in other elements of life.

What are some of your future goals?

My life is about pushing my own limits physically and mentally to experience the world in the eyes of our fellow inhabitants by pushing my comfort zone, experiencing other cultures and doing some pretty extreme activities. My goal is to pursue any activities to allow me to become stronger and more knowledgeable in life. I am always recording my journey to inspire others and motivate them to break out of social conditioning and get more out of life. I have no immediate plans for further suspensions, though if it is soon possible to do a suspension BASE jump I would probably join the line to attempt that if I felt I had the skills required. I dare say we will see Stas or someone do BASE suspension in the next few years.

Tell me more about your suspensions

My free fall suspension was crazy. Doing a bungee with body piercings really is insane next level shit! You are fighting so many demons inside. I was in the jungle, far from a hospital and I had my piercings done on a mat underneath a dead palm tree. Once I was ready to jump I had to climb a dodgy ladder made of 2 ropes and bits of tree branches to make a ladder. It would swing around and I could feel small amounts of tension on the hooks. Once at the top of the climb I had to make sure I balanced well and did not slip. This was possibly the most dangerous part of the whole day, a slip here could have torn the shackles from my skin and given me some serious injuries. Once at the top I then and to make sure all cameras were rolling because I wanted to share this experience. After I knew everything was set I was able to relax (slightly) and go into my own pure state of mind. Nothing in the world mattered at that moment. All I was focused on was the jump. This is one of the most amazing feelings and why I love similar sports so much. It is a state of meditation. I was not fussed about any one watching me or cheering me on, or even the opinion of Stas behind me holding the rope ready for me to jump. It was pure bliss. I basically told my self I can do this, and it was time to go, keep my head up and jump in the correct position. I did a 3 2 1 CYA loud count to prompt myself when to jump and alert others. I got sensory overload once I had left my perch on the tree. I know there was a feeling of excitement and happiness once I realised I had survived. Though I think the shock and pain freaked me out and I wanted to have my feet on the ground instantly to have the full feeling of success and safety. I felt I could not celebrate until I was on the ground. Once on the ground I had an adrenaline rush like I have never experienced before. I was so happy, so proud and all giggly like I was high on drugs. I could not stop giggling and smiling and touching my face like a raver in a techno club. Since the suspension I have been even more positive and happy in life then I was before. I feel stronger and as though I have proved to myself I can be strong in stressful situations when required. It was probably the most amazing experience of my life, I feel it will be hard to top that feeling.

If you enjoyed Ian’s story feel free to follow him and check out more photos and videos:

See more photos here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.589253974427455.1073741825.498375626848624&type=1&l=4958ce91ca

My Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BucketListNomad

My blog bucketlistnomad.com

Check out his videos and article:

http://bucketlistnomad.com/free-fall-body-suspension-tonsai/

Also check out the facilitating team’s page: Sinners: https://www.facebook.com/TheSinnerTeam?fref=ts

Q: Introduce your team
Skindicate Suspensions of DisGraceLanD ENT, Atlanta GA

Q: Tell me about United Ink Tattoo Convention 2013
Kaspa was contacted by United Ink to perform at the United Ink Summer Vibes Tattoo Convention in June. They were looking for a show, like many Kaspa, alongside his crew, have performed before. On the plate for the three day convention were shows both Friday and Saturday night.

The crowd seemed pleasantly surprised as we kicked off the show with Ashley doing a two point suicide. Her extravagant Day of the Dead themed costuming added to the spectacular suspension and as she swung back and forth over the crowd we decided to add more weight to the hooks. While jumping and pulling down on her, spectators were in complete shock and awe. Three to four times she held the weight of another individual while spinning and swinging. Next Kimmy took the stage. We placed two six gauge SMS gilsons in her back and two eight gauge mustads in her knees. Kimmy was stunning as she swung overhead in a chair position. Many are used to seeing Kimmy blowing giant fireballs and in this instance again, she embodied grace, poise, and the confidence of a daredevil!

To change things up, we brought out a flesh pull with Amanda taking hooks in both elbows. It was a nice juxtaposition and quite comical as Amanda pulled against Autumn and Emily with hooks in their throats. From there, Mandolynne took the stage and performed a breathtaking two point resurrection and swung around and around like a tetherball. The suspension was followed by some face spears and a forehead lift-o hook performed by no other than Dr. Claw. Claw had two 10 gauge spears placed inside his cheeks in a X formation as well as a eight gauge hook placed in his forehead with a forty five pound bowling ball hanging off of it! The audience went wild as we prepared to close out the night with Regan performing an impressive four point elbow suspension. With her suspension we focused more on movement, spinning her like a top. The crowd loved it! It was quite astounding watching her wriggle and twist around above the crowd!

On Saturday night we performed alongside Plague of Locust (featuring EX members Of Nassau Chainsaw DIsGraceLanD Demolition Committee); an impressive spectacle as the band performed behind several intense and magnificent suspensions. Images and a light show were simultaneously projected behind the performers. Autumn started out the suspensions with a suicide; you could see the energy ignite between Autumn and Brandon as he flung her repeatedly. The look of awe on her face and in her eyes was mirrored by those in the audience who watched in wonder, cameras upheld across the crowd. Fiesta also did a suicide, his hair whipping to the music as he thrashed and bounced around overhead. He was flung around and around until he was completely horizontal! Kaspa jumped and hung onto his flailing body which ignited a wonderful response from the crowd. To change up the energy we brought out a flesh pull from Amanda and Dolo. They pulled and pulled against each other until Brandon grabbed the reigns, sat down, and was dragged across the floor! As they continued to pull, we balanced people on their lines, even doing pushups on it!

To cap off the performance we did a tandem suspension, with Penguin in a two point suicide suspending off Dr. Claw’s 4 point knees. As they hung, one off of the other, Penguin flying back and forth, the band finished their set and we closed out the performance. A grand finale indeed!

Q: Who all was involved, were you the only team doing suspensions?
Just as a syndicate is a self-organizing group of individuals or entities formed to transact some specific business, or to promote a common interest, Skindicate brings together some of the best in the industry. We strive to represent unity within the community and want to send a big thank you to Plague Of Locust, DisGraceLand Hook Squad, Freak Kings, White Flag, Misguided Youth Suspension and SMS for the hooks, rigs, and line!!!!!!!!

