June 3, 2011
Last Art Suspension – Trail of Terror
Event photography of a suspension performed at Trail of Tears by Last Art Tattoo in Lancaster Ohio.
This was the first suspension I ever attended. I was really glad to have the opportunity to go “back stage” and photograph what goes on before such an event!
Suspensions are one of those activities that fascinate me, but I have zero interest in participating in personally. In all honesty, it gives me the heebie jeebies to puncture flesh in any way, I can’t stand getting shots or piercings! Tattoos don’t bother me so much, because they don’t go as deep. Anything else, just makes me woozy! Not to mention all that weight hanging there whoa… just not for me!
I have a great deal of respect for suspension artists though. Back when I took these photos in 2007, I had never seen this before. Now, I have a lot of friends who perform this way.
The actual piercing was done at the shop in a sanitary environment, the performers were then bandaged up for the trip to the venue.
Suspension is definitely not something to take lightly. The guys doing this show were so careful, and organized – they were prepared. But something still malfunctioned with their pulley system, so the performance was cut short after the first suspension. No one was injured, but I think once there was a mishap they felt it would be better not to attempt another suspension. That is why there are two people with hooks but only one actual suspension.
Trail of Tears – Scene Setters
The Trail of Tears is a pretty good haunt. It is out in the middle of nowhere in a rural area outside of Lancaster. I was not able to go see everything, but what I did get to check out was all great fun! I couldn’t find a website for it, so I have no idea if it is still open in season.
Preparations…
Anticipation
The corks are there so that the sharp edges of the hooks don’t poke where they shouldn’t!
Crowd reactions – the redhead on the far right makes me smile!
