It was a long assed drive from Richmond to Providence. After leaving about 3:30am Friday, I finally arrived at the hotel about 1pm in the afternoon. The trip was an easy one, just basically straight up I-95. When I passed into Westchester County, NY my thoughts were that of my childhood as there was where I was brought up. I almost got off to go on a nostalgia tour, but didn't. I just kept going. For most of the trip, in the solitude of my car, my thoughts were focused on both suspensions I wanted to do that weekend. A few hours later I checked into the hotel and find my room, I almost decided to flop on the bed and take a nap because I was so tired. I said 'almost'. I shook off the exhaustion, grabbed my keys and headed off to the venue.
At A Glance Author PSFitz Contact PSFitz@bme.anon IAM PSFitz When A week ago Artist Oliver and the Crew of ROP Studio Providence Suscon Location Providence, RI It took me no time at all to get there as the location is imbedded in recesses of my brain. I drove on automatic, the car almost guiding itself. As I was driving along the local highway I peered off to my left to see the familiar twin towers piercing above all the shorter buildings of the long disused textile mill. I was now quite awake, alert but most importantly becoming very VERY excited.
The venue itself is of typical 19th century architecture except for the towers. Its brick, industrial and Gothic looking that distinguishes it from most factories of the era. The towers seem like a monument to someone's sense of grace and beauty. They are round and elegant and both once sported cupolas that crowned their tops even though one is now missing. Even the very heavy entry doors are curved to match the radius of each tower. The mill is as now been converted to 'alternate' use. The building is part artist colony, part retail space and part living space. On the weekends there is something like a bazaar both inside and out with vendors selling their wares of all sorts. The building has seen better days but it is still standing and strong. The neighborhood appears to also have seen better days but it's teaming with the sounds, sights and commerce of life.
After parking the car I entered the first tower and climbed the long circular staircase that I had remembered from years past. I got to the door and there was the familiar buzzer button. I pressed and 'BUZZZZZZZZ!' that sounded that resonated and echoed throughout the entire floor beyond the door. After a few seconds the door swung open and I was greeted warmly (sorry, by whom I really don't remember). I then walk down that long hallway with the centuries old wood flooring creaking underneath each foot fall. At the end of the hallway like radar, I made a left and then another left into a room filled with people. Most turned and I was greeted as if it was only yesterday by so many that I haven't seen in more than a year.
I filled out all the paperwork at the desk and when it came to fill out the scheduling card as to what suspension I would be doing, all I put down was my name. Again I was asked what I was going to do and all I responded with again was that it was a 'surprise'. This brought smiles and giggles as they knew, as in years past, they were in for something very different. When I suspend I try to different things and for some odd reason that has become an expectation of me by those who know me. I try not to announce what I am planning to do not only because it might create some great suspense but mostly because I'm never quite sure if I would go through with it. They posted my name at the end of the peg board and told me I could go when I was ready.
I then went off to find Oliver who is one of the guys I was communicating with over several months about this suspension. He is one of the riggers from TSD who came to the Providence Suscon. After finding him, we went over the details as how this suspension was going to work The rest of the day was spent watching all the great suspensions being performed, talking with friends and getting nervous. When the day's event was over, I went to dinner with a couple of friends and then back to the hotel. Exhaustion finally overcame me early and I was soon off in dreamland.
I awoke early the next morning. I was rested and very ready to go. I ate some breakfast, drank lots of coffee and then off to the venue. It was a dark and gloomy day and it was raining very heavily. When I arrived, I wondered from room to room and then I noticed in the ceiling the pair of riggings that I knew had only one purpose. I knew the time was fast approaching when I would be immobilized between them but yet I had to 'hurry up and wait'.