Q: Tell me a bit about your members, why they got together to form this team.
Skindicate, strong advocates for safety and high quality, was founded out of a desire for safe and comfortable private suspensions as well as performance art with a focus on continuing education and training to evolve the art form. Noticing a lack of options for those looking to book specialty acts in GA and several surrounding states, Skindicate is happy to bring together like-minded, skilled, and responsible practitioners, as well as individuals interested in taking part in such a thrilling experience.

Follow:

https://www.facebook.com/Skindicate

http://www.skindicatesuspensions.com

www.Facebook.com/PlagueoflocustNYC

http://www.skinmechanicsteelworks.com

On hooklife: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/skindicate-suspension-at-the-united-ink-tattoo-convention-2013/

1. What got you into hook suspension?

I had always admired the art from afar, but believe it or not what got me into it was a dare.  I used to run some large scale events when I lived in Redford MI.  I used to book all different kinds of acts including Hook suspenders.  During a heated conversation about finances one of the members of the suspension team said: “We need more money, and you are not willing to do what we do”  Well, he had a point, SO I went to their next meet and I agreed to try it, needless to say that I became “hooked”.  Pun very much intended!

2. How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry since 2008, when I met Ritual Arisings Suspension team.  They used to be based in Hazel Park MI, but unfortunately the team disbanded.  Since then, I have been practicing basically alone.  I purchased all the equipment and usually hire pierces whenever I get booked for a show. I now reside in Bolingbrook IL, and just a week ago I discovered that a really good suspension team is down the street from me: Wasteland suspensions.

3.  Tell me about your role as a performer, artist, and suspender.

I have been a performer for many, many years.  I love to try anything that crosses my path. I started as a theatre actress in some musicals in college and a couple of other productions after.  Unfortunately I was diagnosed with cancer in 2006 so I took a break from everything for a while.  In 2008 when I went into remission I came back to performing and modeling full force.  During this time I discovered hooks, stage combat, fire and many of the things that define me as a performer now. I have brought all my knowledge of theatre and performing to my hook addiction, and I really thrive on this.  Hook performances are my favourite performances of all.  I have been known to mix some fire and burlesque into hook performances.

4. What are some of your challenges and struggles with hooks?

The biggest challenge is not being able to tell my family. My parents do not understand and call it a masochistic ritual.  This is not at all why I do it.  I love it and it has become a passion. I will tell anyone who will listen about it.

As a performer the biggest challenge has been trying to set up gigs as a solo performer.  Things like having to always scramble for a rigger and a piercer.  Sometimes I have found incredible piercers.  Other times I have found piercers with egos that really scare me a little.  I do try to use, as much as I can my, old piercer from MI that no longer has a troop.  Steve Walsh, he is very safe and well trained, but this is not always a possibility.   The last hard challenge I have discovered is trying to do private suspensions, just for me.  Since becoming a solo practitioner whenever I go to anyone else they want to charge me for a private suspensions, which I perfectly understand.  Unfortunately I am always broke, so very rarely I get to suspend just for the joy of it and most of the time I do it for performance.

5. What do you enjoy about hook suspending?

I enjoy the feeling I get when I am in the air.  I love the calm and piece and incredible rush I get from it.  It is also true that I do love to cause shock while performing, which is a well known fact among a lot of my friends.

6. What are some of your future goals

My goal has been, for some time now, to be able to survive from performing and getting others involved in hooks.  I would love to belong to a suspension team again and try new and interesting suspensions.  I would also love be able to go to Suscon next year and other hook conventions.  I have been so broke since my sickness that it has been really hard to travel.  I am sure I will make it eventually; I tend to really push hard for what I want.

7. Tell me about some of your suspensions. 

I have done so many it is hard to pick.  All of them have always been very theatrical and full of energy.

In 2012 I did a very theatrical and beautiful 2 point suicide on the Dirty Show Detroit stage with Marcus Cota (he pierced me for that event).  I combined elements of burlesque, dance and seduction with the hard core part of suspension into one number.  The crowd really enjoyed it.  I remember this so well, because it was also the first time I received a standing ovation!

At the Erotica Ball in Detroit this year I do believe I did my favourite suspension to date.  It was also a 2 point suicide, but I added the fire palm torches during the elevation.  After those died and I handed them to the safety and proceeded with a seduction burlesque in the air, and to finish up a second performer put his legs around my waist and as we elevated he inverted.  It was a wonderful and beautiful experience.

I have tried the puppet, suspension, 4 and 2 point suicides and a knee suspension.  My favourite is always the 2 point suicide, but I do love trying other things at least once.

8. Tell me about your team if you are part of one, and your plans for the future.

As I said before I do not have a team at the moment.  I used to work with Ritual Arisings when I was in MI.  But since then I have been doing a lot of solo stuff.

When I moved to Chicago, two and a half years ago, it was really hard to connect with other teams, and as I understood it there where not many active ones at the time.  Since then I have heard of Wasteland suspensions and the 313, but I seem to be more comfortable doing my own thing.

9. Tell me a bit about how you are feeling about your performance at Exxxotica

This is actually one of the biggest stages I have been asked to perform at.  I am very excited and really nervous all at the same time.  After I got booked for it, I started to look for piercers and riggers as I always have to do.  The piercer I use on a most regular basis was not available, so I posted a public plea for a piercer.  This lead me to an old friend that used to work with me with Ritual Arisings, his name is David Maestro.  David is one of the most meticulous piercers I know, plus he is very personable and not full of selfish ambition.  He drove all the way from Toledo Ohio to help me with this.  The rest of the team I have assembled for this consist of:

• Rigger Ares: He is the rigger and the person who was holding the rope while I was in the air.
• Cyn Cat: She is a dancer who does burlesque on the ground while I am in the air.
• Bryan Valentine (Mad Kat): He’s my ground safety, and also a performer. He is perfect because he can still push me around while performing and  keep an eye on things.
• Chris Pulikowski: Piercer and assistant. He is also the acrobat who hung off me one of the days.
• And then I had all my bio safety people for before, during and after performance: Surrender, Hawk, and Julie.

