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InkFest Live was a great mix of art, BBoys and performance. On this day, Miss Crash, who I had seen last month, was there and did some body suspension for the crowd. Like last time, she got more into it the longer she was up there and took her time talking with fans afterwards. Unlike last time, she was the only performer in the set. I figured rather than do some corny captions, why not ask Miss Crash some of the questions I had and that people asked me when they saw the other gallery.
One more reason Twitter is a wonderful thing: Miss Crash agreed to answer the questions and I decided to use those for captions instead of my dumb a** observations. This is official the first "Interview Gallery" KBevPhoto has done. This might be something I try to do more often if it goes well.
Big ups to Miss Crash for agreeing to do this. Follow her at @MissCrash or visit her sites: Http://www.misscrash.com and Http://www.studioservitu.com
KBev note: The only thing I asked of Crash was the (1) She be honest (2) She try to keep in mind the diversity of people that browse the site (e.g. language) and (3) she rest assured I wouldn't edit her responses.
One more reason Twitter is a wonderful thing: Miss Crash agreed to answer the questions and I decided to use those for captions instead of my dumb a** observations. This is official the first "Interview Gallery" KBevPhoto has done. This might be something I try to do more often if it goes well.
Big ups to Miss Crash for agreeing to do this. Follow her at @MissCrash or visit her sites: Http://www.misscrash.com and Http://www.studioservitu.com
KBev note: The only thing I asked of Crash was the (1) She be honest (2) She try to keep in mind the diversity of people that browse the site (e.g. language) and (3) she rest assured I wouldn't edit her responses.
KBev: When did you decide to get a split tongue? How long did it take to get used to?
CRASH: I split it about 4 years ago. I LOVE IT!!! it took a couple weeks to get used to it, but healed really quickly.
CRASH: I split it about 4 years ago. I LOVE IT!!! it took a couple weeks to get used to it, but healed really quickly.
KBev: When you see kids at your shows, do you wonder what the parents are thinking?
CRASH: Kids sometimes make me nervous at my shows. Nervous as in, "I'm half naked and bleeding." But, I'm not the parent. If they decide that their kids can watch the show, thats their call. I do try to clean up my mouth, and pull the reins in a little bit. The nature of my show is a bit intense, so sometimes It makes me blush a bit.
CRASH: Kids sometimes make me nervous at my shows. Nervous as in, "I'm half naked and bleeding." But, I'm not the parent. If they decide that their kids can watch the show, thats their call. I do try to clean up my mouth, and pull the reins in a little bit. The nature of my show is a bit intense, so sometimes It makes me blush a bit.
KBev: What do you do to get ready for your shows?
CRASH: psychologically or physically? ;) For me, the mental preparation is much more difficult. I always think about something to perform for, other then the crowd. You aren't supposed to hurt your self, so I have to really wrap my brain around it. Lots of deep breathing, stretching, and loud music!
CRASH: psychologically or physically? ;) For me, the mental preparation is much more difficult. I always think about something to perform for, other then the crowd. You aren't supposed to hurt your self, so I have to really wrap my brain around it. Lots of deep breathing, stretching, and loud music!
KB: What's the story behind this pair of tattoos?
CRASH:
CRASH:
KBev: How did you get your name?
CRASH: The name... long story. But I found it short and sweet, and easy to remember. I was also a crash test dummy to my older brothers, when I was a kid, so it just fit.
CRASH: The name... long story. But I found it short and sweet, and easy to remember. I was also a crash test dummy to my older brothers, when I was a kid, so it just fit.
KBev: What reaction do you enjoy most? The guy who is taking pictures without looking at his camera? Or the older couple that is clearly experiencing something new?
CRASH: My favorite things are the reactions. I loved the older couple from this particular show. They couldn't quit figure out how they felt about it, and it was my job to make them smile and have fun! I always love the screaming ladies. Women are harder to sell on an idea, so when they are smiling and cat calling, I know I'm putting on a good show. When I look at pictures from a show I never really look at my self. I'm always scanning the crowd to look at their faces. Its always so diverse. From 'what the fuck', to 'Oh my god yes', to 'ghost white, I'm going to pass out" LOVE IT!
CRASH: My favorite things are the reactions. I loved the older couple from this particular show. They couldn't quit figure out how they felt about it, and it was my job to make them smile and have fun! I always love the screaming ladies. Women are harder to sell on an idea, so when they are smiling and cat calling, I know I'm putting on a good show. When I look at pictures from a show I never really look at my self. I'm always scanning the crowd to look at their faces. Its always so diverse. From 'what the fuck', to 'Oh my god yes', to 'ghost white, I'm going to pass out" LOVE IT!