The concept of the suspension I was going to attempt was a simple one. I tend to describe it as a variation of that wonder torture device 'The Rack' or as some had described it as 'Draw and Quartering'. You have two rigs; one far in front of my head while the other is set far to the rear of my legs. The idea is then that with a person at each rig rope, they would then pull me up in the opposite directions creating the tension that would keep me elevated in the air. The idea was to get as horizontal as possible with no back support. My greatest concern was the center of my back and how much stress I would put on my spine and how much sag and compression I would get from my back not being supported.
The time finally came about 2 in the afternoon when I was asked if I was ready to get hooked. I was. But with that question, my stress level immediately soared as well as my determination and excitement. My brain was working overtime to overcome any apprehensions that I had. I was so ready for this.
Oliver and I went back into piercing area and he described how many hooks there should be and where. I got 4 6 gauge standard hooks across my back and 4 hooks of special design in my calves. The ones put in my legs were not the typical 'fish hook' design but a design of Oliver's that were somewhat experimental. They remind more of something like shackles that could be permanently imbedded in the body as they as they were completely closed at both ends. They look nothing like any traditional hook. The piercing went smoothly except for one in my back. The piercer was having trouble getting it in kept apologizing about hurting me and I kept assuring him that it was Ok, that I wasn't in any real pain and these things happen. I guess I'm just too used to getting hooks.
When I was ready, I got up from the piercing table and immediately felt the hooks in my calves were much heavier but not uncomfortably so and when I walked around I 'jingled'. I made a comment that maybe I should just leave them in after this was all over and go to work with them in just to see the reaction of people when my legs made noise. I walked through the crowd of people who were in the registration room, talked some, some pictures were taken but I had to keep moving. I was very cold. I walked into the room where I was going to be elevated. I was ready but other people were not. Again, I had to 'hurry up and wait'.
I didn't have to wait too long before Oliver and others came into the room. I was asked if I was ready and if so it was time. I walked over to the table, laid down and the ropes that were going to be my life lines were attached. The lights to the room were turned off, flash tests from the various photographers were made and the guys at each end who going to pull me up were made ready. There was silence. Then, in unison, before the end of the count of three....PULL!
First tension, then levitation and...OH! THE PAIN! I was rising very fast. My back was stretching forward and my legs were stretching rearward. I was groaning, gritting my teeth and thinking I wanted down yet I said nothing. Higher and higher I went the pain became worse than anything I experienced in the past. I was determined to make this succeed so I just endured. We finally reached a height and tension that I and they considered prudent. Anymore would have been too much. My whole body was tense dealing with the pain and my legs were twitching. Then the pain subsided as my body was reaching a new equilibrium. I lowered my head, closed my eyes and went limp. I didn't pass out, I just relaxed. I found my 'zone'. I was euphoric.
The photographer's flashes were constantly going off as they were scurrying around as fast as they could to get their shots. They didn't know, nor did I, how long I could sustain this. They asked me to move my head and arms into various poses. Some I could, some I could not. It was very difficult to move my arms...very painful. I did the best I could.
I'm not really sure how long I was up, some say 10 to 15 minutes, but it was much longer than I expected. I'm still amazed as to how much stamina I have when suspending. At first I thought I could be up a very short time, and then I started to think I could stay up for a much longer time. That was not going to be the case. My spine started to throb. Low at first but growing in intensity, I knew it was time to come down. As much as I tried to resist returning to the safety of the ground I ultimately had to give in and say 'down'.
The crew quickly went into action. They put the table back underneath me and I was lowered. As my stomach met the table and my spine decompressed, I felt pain and relief simultaneously. All I could do was just lay there, breath heavily and gather my thoughts. I was asked how I felt. How I felt? I felt great! I was happy! I was exhausted! I was euphoric! All at the same time.
The entire suspension went so smoothly. No real problems. No glitches. It went better than I anticipated. Oliver and all those who helped and supported me were awesome and I have such respect in their craft. There are not enough words of thanks to properly express to them my gratitude. I can't say if I will get the opportunity to do this one again, but if given that opportunity I will. It was a stunning experience.
Part 2-Knees to come.