10. Tell me a bit about Exxxotica “post- performance.”

Honestly this was the biggest vanilla event I have ever been asked to perform at.  When I got there it was obvious that they had never dealt with a hook suspender.  They where very honest about all this, but I have to say that they where very eager to accommodate my needs.   It took a little while, but I eventually had a private area with enough light where I could set up and get pierced.

The event was incredible.  The staff was nice and interested in the whole process.  As I got pierced each night the stage manager was there to make sure everything went o.k.  Leaving the ground each night was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.  The crowd was so accepting of what they where watching, at first they would get very silent, but as I started to swing and spin they started to clap and scream… It was extremely exhilarating.

My favourite part was when on the last Sunday of the event I got to lift Mrs Exxxotica off the ground, who happened to be Viva La Muerte, one of the most amazing burlesque performers I know.   I would have to thank the management of Exxxotica Chicago, and all of the people that came together at the last minute to create a team that functioned so well for an incredible and super successful show.  It was also incredible to see many people running towards the main stage from all parts of the venue once I started to leave the ground. I would say that Friday was the busiest day at probably 6,000 people. But all nights where pretty busy and crowded.

This is the link to my facebook fan page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Highwire/342490559182714?ref=hl

This is the link to my regular facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/bellahighwire

See original article for Hooklife: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/hook-suspension-interview-bella-highwire/

What got you into hook suspension?

I was always fascinated by images that I saw both from history and modernized. I would feel a sense of peace when I looked at any of these images. It was when I started my piercing apprenticeship that I got the chance to suspend for the first time. My first suspension was back in Cape Town South Africa. I got suspended by, Lliezel Ellick, who worked for WildFire Body Piercing. It was a beautiful day and I had a few close friends with me and I hung 4point suicide outside from a tree. It was the most amazing experience I had ever had and that memory and feeling will be with me forever, as much as what I love suspending and each time is a beautiful moment, nothing will ever compare to that very first time. On that day my love affair with hooks began.

I suspended the second time from my knees for a performance art piece, at an event also back in Cape Town. Growing up as a performer (ballet and acting) I discovered a whole new side of myself when it came to performing with the body and fell in love even more with suspension. It has honestly helped me discover my inner self and aspects of life that I would never have seen or felt if I had not made that choice to suspend for the first time.

How long have you been in the industry


I have been a piercer for a little over 5 and half years now. The first 2 years were in South Africa spent between Cape Town and Johannesburg. And the past 3 and half I have been in New Jersey, USA. I suspended during my apprenticeship, so have been suspending now for a little over 6 years. Been performing with hooks for a little over 5 years and have only been focusing on learning as a suspension practitioner since the end of 2010. I am still a baby in the industry and am meeting more and more amazing people and learning more and more all the time. My husband Dominick who is part of Invisibleself Body Suspensions has been piercing now for 18 years here in New Jersey.

Tell me about your role in Invisibleself Body Suspensions. how did  you get started in the group?

When I moved to the US and met my husband, Dominick. One of our common loves was piercing and body suspension. Though he is not an avid suspendee he had suspended clients and friends. Because I was performing it seemed only natural for him to suspend me and we started working on these photo projects and suspending at events together. At first we did not form a team but we were a team as we were working together. Clients were always asking to get suspended so we decided to officially form a team. Invisibleself is the name of the piercing studio that Dominick and I are opening, and as been his “piercing name” for years. So we decided to call ourselves Invisibleself Body Suspensions. We are a very small team like I said but we are always working on projects with other teams and people and have been really fortunate to have been able to meet so many wonderful people that we call our friends that are always helpful and knowledgeable. We offer body suspension to clients here in New Jersey and look forward to growing as a team and as individuals in the future. My role in the team as a practitioner, I clean and mark, pierce/throw hooks and then assist during the suspension. Help with any bleeding and help the suspendee in anyway making sure they are comfortable. I am currently focusing on learning more about the rigging and all that is involved with this aspect.

What do you enjoy about hook suspending?

This is always a very difficult question for me as I am sure it is for others. There are so many things that I enjoy and after each suspension and experience I learn something new about myself, and the way I accepted what I just went through.

The way I feel after a suspension, the fact that I feel completely at ease with myself, and my surroundings. I feel stronger both as a human, and as a women, my light inside feels brighter. As much as what I appreciate private suspensions, for me personally I love the energy of a lot of people around me, especially in a crowd setting and when added in with performance art.  I like the feeling of a little bit of chaos. It makes me feel even more at peace and centered while hanging. I love the freedom and movement when suspending in a position that allows me to move around and have control of my body. And more importantly the self-realization and awakening of being aware of my physical self while being up on hooks. Everything always just falls into place.

I also really enjoy how hook suspension brings people together so much. I am met some of the nicest and most amazing people through the art of suspension and for that is definitely something that makes all the experiences and moments even that much more special. I have not yet had the opportunity to attend Suscon or Mecca, but I have met and been suspended by and learned from some truly amazing individuals in the industry.

What are some of your future goals?

I want to do a chest suspension. I know that it is a very tough one to overcome and get through. It is a thought that pops into my mind almost every day. I find myself pinching the areas of skin where the hooks would be inserted, it’s always on my mind and I think it is because I want to know if I have the strength to accomplish it. I did a chest flesh pull and it was extremely intense and I would love to find out if I have the mental strength to push past the pain and “let go”

And I look forward to learning more and getting better every day as a practitioner. Flesh Hook suspension is very much part of my life, who I am and who I am going to be and striving towards. How it will all materialize in the future is still a picture that is being painted.

Tell me about some of your suspensions.

My favorite way to suspend is 2-point resurrection and 2 point suicide. I love the feeling of being completely free and the feeling of air beneath my feet and when in a 2pt suicide I have control over what my body can do, I am comfortable and can move and honestly feel as if I am flying. Resurrections are very comfortable as well and I love to hang in that position both for performance art purposes and private more personal reflecting suspension moments.

I suspend often for performances but still do take time to just go and appreciate the peacefulness of a private suspension.

I have hung from my knees, in a superman and lotus as well. Also hung one time in a crucifix position. All times I have had amazing experiences. There are still obviously positions that I want to try and experience and I look forward to in the future.

Take a look at this newspaper video article on the group: http://videos.nj.com/star-ledger/2013/08/video_human_suspension_show_ho.html

See the original interview for hooklife: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/hook-suspension-interview-miss-gisella-rose/

What got you into hook suspension?