KBev: How long do you leave the brackets in when you are at a weekend show? Do you remove them each time?
CRASH: New piercings are done for every show. I like to keep them in as little as possible. in, and out, please!
CRASH: New piercings are done for every show. I like to keep them in as little as possible. in, and out, please!
KBev: Do you get an adrenaline rush from your fans?
CRASH: Of course! I do this for the adrenaline rush! The louder they are, the better show they get! I feed off their energy. Especially when I've been performing a lot. The crowd is what fuels me!
CRASH: Of course! I do this for the adrenaline rush! The louder they are, the better show they get! I feed off their energy. Especially when I've been performing a lot. The crowd is what fuels me!
KBev: What are the tats you have under your arms?
CRASH: The tattoos under my arms are Chanel logos, done by Chris Churchill at Evolved Body Arts in Columbus, Ohio
CRASH: The tattoos under my arms are Chanel logos, done by Chris Churchill at Evolved Body Arts in Columbus, Ohio
KBev: Given that you do your other piercings yourself, why the blindfold for this one?
CRASH: Yes, I do most of my piercings myself. I used to do my cheek skewering my self, but I have so much scar tissue now, I need an extra hand to break through the skin. The blindfold just sort of fucks with your head. I like the visual of it, and the crowd responds to it. One day I just pulled my stocking off and covered my eyes, and the crowd went nuts. I've been doing it ever since.
CRASH: Yes, I do most of my piercings myself. I used to do my cheek skewering my self, but I have so much scar tissue now, I need an extra hand to break through the skin. The blindfold just sort of fucks with your head. I like the visual of it, and the crowd responds to it. One day I just pulled my stocking off and covered my eyes, and the crowd went nuts. I've been doing it ever since.
KBev: How many suspension shows have you done?
CRASH: I have no idea.... in the hundreds
CRASH: I have no idea.... in the hundreds
KBev: how long does it take to get comfortable when you first go up?
CRASH: I usually get pretty comfortable right away. The initial pull before I'm lifted off the ground is a bit pinchy, but then it settles in really quickly. Adrenaline is a beautiful drug.
CRASH: I usually get pretty comfortable right away. The initial pull before I'm lifted off the ground is a bit pinchy, but then it settles in really quickly. Adrenaline is a beautiful drug.
KBev: Describe the feeling at mid-show, when you know you are the center of attention and the crowd is amped up.
CRASH: It makes me smile! I love it! I love entertaining people, and pushing my personal limits right along with theirs.
CRASH: It makes me smile! I love it! I love entertaining people, and pushing my personal limits right along with theirs.
KBev: Where does the attitude come from, given how mellow you seem before liftoff?
CRASH: The attitude? Haha, its a seduction process! I get such a rush up there, and clearly its written all over my face!
CRASH: The attitude? Haha, its a seduction process! I get such a rush up there, and clearly its written all over my face!
KBev: What inspired the tat on your back?
CRASH: No real inspiration. The tattoo was done by Boom at Bad Apple Tattoo.
CRASH: No real inspiration. The tattoo was done by Boom at Bad Apple Tattoo.
KBev: Do you mind a photo of your feet on in the gallery?
CRASH: Nope! I have a bit of a foot fetish myself.
CRASH: Nope! I have a bit of a foot fetish myself.
KB: What was the most unique suspension you've done?
CRASH: The most unique? hmm.. maybe my world record.
CRASH: The most unique? hmm.. maybe my world record.
KBev: Have you ever been hurt during a suspension?
CRASH: im always hurt, always healing, and always bleeding! But nothing traumatic, or not self inflicted. I have always had a great team working by my side. They keep my safe. My right hand man, Steve Truitt, is one of the best. I trust him completely.
CRASH: im always hurt, always healing, and always bleeding! But nothing traumatic, or not self inflicted. I have always had a great team working by my side. They keep my safe. My right hand man, Steve Truitt, is one of the best. I trust him completely.
KBev: What was your first suspension? Did you know you were hooked? (Pun intended)
CRASH: My first suspension was a simple suicide suspension (back) in my old house in Vegas. I didnt know I was hooked until my second one. The first one was a lot to take in.
CRASH: My first suspension was a simple suicide suspension (back) in my old house in Vegas. I didnt know I was hooked until my second one. The first one was a lot to take in.
