For more information on suspension visit – http://www.suspension.org/

“I try to remove bricks off the wall of society. In my lifetime, I will probably remove one brick from that wall, and that’s the whole point of this.“  -Steve Joyner

Trying to write about Constructs of Ritual Evolution, or CoRE as you might know them, may be one of the most challenging subjects I have taken on. I think a lot of that comes from the fact that what they are doing on stage is more about what you personally take away from it than anything else. It’s emotion; it is about making you think. The beautiful pictures here can’t begin to do justice to watching the real thing, and no amount of words could tell you what you would experience seeing it in person. I’m just here to tell you who they are and what they do. As for the rest… Well, you would just have to see them yourself to figure that one out.

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This article is very, very late, especially for an event that is next weekend, but what can I say?  The world of a Hook Life writer is a busy one.  Next weekend, September 16-19, Body Modification Exchange Network is hosting their yearly conference in Berlin featuring seminars and workshops spanning the gamut of Body Modification professions.

So, what exactly is BMXnet?  I think it’s best said in their own words: “Since our foundation in 2007 already 435 professional Piercers, Tattooists and Body Modders (update July 21st 2010) became member of BMXnet and more than 450 were attending one or more of our 3 conferences. For all statistics and numbers that we know that makes BMXnet the biggest European association of the industry and therefore we want to thank all members for their support and hard work for our common goals – may the network keep growing!”

We would like to make note that Christiane Løfblad from Wings of Desire Suspension team is also working as an instructor for body suspension workshop.  She is definitely a crucial part of the class and huge contributor to our community.

As many of you may remember, last month a copy of Obsolete Body was auctioned off on Ebay.  The proceeds of which were donated to Arwen and his family to help with his recovery and medical bills.  See the Car Accident blog for more details. What you may not know is that high bidder and winner of the book is our very own Adam Callen from BodyMod.org.  Thank you Adam for helping our family in times and need AND thank you for being a huge supporter of Hook Life.

The custom rig in the photo above was manufactured by Skin Mechanics Steelworks.  After the break more photos of SMS’s custom rigs. Photos below by Rancid Rhandi

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If you look through suspension pictures online, you will see the same shots repeated over and over: blood, close up of hooks, blood, stretched skin, blood…  you get the idea. But occasionally you are lucky enough to come across a great photographer who is out for more than just shock value. Helene Fjell is definitely one of those exceptions. Her photography manages to show the beauty in suspension without giving up the powerful imagery of hooks and flesh.

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Here’s a rather interesting way to promote a product.  In the video below, shot at the South Florida Tattoo Expo, Nicola of Skin Mechanics Suspension is suspended in a modified sitting position while Chris Blinston of No Hard Feelings (suspending in a body harness) uses the Free Wire wireless machine to tattoo her leg.

Another member of the community has unfortunately been in an accident. Adam Thompson, Troupe Financial Director and Performer of CoRE, was in a serious mountain biking accident in Canada. Adam’s neck was broken and he has undergone surgery. Thankfully he is in stable condition and it waiting to be transferred home to Los Angeles, California. Please keep him in your thoughts and send him positive energy.

For more information, please contact Steve Joyner:

Steve Joyner
Constructs of Ritual Evolution (CoRE)
www.wearecore.com
director@wearecore.com
Houston, TX
Los Angeles, CA
Oakland/San Francisco, CA

6th Annual Italian Suscon, International pulling and suspension rituals seminar.  Livorno, October 10th,11th,12th, 2010, resort “Regina del Mare”.

The international APTPI event, focused on suspension and pulling rituals, in the last six years has become one of the most important and followed in Europe. This year’s location will be the “Regina del Mare” resort, built just behind the seashore during the second world war.  Attendees get to enjoy the beauty of the natural and architectonic landscapes besides the event itself.

After the break, more information and photos from last year. Read more

If you have been around the suspension community in the last year, Black Sheep Hooks probably need no introduction. Their versatility and easy to use design have been a huge hit, not to mention the added safety and strength of using a closing hook. They have been on the market for over a year now, with no signs of slowing down any time soon. I had the chance to talk with Brent Taylor, owner of Black Sheep Hooks, to find out some history on the hooks as well as what he has in store for us in the future.

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Over the years there has been a lot of discussion on how to minimize cross contamination while rigging a suspension.  The main problem we found is that each team had a slightly different protocol.  Some were better than others, but in the end we thought it was best to have one universal system.

People have asked for a nice printable version. So, we have made a letter size pdf that is print ready.  Feel free to click on the image below to download the file.

As most of you know on July 15th there was a terrible car accident that seriously injured some members of our family.  If you are in the Houston area, or can travel, there will be fundraiser at the Next Door Bar, Saturday August 7th.

If you cannot make it out, please help spread the word.  Also if you would like to donate directly.  Please visit the main page of suspension.org and follow the paypal link.

Thank you in advance and we hope to see yall there.