I got into hook suspension a couple of years after I began piercing. I started piercing professionally at Epidart in the summer of 2009 after completing my apprenticeship. I would read a lot of articles about piercing, and interviews with piercers, and from those I heard about hook suspension. The idea of suspending from my skin intrigued me very much. A couple years afterwards I decided I wanted to try one, as I had not been able to stop thinking about it. I had to know what it was actually like. I could only read so much, and look at so many photos.

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the suspension industry a little over a year now. My first suspension was a 4 pt. suicide with Russ Foxx, in May of 2012.

Are you part of a team? What is your role?

I am a part of The RISE: East Coast Division as Regional Director and Lead Piercer.

What are some of your challenges and struggles with hooks?

My biggest challenge involving suspension would have to be the lack of initial acceptance from my family. They just didn’t get it, and that is totally ok. I don’t expect everyone around me to understand what I do. It did take some time, and a lot of walking away before I was able to sit and discuss my love of hook suspension with my parents. I can’t say they like it, but they do understand what it means to me and can respect that, which to me is a very big thing.

What do you enjoy about hook suspending? I enjoy pretty much every aspect of hook suspending. I love how it can be so beautiful and so intense at the same time. Just the idea of it scares most people, but then they are usually curious as to why. Once I discuss with them as to why I do it and how much I love it, I can just see the gears turning. The seed has been planted and now they are going to ponder the thought until it grows into them having to try it out for themselves. At least that is what I hope for. I find it fascinating the different types of people who want to try hook suspending, people with no tattoos or piercing, just looking for that experience.

What are some of your future goals? Future goals I have are to be the best i can at what i do. I love to learn and am always seeking more knowledge.  I want to do amazing, beautiful suspensions. I want to help people to understand why, and not to be afraid to ask more questions. Interest has grown at an impressive rate since this division of The RISE was put together, and we want that to keep growing

Tell me about some of your suspensions.

I’ve suspended 4 times now; first time was a 4pt. suicide. I was terrified. At that point I was no stranger to being pierced or tattooed, but just the idea of what I was about to do scared the hell out of me. I watched the first few people do their suspensions and that help to ease my stress a little bit. Having the hooks thrown was a lot less than I had expected it to be, and the initial tension when I began the actual suspension wasn’t quite what I had expected. Within about 30 seconds after I had tension I was off the ground. I couldn’t believe what I was doing and found it hard to contain my excitement. I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so hard, I could not control laughter and just felt like I was on top of the world, doing something I would have thought impossible.

Since that day I have done a 4pt knee suspension in February 2013 and a 2pt suicide on a spinning beam with my buddy and crew member, Dylan MacDonald, for my 25th birthday at The Dallas SusCon 2013.

My next suspension was another 2pt suicide with 1pt chest connection with my girlfriend, Brett Kennerson, at The Maritime Tattoo Festival in Halifax, May 2013. We started out facing each other with 2 hooks in our backs, and a single hook center chest pulling us together. Half way thru the performance we removed the line from our chests and jumped around on the spinning beam we were attached to. This was an amazing experience that I feel has brought us a lot closer together in many ways. Nothing like being hooked together with a loved one! My most recent suspension would be a 2pt chest suspension, and this was by far my most intense suspension experience. The feeling was completely surreal. I would close my eyes and be in a whole different universe, my consciousness kept fading in and out, and it was incredible!

See the original article: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/hook-suspension-interview-tyler-wolfe/

Read original here: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/the-superman/

Suspension is to each person a different experience. For some it’s spiritual, for some it’s a challenge, and for others it’s the chance to be more than they thought they could be. In 2012, Tom was given the chance to hook suspend for the first time which was a monumental moment in his life because over ten years ago, Tom was in a serious motorcycle accident which claimed his left leg, arm, shoulder, and collar bone, confining him to a wheelchair. Jake of Waylay Suspension Force facilitated Tom’s first and the experience went extremely well.

It has been nearly two years since that experience and Tom is back at it again. This time claiming a 7 point superman as his 3rd hook suspension.

I really wanted to chat with Tom about his experience because I feel that being able to have him part of the suspension community is a wonderful thing. Tom is a perfect example of someone who recognizes that a restriction should never have to hold you back from something you want to do.

“The superman was my third suspension and was by far the most enjoyable. I really enjoy the feeling of freedom I get when in the air and not having to rely on my wheelchair for movement. This feeling for me is very empowering; it’s hard to explain to anyone who doesn’t rely on a chair for mobility but getting up and out of it for whatever reason feels great. Having the freedom to move and swing freely over a creek felt wonderful for the time I was up and I had no other thoughts in my head, all my worries and troubles seemed to disappear. Suspending with the help of Jake has given me a much needed outlet to deal with the crap life throws at me.”

“For me the reason I suspend and have other body mods is about having control over my body and enjoying life however I can, there are so many things I can’t do now due to my injuries but I can suspend and I love the feeling. I have so many regrets about things I wish I did when I was able but for one reason or another I put them off and now I can’t go back and have that experience. I have a real appreciation of how fragile life is and vowed to myself not to live with any regrets, suspension was one of those things I wanted to try and I was determined to make it happen.”

“For my next suspension I am planning to have a lotus and be lifted straight out of my wheelchair, this one I think will be quite emotional but am really looking forward to having the experience.”

Hooklife published an article on Tom in 2012 and you can read it here. I think being able to follow Tom’s journey is a really rare and beautiful experience. People like Tom always remind how beautiful life is and how fortunate we are to be able to participate in such a wonderful activity like this. Smiles, laughter and personal achievement bring people together like nothing else.

You can view some more photos from Tom’s suspension here.

Read original here: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/hook-suspension-interview-rosanna-chilton/

What got you into hook suspension?

My first introduction to suspension was in Vancouver in 2007 with Russ Foxx, I got to see my very first one in person. Before that I only heard of it. After seeing it in person and how easy it seemed to get up, I started weighing it out as something I might want to do. When I finally decided to do it for the first time, it was just after my 30th birthday. It was finally time for me to try it. I was in a relationship that started to become very emotionally painful for me and was running out of options on how to deal with it. All the options I had tried only provided a temporary release. I hung for the first time and finally felt the release I was looking for.

