Day #7

Instruction #87: Trust by Essi Kausalainen

1) Try to find someone willing to be carried whom you don't already know.
2) Talk. It demands a great trust to be carried so you need to show that you know what you are doing.
3) Listen. People usually have the weirdest excuses why they don't want to participate (or why they’re afraid to). These discussions are a great part of the performance.
4) Carry them. You only need to lift the person so that his/her feet rise a few centimetres from the ground.
5) The distance you carry them might be only a few steps. The important thing is to give the person the sensation of someone being willing to take her / his weight.
6) Carry someone only if you know you can handle it - take no risks.
7) Enjoy the conversation; enjoy carrying; enjoy the people.

TIPS: The easiest way to carry is to use your back. Try to get the weight onto your legs. Listen to your own body, there should not be any pain when carrying. Once you find a comfortable position, the person being carried can just relax.

Essi Kausalainen was born and lives in Helsinki, Finland. She graduated from the Turku Arts Academy in 2003 and presently works with interdisciplinary media (visual arts and performance). Her work is marked by her physical presence. She explores the body as a physical, social and emotional space, as well as a site for communication.

posted by Christine Redfern, 2004-10-04 12:43:26