(add the usual) is a newsletter about art + magic + the body
about me
Hi, I’m Vanessa Irena (she/they), a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and writer from New Orleans, now based in the Catskill Mountains. I create experimental music as knifesex and with my partner as House13, with whom I created the soundtrack to the indie horror film, The Woods. My published work includes two chapbooks in Hadean Press’ Guides to the Underworld series: Ecstasy: A Devotional Guide to the Female Mystics, and Saint Raphael the Archangel which I co-authored with Dr. Alexander Cummins. I am also a self-taught metalsmith and the owner of Sword + Scythe, where I create handcrafted talismanic jewelry. I’ve been practicing and studying magic and astrology for close to two decades, and making art, music, and talking to spirits for most of my life.
Named for the short form in the Greek Magical Papyri inviting the practitioner to personalize their magic, (add the usual) is a space for me to share essays, thoughts, and process notes about art, magic, and the body within the context of living practice.
subscriptions
All posts are free for the time being. Paid and founding subscriptions are deeply appreciated and supportive. My writing, like my art, is spirit-led, therefore I make no guarantees as to frequency of posting.
other ways to connect:
my jewelry • jewelry instagram • my personal website • personal instagram