How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for 12 years as a tattoo artist and have been around suspensions since 2007.

Are you part of a team? what is your role?

I was part of a team, The Rise: Toronto Division, for a short period of time, only because I had to move. I did bio at the late Shannon Larratt’s place (and it was an honor to finally meet him after being a part of the IAMBME community) which was the first time we hung as a crew . At the moment I am currently in limbo as most Rise Divisions have a full crews now.

What do you enjoy about hook suspending?

Guerrilla Suspensions  are always a fantastic time. The can sometimes be very risky but they are very exhilarating. Being able to suspend outdoors is, in my opinion, just one of the best ways to suspend. Being outside can be very symbolic of having no restrictions and can offer the chance to feel purely free. Recently Blood, Sweat, & Terror, a suspension team from Western Australia, put together and facilitated a beautiful Guerrilla Suspension in Perth.

I had a chance to chat with them about the experience and I wanted to share the experience from the views of 2 of their members: G.R. Inder and MsVV.

“BST crew members: MsVV, Tegan, Photographer X and myself G.R.Inder.

Photographer X found the location a few months ago in a refurbished public space backing onto an affluent west Perth suburb. We knew straight away it would make an awesome suspension point.

The sculpture is constructed out of rolled pipe with the butterflies wielded on top so there were plenty of options for anchor points.  I had considered using a single anchor point with a rope and pulley system to raise and lower MsVV, it would have made for a quicker set up, but the sculpture is very beautiful and it would be shame not to try and create a suspension as complimenting as possible and utilize the sculpture to the fullest, so I opted for fixed anchor points on the outer ring of the sculpture making it an integral part of the angel suspension.

The structure had an outer diameter and height of 4.7 m, so we used an elevated platform so that we could set the anchor points, it made the rigging faster and safer to set up and take down. The platform was used also to lower and raise MsVV into position for the angel suspension. We all dressed as though we were working on the sculpture. We closed of foots paths, and set out road cones, so for any one going past, it looked like we were doing some sort of maintenance.

We chose to suspend at dawn as there would be less foot traffic and also to catch the morning light. After a week of bad weather, Western Australia turned on blue skies and as the sun came up we launched MsVV out into the sun, it was amazing.

We had no problems from set up to take down, it all went very smoothly. We got in and out, without losing a man.”

G.R.Inder

“The opportunity to do a public guerrilla suspension.” By MsVV

“The opportunity to do a public guerrilla suspension  appealed to my secret subversive and exhibitionist nature. The planning and waiting almost drove me mad. Was the weather going to be right on the day? We had been having nothing but squally rain for weeks and already cancelled one attempt. The forecast for that morning was for more showers but we hoped for the best. In the end the universe provides for an angel, because it was all systems go on the best morning possible when we arrived on site that bright and sunny morning.

I wasn’t really nervous as I watched my team members attend to the rigging. I just wanted to be up there.

A few people wandered by and asked me what they were doing up there. ‘Art’ I said self-importantly, ‘We’re making art.’ They looked interested for a while and moved on.

Later when I was hanging up there wearing a blindfold, oblivious to everything going on around me I tried briefly to get a sense of myself in that amazing sculpture, the rigging, the wonderful intensity of the hooks, the dress moving against me in the breeze. Art? I thought, and I was humbled by the arrogance of my words, this was something so much more personal.”

MsVV

Read original: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/blood-sweat-terror-perth/

Getting the general public on board with suspensions can be a tough task for a new suspension team, especially if you are pioneering in a place Like Israel that may be less receptive to the art form than most. The Israel Suicide Suspension team was formed by Liron Mor in Tel Aviv back in 2009. They were named “Suicide” because when they first started that was pretty much what they offered. Currently there are 5 members on the team and they are growing and want to push more suspension into Israel.

You can read the whole article here: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/flying-in-israel/

What got you into hook suspension?

I first encountered it through the BDSM community. I did my first hook pull at a kink event in February of 2007 and it was an incredible and powerful experience. Then a friend of mine was organizing a spiritual retreat weekend that included some flesh rituals and such later that summer and I did my first suspension there. Once I did my first suspension, there was really no going back.

How long have you been in the industry?

I had helped with some of the piercing stuff at my friend’s event over the years, so was able to gain some experience and knowledge there, but not enough to be confident to suspend others. Becoming part of a suspension team was incredible for me, and has really helped me learn and grow a lot. I attended Dallas Suscon this year and seeing so many incredible suspensions really opened up my mind and made me fall in love with suspension all over again.

You can read the whole post here: http://www.suspension.org/hooklife/hook-suspension-interview-snook-tammy/

I knew hook suspension was a “thing” but I had only seen it in b-list horror movies depicted as something horrible and deadly. I guess the images from Horsemen were just burned so deep into my head that every time I heard something about suspension I wanted to hide. So when I was in the local hookah shop and my friend Bandaid (Josh Saxon) asked me to come watch his suspension team, Ritual Flesh Suspension Team, the following night for their New Year’s Eve party I started throwing out every excuse as to why I shouldn’t be there including, “I’ll barf! Do you want barf in your back holes?” He won the argument and I agreed to check it out. NYE came and there I stood among other curious minds and supporters of this practice I knew so little about. When I watched the first girl leave the ground the energy in the room was overwhelming in the best possible way. It was at that moment that I began to fall in love with hook suspension. While 24 hours earlier I was horrified by the idea, all it took for me to change everything I felt was seeing suspension in person, seeing someone overcome their fear, overcome the pain of leaving the ground and what they’ve always known. I left that night knowing that I needed to experience that rush. I deserved to experience that. I have this body and although I knew I was strong I needed to test my strength, and so on February 2nd, I did just that.

While I have only begun my journey with suspension this year I was invited to be a performer for Ritual Flesh Suspension Team this summer. It was a wonderful surprise!

My favorite suspension position that I have done is the pinup. It was an extremely comfortable position from start to finish. I loved that it forced me to give up control. I wasn’t able to ‘climb’ my way up as I did with the suicide position or push myself off the table as I did with the venus rising. I had actually told my team leader, Zuni, and our rigger, Bandaid, that I wanted little to no say in how quickly I got off the ground so long as they did it quickly. I trusted them and it all turned out beautifully. I felt very graceful and feminine during the entire suspension.

