I am currently working on a collaborative project which is set to release in late August. Currently, fine art tailor and designer Bryan Sutton is crafting a ceremonial garment made of sacred fabric. This garment is to be styled with a linen tunic, Medusa print shorts, and heavy boots.

I am then to be recorded by photographer Heather Masson, as I do a ceremonial smudge with a large oregano smudge stick. I am currently scouting locations, and I hope I can find something unusual or exciting. I don’t usually wear makeup, but I’d like to use a glycerin face mist- I hear it can be used to get an interesting dewy skin finish when taking portraits. Right now I am focused on building the right scenario to take a few impactful photos.

The discovery of the track “The Garment” by my talented friend Che Arthur was serendipitous and synchronistic, as my fascination with it lined up with a creative bardic exchange with Bryan, who was inspired to make a ceremonial garment for me. This touched me deeply- I feel as though after a period of personal growth, I was being recognized. I packed up a box of fabric and goodies, and sent it his way. Bryan currently sends me updates- images are posted below.

My friendship with musician Che Arthur is enlightening. While our experiences are different, we have some private traumas in common and his words and his music have impacted me, especially since I have the pleasure of talking with him and I can ask him about his work. He has helped me find solidarity in my mental health journey. The lyrics of “The Garment” are dark, yet optimistic, and capture a special sense of cutting to the truth of standing tall when it all falls.

I plan to release these pictures, and perhaps video, as an affirmation of myself and a team of individuals who piece together an artistic endeavor. It is to light a beacon in the dark and express my voice as an artist, by honoring bonds with others and making spiritual gestures. Heather is an “amplifier”, meaning when she is present in a space, she lends extra energy to it and “raises the stakes” of the moment. She also has an excellent eye, and I trust her. Some lighting, wardrobe, creative location, and a ceremonial gesture will hopefully make some kind of magic mark. I have struggled with a suicide attempt and bipolar episodes, and I have been in the thought space of not thinking that I could continue living. This project is important because it marks a milestone in my recovery and is to be a life affirming gesture. I want to be here and I want to share myself with the world through creative expression. I wish to present myself as who I am- I am a witch and a psychic, I am queer, I am here. I am Jonah Meltzer, and soon, I will be wearing THE GARMENT.