KBev: Describe the sensation of the initial lift-off?
CRASH: Pinch, burn, then rush...
CRASH: Pinch, burn, then rush...
KBev: How high do you typically go? IFL was much higher than the Tattoo Arts show a few weeks earlier.
CRASH: I go as high as the set up permits. Sometimes I get lucky and have high ceilings, such as these.
CRASH: I go as high as the set up permits. Sometimes I get lucky and have high ceilings, such as these.
KBev: When you swing more violently after you get into the groove, does it feel any different?
CRASH: If I'm not swinging around, I'm not happy! :) It feels more comfortable and fun with the variation of pressure. It's like swinging in a swing when you were a kid. You dont just want to sit there. The harder, the better.
CRASH: If I'm not swinging around, I'm not happy! :) It feels more comfortable and fun with the variation of pressure. It's like swinging in a swing when you were a kid. You dont just want to sit there. The harder, the better.
KBev: What other points have you suspended from?
CRASH: I've had hooks all over my body. chest, back, stomach, legs, elbows. knees, calves, thighs. I mainly just use my back now. For shows, anyway. The only place I haven't hung from yet is my chest. I've had hooks in it, just not suspended from it. Saving that for retirement.
CRASH: I've had hooks all over my body. chest, back, stomach, legs, elbows. knees, calves, thighs. I mainly just use my back now. For shows, anyway. The only place I haven't hung from yet is my chest. I've had hooks in it, just not suspended from it. Saving that for retirement.
KBev: When do you think you'll retire from suspension?
CRASH: Not sure! I always hope that the desire to do it gives about before my body does.
CRASH: Not sure! I always hope that the desire to do it gives about before my body does.
KBev: Has your family every been to a show?
CRASH: . No. They totally support what I do, but they are pretty old school. My mom would love it. My dad would faint at the sight of blood.
CRASH: . No. They totally support what I do, but they are pretty old school. My mom would love it. My dad would faint at the sight of blood.
KBev: How far have you pushed the limits? A few weeks ago, you gave your friend a lift and even suspended from one attachment. Are you tempting fate?
CRASH: I push it pretty far all the time. The hardest tour I did was the Jane's Addiction tour in 2011. Doing that many shows back to back was rough! amazing, but physically taxing.
CRASH: I push it pretty far all the time. The hardest tour I did was the Jane's Addiction tour in 2011. Doing that many shows back to back was rough! amazing, but physically taxing.
KBev: What goes through your mind when you are towards the end of the show?
CRASH: Am I satisfied? Is the crowd satisfied? How swollen am I?
CRASH: Am I satisfied? Is the crowd satisfied? How swollen am I?
KBev: Do you always perform with this little clothing?
CRASH: Just depends on the crowd, venue, and laws. I've suspended with much less in Europe. They dont mind a little nudity. During, the Jane's Addiction tour I had much more clothes on.
CRASH: Just depends on the crowd, venue, and laws. I've suspended with much less in Europe. They dont mind a little nudity. During, the Jane's Addiction tour I had much more clothes on.
KBev: What do you do outside of these performances?
CRASH: All kinds of things! I've modeled just as long as I've performed. I co-own a gallery and venue in downtown LA called Studio Servitu, and I run a production company. I can't hang everyday, and I prefer to be insanely busy.
CRASH: All kinds of things! I've modeled just as long as I've performed. I co-own a gallery and venue in downtown LA called Studio Servitu, and I run a production company. I can't hang everyday, and I prefer to be insanely busy.
KBev: What is one thing about you all our your fans should know?
CRASH: About me? umm... That's a tough one. I guess the most common question I get is does it hurt? yes, of course.
CRASH: About me? umm... That's a tough one. I guess the most common question I get is does it hurt? yes, of course.
KBev: Give the number of shows you've done, does it still "hurt" when you do them?
CRASH: Of course!
CRASH: Of course!
KBev: What the most memorable thing that has happened when you're meeting fans after the shows?
CRASH: It's always memorable! This particular show there was woman who was pregnant, and asked me to rub her belly! priceless!
CRASH: It's always memorable! This particular show there was woman who was pregnant, and asked me to rub her belly! priceless!
KBev: Why do you spend "as much time as needed" afterwards when your fans want photos and conversation?
CRASH: I love spending time with them afterwards. They always have questions and comments, and I want to hear them! Lets me know they were entertained, that I did my job, and gives me a chance to thank them. It also gives me a chance to answer questions so I feel like people feel a bit more educated about suspension. If it wasn't for my fans, and people enjoying my shows, I would be here! no fans; no career! It's the least I could do to thank them for their continued support.