Until my suspension at Willow’s event in Eau Claire, the Flesh Hook Suspension Spectacle, I would get extremely nervous suspending in front of people. I struggled with getting off the ground when I could see people so I always chose to face away from the crowd and focus only on whoever was coaching me through the experience. That was all fine and dandy until I realized just how many people were going to be at this event. I decided the only way I was going to overcome my fear is to just give myself completely to my teammates and trust that they take care of me. Allowing myself to focus solely on myself and the sensations I was feeling is what helped me overcome my anxiety.

I enjoy the challenge that suspension brings me. I love that I’m able to overcome such an intense sensation and find bliss in it. I look forward to my string of “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” to the team once I’m off the ground. When I suspend it’s like I’m hitting the “reset button” on everything. Now that I’m a part of Ritual Flesh I’ve had the opportunity to coach someone through their first suspension. I look forward to that opportunity just as much as, if not more than, I look forward to my own suspensions. Being able to be the support for someone through such a life changing experience is beautiful. Coaching is one of my absolute favorite things about suspension because I feel like I’m giving back to the community.

In preparation for my first flesh suspension I spent my days doing nothing but researching the practice. I watched documentary after documentary, read endless articles and surfed the web like it was my job. Although nothing could prepare me for the mental and emotional obstacle course I would soon encounter, my researched helped keep me calm and stable up to the date of my suspension. My first suspension is a bit of a blur because the happy chemicals took over and I felt similar to when I’m in subspace. I would get so caught up in the rush and my emotions. All that was in the world was me and my hooks in that moment. Nothing made sense but somehow everything was clear to me.

I could never forget that the first person I saw when I spun around to face the crowd was my ma. She was sitting on the floor right in front of me, hands covering her mouth the way she does when she’s hiding a huge smile, and she spit out, “Peanut, you’re so tough!” I couldn’t help my laugh! There I was, hanging from hooks in a room full of strangers, having just overcome the most intense physical and mental challenge of my life thus far, and my ma still called me Peanut.

My goals with suspension are already works in progress. I want to learn as much as possible about the practice and help my team continue growing. I also want to see regulations be put in place to ensure that people are suspending safely and that practitioners all have certification (CPR, BBP) as well as extensive training in all aspects of hook suspension. The fact that people are attempting suspensions without training is terrifying and I personally would like to see legal action be taken against those who are not trained.

Contact information:

Carley Cotner

https://www.facebook.com/carley.cotner

Ritual Flesh Suspension Team

https://www.facebook.com/RitualFlesh

http://ritualflesh.com/blog/

Waylay Suspension force is a upbeat, easy going hook suspension team from Brisbane Australia. Founded by Waylay Jake the team has been facilitating a wide range of suspension since 2010. Waylay Jake began his journey into hook suspension with Polymorph Piercing Studio in Sydney Australia. He did several suspension projects with them while gathering his own supplies and building his team in Brisbane. Presently the team gets together as often as they can to put together everything from simple and basic get togethers to large scale extravagant art projects. Their aim in 2014 is to push and expand the Australian hook culture to new heights.

Can you introduce your members to those who might not know who you are.

WayLay Suspension Force:

*Jake – Team leader/ Founder
*Jindy – Rigging
*Kyla – Piercing/ Bio
*Bianka – In training/ performance
*Bee – In training/ performance
*Erin *In training/ performance

North Queensland Chapter – Preconstruction

*Joel
*Josh
*Holezey

Why did you collectively as a group get together?

For the love of hooks, the freedom and the challenges – These are the people that just have to suspend! Hook culture in Australia is in its infancy. We are nurturing the Australian Flesh Hook Culture. It’s just that we kind of ended up together, and all share a passion for hooks.Collectively what does hook suspension mean to you guys?

Coming together, facilitating & learning. Having fun the whole time, hooks is about the personal challenge the friends, family and the outdoors leisure.

Tell me a bit about what you try to offer a new suspendee?

New suspendees get a real treat! Jake offers a fairly in depth online conversation to ascertain what a potential suspendee aims to achieve and how they see it happening. Invites are offered for upcoming meets where we talk about their experience, the date they wish to suspend and the finer details.

Highlight for me a few of your favorite suspensions to facilitate

Outdoors, river & water crossings. WayLay heavily incorporates natural settings and tranquil surroundings. For positions and styles, facilitating standard positions is always a pleasure. Six-point knees for a good swing. However more multi-hook lifts would be fun!

What have been the most challenging suspensions you have facilitated?

Most challenging would be how to treat our delicate Hook Culture – Joyfully momentum is gaining & demand for hooks sees us swinging every weekend. WayLay Jake has created a monster! Grr.

Where do you see the team in 2014, and what do you want to accomplish,
any big goals, or aspirations for the team?

2014 sees team WayLay embarking on a top-secret world first! Two epic art pieces and hopefully a short film – Jake’s take on a modern day cult classic. You will have to wait & see! Furthering our stage suspension & performance we are looking to extend our ties with the Brisbane Local scene, and Australian music community.

Focusing on the team approach, a restructure on administration for a more accessible FAQ and booking info. Who knows, maybe a website – But I don’t want to get to fancy – busy enough as it is!

Check them out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WayLaySuspensionForce

Everyone hook suspends for their own reasons. Some people suspend because it’s bad ass, others because of spirituality and some just for the fun of it. Whatever the reason, I personally always get chills watching videos and looking at photos of suspendees. Energy from hook suspension is pure, loud and beautiful. I came across the photos of Tiana suspending earlier in 2013 and I loved what she had to say about her experience and I loved the energy that came from her photos. I instantly wanted to chat with her about her experiences. So I sent her a message and here’s a bit of what she had to say:

What got you into hook suspension?

I knew what suspension was growing up by what TV shows on National Geographic showed me. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I spent a lot of time on IAM/BME where I was exposed to a completely different world. I read so many experiences and ogled at photos and videos on the site. I knew I had to try it. There were no doubts in my mind, I knew it would be exactly what I needed.

In 2008 I was able to suspend for the first time when my friend Evan (who I met through BME) let me know there would be private suspension sign ups with CoRE. I did a 4 point suicide and had two of my friends come with me for support. I fell in love instantly. I stayed up for about an hour and didn’t even realize it. Time had just flown by and it didn’t even matter. I had such a positive first time that I’ll never forget. Then of course when I came down, I already wanted to go back up.

