May, 2006
Duration: 3min

Description:

I suspended myself horizontally approximately 2 meters above the main floor and stairway using only my muscle power. The week leading to the night of the performance, I did not sleep for 5 days.

Statement:

When one overestimates their abilities, it is not a lie or dishonesty, for they truly believe in what they can do… even if it’s not possible under the best of circumstances. Is it so bad to believe to be more than what you are? At what point do dreams and goals become overestimation; when one fails?

I truly believed I could survive 5 days without sleep and endure self suspension for 3 minutes. However, as hard as I tried, I still dozed off a few times for approx. 20-30 minutes. During the performance, I was only capable of withstanding one and a half minutes of continuous self suspension. After the first attempt, I rested and continued until the time of suspension totaled to 3min.

The lack of sleep helped numb and distract me from the possible consequences of failure (falling over 2 meters face first) in my attempt to reach for a goal I truly believed I could accomplish. I overestimated, and failed… I have no regrets; it’s impossible to regret chasing something you believed in.