Shock Drawings

"Shock Drawing Folder" by Crystal Dyer 14" x 17" Double Exposure B&W Photographs (35mm film taken during secluded performance) dimensions vary, Drawing and text on paper, legal folder and metal paperclip.

Experiments in Shock Drawing

In this experiment, I used the apparatus of the Natuetronics Model D to influence my drawings. The Natuetronics Model D is an instrument that sends Bio-Active frequencies through a person’s body to cure a malady. Numbers are linked with different frequency patterns that are correlated to specific illnesses. The Model D that I used belonged to my Mother. As a child, the sound right before the sequence commenced filled me with an anticipating fear, like thunder before lightning. When I make a shock drawing, I choose numbers that correspond to various illnesses such as hallucinations and dizziness. The machine is running when I draw. I hold the metal conductive cylinders in my hands along with the pen I use to make the drawing. This experiment explores how pain is used to “heal”, and in the process, pain can elevate one into another state of consciousness.

"Natuetronics Model D" by Crystal Dyer. Machine, metal cylinders, wire, velvet in a hand painted found wooden box.

"Shock Drawing No. 49"  Detail by Crystal Dyer Ink on perforated fax paper from childhood home.

"Shock Drawing No. 49" by Crystal Dyer Ink on perforated fax paper from childhood home.

"Shock Drawing No. 72" Detail by Crystal Dyer Ink on perforated fax paper from childhood home.

"Shock Drawing No. 72" by Crystal Dyer Ink on perforated fax paper from childhood home.

"Shock Drawing No. 73" Detail by Crystal Dyer Ink on perforated fax paper from childhood home.

"Shock Drawing No. 73" by Crystal Dyer Ink on perforated fax paper from childhood home.

'Shock Drawings' Installation by Crystal Dyer at Bard College Annandale-on-Hudson, NY From the Faint Visions series.