Are you part of a team? What is your role?

I’m not a member of a team but the Southern California chapter of CoRE has done most of my suspensions. They are all incredible people who make each experience memorable. I cannot thank them enough for what they’ve done.

Tell me about your favorite suspension

They all mean so much to me but I did an Autumn Equinox resurrection with CoRE in the Angeles forest. I have never done one outdoors and to connect with nature and to take in all of my surroundings was absolutely exhilarating. There is nothing else quite like it.

I chose a resurrection because I had done one in the past but wanted to give it another try as I found it challenging yet rewarding.  When I think back about the way my hair moved in the wind, the sound of the birds chirping, and the blood trickling down my torso, I get the chills.

There was no music, just perfect stillness around me. I didn’t want to swing or spin. I just wanted to hang there and revel in the beauty around me. To center myself and restore the balance in my life.

One moment that stood out to me was when I was facing everyone and shut my eyes. As I drifted away in my head space, I felt as if someone had moved me because I felt my body turn. I had figured it was probably a CoRE member or maybe a friend. But when I opened my eyes, I had a beautiful view of the mountain range.  It was breathtaking! It was the wind that had moved me and it brought the biggest smile to my face to see what was in front of me. It’s so incredible that a gust of wind could mean so much when you’re suspending.

CoRE was amazing at taking such great care of me. When I came down, I was trembling and smiling. When my feet touched the dirt, I felt an intense connection to the earth. Like a surge of elemental energy just shot up and down my body. Although I had a clear mind with no intentions going into it, I came down a changed woman. Both my emotional and spiritual self have evolved.

What do you enjoy about hook suspending?

I enjoy the connections and the energy that are felt between you and those around you. You put your trust in others and completely open yourself up to them and become vulnerable. It’s a truly humbling experience. Especially when your loved ones are present, it makes it that much more positive. I particularly love being able to hold onto someone while suspending. The bond that forms between the two is beautiful. I have become instantly connected with those I have met prior to the suspension, it’s that strong.

I love pushing my own limits. I love challenging myself and seeing the strength that was in me all along. Whether it’s trying a new position or remaining calm and relaxed while putting the body through physical trauma. We give our bodies such a hard time through harsh critiques and always wanting to change something about them. But they are so beautiful and are capable of withstanding so much. That has always fascinated me about suspension.

I love that each time is a learning experience whether it be good or bad. I don’t like to go in with goals in mind because I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment. I just let everything flow.  With challenging positions, I do want to take myself somewhere else but I never set a destination. I just keep myself open and willing.

I love everything about it from the minute you take that deep breath before the hook goes in to the scar that it leaves behind. I can honestly say that I am no longer looking for that “missing piece” in my life. I found just what I was looking for through suspension. It almost feels like my flesh is meant to have hooks in it.

What are some of your future goals?

I have only done private suspensions for very close friends and would love to perform for a public audience. I’ve heard so many great things about the energy from a crowd and I must try it. I want to connect with those around me and take them to the head space that I’m in if that makes sense. I want to show them the serene side and how tranquility can be found amongst chaos. I’m not really into it for shock value or the sideshow aspect of it. While that works wonderful for others, it’s not for me.

I would also love to do a guerrilla-style suspension. I find myself always looking at bridges, structures, and such and wondering what it would be like to fly from it.

Another goal of mine is to one outdoors in my hometown on the island of Maui. To connect with where I was born would be very powerful. To breathe in that fresh, sweet air as my feet are lifted up from the island soil would mean the world to me.

Tell me about some of your suspensions.

I did a 2 point suicide with Gilsons for the first time this October and it was amazing. Gilsons are very comfortable especially while spinning and moving around a lot. Having just done a calming and intense resurrection, I chose to do one where I could just spin around to some of my favorite songs and enjoy it. Once I started spinning, I just couldn’t stop! I felt so giddy as if it were my first time all over again. Suicides bring me into this childlike state where there is so much wonder and excitement.

I recently did my first coma for Winter Solstice with CoRE and it was the most emotional suspension I’ve had to date. I wanted to give up my entire body and I figured that the coma would be the perfect position for it. As it’s still very fresh, I am still reeling in from the experience and I’m trying to put everything together.

All I know is that from start to finish, it couldn’t have been more perfect. The piercing held all the weight evenly so it was very comfortable. I didn’t want to come down! I learned so many things about myself in that amount of time, it became overwhelming. It’s almost as if every little emotion, fear, and desire came to surface all at once. I started to tear up at moments and currently find myself breaking down in tears out of sheer happiness and joy. There is still so much to learn but I am loving my journey so far.

Names to go by: Tiana or Tiana Marie

My personal links:

http://alchemillanurse.tumblr.com/

https://twitter.com/AlchemillaNurse

CoRE site: http://www.wearecore.com/

Tell me about your journey into hook suspension in general; why you got into it, and how long have you been in the industry personally and professionally. 

I became fascinated with suspension, as cliché as it sounds, from the Discovery Channel. It was 1992 and I was around the age of twelve. I can’t recall the specific title for the show, but what I saw were people bearing Kavadi, marching through the streets with hooks in their back as they lunged forward only to be pulled back equally as hard by a group following… as well as a couple suspended from poles being carried through the procession. That was the first time I felt what could be described as desire. Not long after I was able to find a copy of Modern Primitives (at the Clark County Library in Las Vegas). I read the book till the glued in binding split in multiple areas. About 4 years later I was able to get into a horrible apprenticeship for piercing. I spent the next 5 years repairing all the improper training I was given while still in search of someone to grant me my first suspension. It was not as easy to find people back then. It wasn’t until late 2000 that I was able to get in contact with someone near me, Brandon Bond. I suspended in a superman position for my 21st b-day in a now defunct dungeon in Las Vegas. 10 hooks thrown one at a time. The flight time was around 3 hours. And to be honest, I was quite disappointed. I did not get any visions, no euphoria, not a damn thing I had read about from others experiences. But it did give me something, and I have still not been able to explain it in words. It’s been 18 years since that I have worked on and off as a piercer now and nearly 14 years since my first suspension.

