Rope as Art

There is no doubt that Shibari is an art. But there are people out there taking it to knew levels.I personally am amazed at what people are capable of with just some rope and a little spare time.

Human rope sculptures are quite amazing.

 

Some are truly astounding.

Making designer rope is another art. Clothing and costumes out of meticulously tied knots and patterns.

The Great Gordo Gamsby

Gordo Gamsby is an entertainer. Though not your run of the mill entertainer.

He has been on the forefront of contemporary sideshow for some years now. Decades in fact. He leaves onlookers Shocked, amazed and stunned. He does acts like Sword swallowing, Neon light swallowing, Chainsaw  juggling, Cigar box manipulation, Blockhead, Feats of strength, Suspension, Dark clown, Human canon target, Cranial Corkscrew. He has 9 Guinness world records. A pretty crazy amazing guy really.

The thing that got me interested is the First Ever Human Rigging With Suspension.

An incredible sideshow feat of human rigging suspension. The Great Gordo Gamsby performs a world first with four meat hooks pierced in his back, while acrobat Ben Lewis performs his straps act.

Have a squiz at the vid :)

On Tender Hooks

The delicate process of suspension by hooks is usually done by professionals or those experienced in the field.

It is not a typical one on one scene, but rather it is handled by a small team. The team makes sure the precautions and preparations are met. In fact, the preparations take a lot longer than the suspension itself.

Basic geometry, anatomy and physiology are a must. The environment and all equipment must be medically sterilized. The models body is carefully looked over to decide on correct placement of hooks. The skin thicknesses vary from person so person and on different parts of the body.

 

There are many types of suspension positions. Some are as follows..

Chest

A chest suspension, sometimes incorrectly referred to as an "O-Kee-Pa", is a suspension in which the hook(s) are placed in the chest. Typically two hooks are used for this type of suspension.

Coma

A coma suspension is a suspension in which the hooks are placed in the chest, torso and legs, usually in two rows, such that the suspendee is lying face up.

Knee

This suspension takes place hooked from the knees and hung vertically with the head closest to the ground and the knees at the top. There is no standard for hook placement on this suspension, as it depends almost solely on the anatomy of the suspendee.. This style is relatively new, but is quickly growing in popularity. It is not considered to be an extremely painful suspension, but the drawbacks include lower back pain and ripping of skin in the areas around the knees. Another factor of this suspension is the increased blood pressure to the brain due to the inverted position, which can lead to disorientation and cause headaches.

Suicide

A suicide suspension is a suspension in which the hook(s) are placed in the upper back, such that the suspendee is hanging upright. This type of suspension is named suicide due to its similarity in appearance to someone who has hanged him or herself.

Resurrection

A resurrection suspension is a suspension in which the suspended person is held up by hooks, usually in two rows on the belly; it gives the impression of rising from death as the suspendee is curved backwards facing up.

Crucifix

A crucifix suspension is a variation on a suicide suspension in which hooks are also placed in the arms, such that the suspendee appears to be hanging on a cross, with his or her arms held out to the side.

Superman

A superman suspension is the opposite of a coma suspension - the hooks are placed in the back and legs, usually in two rows, such that the suspendee is lying face down. This type of suspension is named superman due to the similarity in appearance to Superman flying.

Other

Other variations exist, utilizing anywhere from one to dozens of hooks. The rebirth suspension is usually performed with 4 to 6 hooks in the back, with the suspendee in the fetal position, face down. Some hang from calves, ankles, knees, or buttocks. Possibilities even include facial suspension. The "Angel" Suspension is eight hooks in the back where the outline of an angel's wings would be.

(Information sourced from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspension_(body_modification)

Safe Sane and Consensual

Consensual Ligotage is not something you go into lightly.

 

Before you even begin you need to know your responsibilities as rigger. It is safer between trusted partners who know the risks and each others limitations. But more and more often strangers are seeking out rope partners, which has given rise to Safe, sane and consensual

 

The very base responsibilities being, safe words so you can communicate any distress, Avoiding positions that cause positional asphyxia, not leaving a roped person un attended, the ability to release someone quickly from bonds in an emergency, at least hourly positional changes and not using ties that impair breathing.  Communication is a huge factor. Asking if he/she is ok regularly.

 

Being sober! drugs and alcohol are a big no no

 

 

You then must have at least rudimentary knowledge of the human anatomy. There are nerves, arteries joints and many other things to keep in mind. When you are suspending someone's entire body weight and there is pressure on one place for too long, it doesn't take long for impairment of blood flow. Skin colour needs to be checked regularly. Communication is key when it comes to making sure your human ornament has a safe and joyful experience.

 

 

 



For the curious

We want to see you hanged

There is a very long history when it comes to hanging people as human ornaments. Some people do it for the therapeutic experience of being tied or hooked. Others do it because they are complete attention whores who love the spotlight. Whatever the reason behind it, please don't stop, I am far to curious to look away.

 

Sleepers- the gateway piercing

Flesh piercings and other body modifications have long been a rite of passage. Some of us choose a simple ear piercing, others go berserk and punch holes through cartilage. Then there is these fascinating creatures who want to hang by their flesh from things. Why the hell not. I find it fascinating. Some say that the very first piercing leads to more extreme, bigger things.

Eastern rope

 

The Japanese rope styles have always interested me. It is so much more decorative than a lot of other suspension styles. It has caught on in a big way in the west to a point where Rope dojos are opening up in our major cities. A fusion has occurred between the decorative and methodical east and the functional and deliberate west. It is no longer just rope and flesh, it is carabinas, d shackles, swivels, suspension points and much more. It's much like a cross between art and rock climbing. But hell, I'm not complaining. I have seen some brilliant displays, human chandeliers, mid air ballet and more.