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Body Suspension Salvation
Topics: body suspension, Andrea Martinez, Shawn Curtsinger, Bakersfield, Bakotopia, Bakotopia.com, Citizen Journalism, Piercing By Shawn
Posted by matt Mon Oct 13, 2008 14:14:11 PDT
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Body Suspension Salvation
VIDEO & PHOTOS!

By Matt Muñoz, Bakotopia Editor
Photos by Jody & Shawn Curtsinger

When Andrea Martinez was looking for some help cleaning out her closet, she was looking for more than just a broom. This “cleaning” didn’t involve a room in her house either - it was emotional build-up within herself.

“There are a lot of changes going on in my life right now, and I was looking for some way to let go of a lot of negativity,” said local hairstylist Martinez, 26, of her choice to undergo body suspension - an ancient ritual with roots in Native American and Hindu cultures.

“See for yourself” would be the best way to describe the nature of this primal art that, along with its followers, has its share of critics in the conservative bed of Kern County.

“I wanted a couple of friends to go with me, but they got very negative,” said Martinez. “I ended up having one good friend come along.”

<<CHECK OUT VIDEO OF ANDREA'S SUSPENSION!

The local man behind it all is body piercer Shawn Curtsinger, a friendly, soft spoken veteran of the Bakersfield body modification scene. Sitting down along with Martinez at his office in downtown Bakersfield, Curtsinger was quick to point out the seriousness of his craft, like a shaman of sorts.


Above: Andrea Martinez in suspension on 9/30/08

“This is not a type of hypnosis,” he said. “You learn to re-direct energy.”

Martinez discovered Curtsinger after watching a YouTube video documenting a previous suspension he had done a few months prior, and after reaching out to him to get more info, she decided to begin the preparation process.

“When you get into body suspension, there are a few things that need to be addressed,” explained Curtsinger. “This is not for messing around and getting cool pictures. You have to respect history first.”

Historically speaking and depending on your own personal beliefs, there are different ways to view body suspension - a pagan rite of sacrifice, meditation, penance, deity devotion, therapy, pleasure, even sex.

Whatever your belief system, Curtsinger explains that there candidates must first undergo a serious personal evaluation to “weed out the fakes.”

“After I meet the person, I like to develop a relationship and spend a lot of time talking,” he said. “I’ve turned many people away, but Andrea was probably the most perfect candidate yet. She knew what she was looking for, and understood the pain aspect.”

Ah yes, the pain, courtesy of large hooks, made from surgical steel. But does it really hurt?

“It hurts just a little when they start pushing the needles, but it’s over pretty quick,” said Martinez. “After they raised me, I exhaled and felt peace and euphoria”.

Although Curtsinger himself does not participate in getting hooked himself, he can attest to the strength of Martinez, who didn’t shed a tear.

“Three little whimpers, not tears, just smiles,” he said. “Most people don’t understand the power of your mind over pain. Andrea discovered it first hand.”

CLICK pic below to see all the uncensored photos of Andrea’s body suspension!

Above: Piercer Shawn Curtsinger  prepares to swing Andrea Martinez

Shouldn’t that be “first back”?

Curtsinger points out that safety, cleanliness, are at the top of his list when it comes to performing a suspension.

“I’m fully trained at this. It takes a day to get set-up, all of our hooks and harnesses are strong, and sterilized properly,” he said. “The only negative is the outdoor factor. I always check the weather, and we have plenty of cleaning agents ready for anything.”

Looking at Martinez’s back a mere week after her suspension, there are eight small holes with only a slight redness around each tiny wound, but not from any hooks.

“I was allergic to the bandages,” giggled Martinez.

To get more information on the art of body suspension in Bakersfield, contact Shawn Curtsinger at:
myspace.com/piercingbyshawn


Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 39, 10-16-08

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Comment From: msjosey

What ever happened to swinging on a nice comfortable hammock to relax? Comment From: twinkie

WOW! That's one tough chick. Seriously. However that whole mind and energy and redirecting thing is pretty enthralling! Comment From: AnnieLWhite

Effin NASTY! shes hot though and has a very nice tattoo, thats as nice as i can get. sorry thats freakish. Comment From: Squirrely

I've had a corset done, it was a kind of renewal/cleansing thing for me. There were 16 piercings done total. But Im into that stuff :P Although suspension is a big step, I do see it in my future.