Tell me about your work specifically with transitional Suspension. I want to know about your experimentation, suspensions you have done, good and bad, what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown and how you continue to grow.

Transitional suspensions, I’ve done a few. The first time I tried a transition was from a suicide to knees, then cut to a single knee. For a good year it’s all I wanted to do… I had heard of Supa attempting a large amount of transitions sometime ago and had made it through seven. I had never done that many, but I wanted to shoot for a nice round number… “10″. About a month before the 2007 SWSuscon in New Mexico I contacted Steve Truitt about trying to see how many transitions I could go through at the event. I had worked it all out. I still refer to it as the “wringer”. The closer that the time comes to something you have committed to, the more it seems to look like a bad idea. That was the last time I did a multiple transition in a session, and a learning experience. It was this suspension where hook direction played a major part. If someone were to do a 10+ transition today, most likely Gilson or Blacksheep hooks would be used. Specifically with Blacksheep hooks, the direction in which the hook is thrown is not as important as the closing of the hook prevents any hook slippage. I wish such products were available back then. I have since moved away from transitional suspensions and moved onto cut-away and full rotational suspensions.

Can you explain to me some of your innovations for suspension, and talk to me about cut aways and drops in hooks. 

Well, I’m pretty sure I was the first person to hit 10 transitions during a session. After that session I was told by Shannon that one suspension I had done was new, The Falling Angel. Later I was able to name it as such.  The cut-away suspensions I was inspired to do by two people: Allen and Samar. I had seen an act titled “Hurt” where Allen cuts away from a “resi” and falls into a suicide position. I later witnessed Samar doing the same act at the 2007 NorCal Suscon. I tried the same act a couple of times(with best wishes from Allen). From there I was constantly trying other cut-away’s, mainly on Jamie Mayhem because she is tough as nails. For TRAUMA 2012 I wanted to do something to really shock the crowd, as well as all the aerialists performing that evening. The cut-away front flip. And this year at Mecca I did a different variation, where I wind up as you would using aerial silks or straps, then fall forward in to a flip, or a “Salto Drop”.

Tell me something in regards to hooks that challenges you. What do you fight with and struggle through.

What challenges me is finding something new in the suspension community today that catches “my” eye. The Sinner Team in Russia took free falling to a whole new level between the bridges, tower jumps and now doing flips into a para-suspension base jump. That’s inspiration!!! Mr. Wipple pushing through 24 hours on hooks was amazing. The ornate rigging I have seen between Dallas and Mecca this year left me in awe. The up and coming “ORBITRON” suspensions to take place in Dallas this year…. Now that’s inspiring. Two minutes in that thing will be like doing 200 transitions.

Tell me about your biggest accomplishment on hooks. 

As lame as it may sound, my biggest accomplishment was doing my first suspension. The ease and disappointment coming into focus at the same time. Staring your future, 10 years away (your biggest mistakes and all), directly in the face. The accomplishment was having direction in where I wanted to go.

Tell me about why you do performance suspension, what does it mean for you. What is the most challenging part? 

I do performance because I always liked being on stage in front of crowds since I was young. There is a rush I get. The challenging part today for me is to put on an awesome show and not kill myself in the process for people’s entertainment. This being the case I am adjusting my role in how our shows operate. My focus has been geared towards handling all the other behind the scenes activities (rigging, stage managing, and engineering) that goes along with larger scale events I already do along with performance…. with a little surprise from me every so often.

What does 2014 look like for you. Any exciting performances or shows or plans in the works?

For 2014 I see a huge show at TRAUMA, a few Suscons, hopefully smaller get-togethers…. Maybe a few “Bad Ideas” as well.

Priscilla is a performance artist for Ritual Flesh Suspension Team, The Beggar’s Carnivale, The Randy Dandies, Grit Boy Productions (also a producer there), Hung Like a Martyr, Subversion, and many more. She is in love with the fun, cheeky art of human pincushion. Her typical performances include piercings, crowd participation, the bed of nails and other mayhem. She regularly hook suspends for performances. I’ve always loved her work, and recently I got a chance to chat with her about her work with suspension specifically. She had the following to say:

What got you into hook suspension?

I did my first suspension when I was 18, a two point chest suspension that went horribly wrong as it was with a practitioner that didn’t know what he was doing. Fast forward 6 years later (may 5, 2013), I decided to try again. I did a 6 point knee with people that knew what they were doing. I haven’t looked back since officially starting. I’ve done 10 suspensions, 2 attempted suspensions (couldn’t shut off the brain), and one pull with a couple of the team mates, pulling another team mate into his chest suspension.

Are you on a team?

Yes. Ritual Flesh.  www.ritualflesh.com

What is your role?

I started as a performer. I now do all booking for St. Louis, MO shows and public events. I also work as a piercer and do bio after getting my certifications.

What is your favourite position to suspend in?

Knees. My current obsession is belly hooks, as my knees are pretty chewed up right now.

What are some of the things you struggle with?

Turning my mind off to relax into certain positions, with how the chest suspension went, it’s hard to not think about things going wrong, even when I know they won’t with the experience levels I work with now also I struggle with not doing too many back to back! I’m FINALLY starting to relax. I think it has a lot to do with changing a lot of my life.

What do you like the most about it?

Everything! Mostly, the family I’ve obtained through it. They’re amazing!! Also the mental challenges, it saved my mental health and it improved my physical health greatly. Love it!!!

Tell me about some of your suspensions?

The most challenging was a tandem I did at Mecca… I did an inverted lotus with my team mate, Rain Bow Dash, hanging from me in a lotus with Steeve Easley of Release. It was awesome, but incredibly painful and also I couldn’t turn my brain off. My first outdoor suspension was recently with a.g.r.o. Springfield and I did my knees. Ritual Flesh, my team has given me quite a few very enjoyable suspensions and challenges: knees, forearms, a beautiful modified hammock, suicides, an angel, and a few attempts at resurrections. I finally did a successful resurrection with Anchors Aweigh at Mecca… Mecca was a busy weekend

Tell a bout your future goals.

So many! Suspend with more people, more tandems, cut downs, free falls, and definitely more outdoor and some guerrilla suspensions!!!!!! Also I plan to attend as many Suscons as possible, and learn all possible parts of suspension.

Hook love ♡