CRASH: I love spending time with them afterwards. They always have questions and comments, and I want to hear them! Lets me know they were entertained, that I did my job, and gives me a chance to thank them. It also gives me a chance to answer questions so I feel like people feel a bit more educated about suspension. If it wasn't for my fans, and people enjoying my shows, I would be here! no fans; no career! It's the least I could do to thank them for their continued support.
KBev: Describe the different between male and female fans at these shows?
CRASH: Everyone has a different reaction, gender aside. But I do love the female fans. They tend to be harder to win over, and im also a big fan of the ladies. The men are hilarious. They cat call, whistle, and compliment me to the nine. But I find they are usually pretty afraid of me. I think in fear that if they get too close, I'd give them the same treatment I just gave myself. Our shows have made grown men pass out flat on their face. its amazing. But I hate to generalize! Everyone is different, and everyone walks away with something different from my shows. Thats the beauty of it. I want to make you feel something, and hopefully they walk away a little more open minded to the decisions that people make with their own bodies.
CRASH: Everyone has a different reaction, gender aside. But I do love the female fans. They tend to be harder to win over, and im also a big fan of the ladies. The men are hilarious. They cat call, whistle, and compliment me to the nine. But I find they are usually pretty afraid of me. I think in fear that if they get too close, I'd give them the same treatment I just gave myself. Our shows have made grown men pass out flat on their face. its amazing. But I hate to generalize! Everyone is different, and everyone walks away with something different from my shows. Thats the beauty of it. I want to make you feel something, and hopefully they walk away a little more open minded to the decisions that people make with their own bodies.
KBev: Who is the one person you want to meet that you haven't met yet?
CRASH: I've meet so many amazing people along the way. Even had the pleasure to work with some people I've admired over the years. But if you are referring to someone 'famous', I've always wanted to meet Tarantino.
CRASH: I've meet so many amazing people along the way. Even had the pleasure to work with some people I've admired over the years. But if you are referring to someone 'famous', I've always wanted to meet Tarantino.
KBev: What's your routine like on "game day"?
CRASH: My routine is to take it easy, and avoid stress. number one goal. also, eat well. I need my energy!
CRASH: My routine is to take it easy, and avoid stress. number one goal. also, eat well. I need my energy!
KBev: Aside from performing, are you also a fan?
CRASH: Of course!
CRASH: Of course!
KBev: What's the worst thing you've seen during a show?
CRASH: I cant recall a 'worst'. But I always hate seeing a performance and the crowd is silent! Show them some love. They are performing for you!
CRASH: I cant recall a 'worst'. But I always hate seeing a performance and the crowd is silent! Show them some love. They are performing for you!
KBev: What kind of holes/ hooks do you use?
CRASH: I use hooks called 'gilsons'. They are locking, comfortable and safe. They are made of surgical grade material, and are sterilized and reused. the hooks in this image are standard 8g fishing hooks, modified for suspension. This gentleman was given them after his first suspension. He can use them again, they just need to be properly cleaned and sterilized. Those particular hooks can weaken after time. So they are suggested to be replaced frequently.
CRASH: I use hooks called 'gilsons'. They are locking, comfortable and safe. They are made of surgical grade material, and are sterilized and reused. the hooks in this image are standard 8g fishing hooks, modified for suspension. This gentleman was given them after his first suspension. He can use them again, they just need to be properly cleaned and sterilized. Those particular hooks can weaken after time. So they are suggested to be replaced frequently.
KBev: How do you decide how many hooks and how to space them?
CRASH: The hooks depend on the type of suspension, the weight of the person, and personal preferences, their type of skin, body structure, etc.
CRASH: The hooks depend on the type of suspension, the weight of the person, and personal preferences, their type of skin, body structure, etc.
KBev: What do you do to make sure you're safe before, during, and after your performances?
CRASH: Have a great team around me. Ultimately, I am responsible for my own safety. Mindful of my hooks, and what is around me. Not to touch anything, make sure rigging is safe and secure. I couldn't do it without my rigger, Steve Truitt. he keeps me safe, and is my second pair of eyes.
CRASH: Have a great team around me. Ultimately, I am responsible for my own safety. Mindful of my hooks, and what is around me. Not to touch anything, make sure rigging is safe and secure. I couldn't do it without my rigger, Steve Truitt. he keeps me safe, and is my second pair of eyes.
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