WHAT HAPPENED

s t o r i e s w o r t h t e l l i n g

In this work, there is no proof, for metrics are secondary to changed consciousness. This means that being unfolds as the impact of affect proceeds. In this sense, affect becomes evidence, and in lies the greatest truth. Results are evidence of things hoped for, however they also reveal our faith. For it is the Will that opens the door upon a knock.

In this way I am here to share quite a simple practice, continually asking,

“what am I knocking on?”

What am I circling? Is this substance worthwhile? What is here? How is it that I know this? And in what ways is it true?

There is no other way than through this one. Although the way may be narrow, flat, and straight, I do not know at what point. A shoreline becomes infinite the moment any attempt at measurement is made. Then, all we find is that there is something to be sought, but not necessarily completed.

A letter from Ezra Bram

Second Skin

Person sitting on a couch reading a book in living room with sunlight coming through glass sliding door to outdoor patio.
A black-and-white photograph of a beach scene with a mountain range in the background. In the foreground, there is a foldable stool, a small table with an object on it, and some other indistinct items.
Young man with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses, a nose ring, and a white cap with signature, standing outdoors with trees in the background during sunset.
A black and white photo of a church with a tall steeple topped by a cross, columns at the front, and a small set of stairs leading to the entrance.

Perhaps we stand on the edge of the Whole, and death, in all forms, becomes the way into it. Perhaps the crack opens for us, in spite of us, as an opening of mystery whose direction is unknown. This place may feel aimlessness, but this is not negative. If shooting an arrow through a cloud passes right through it, why aim at all? Maybe something is still being done? Perhaps feeling the emptiness is a meaningful enough aim AND missing becomes additive. Why seek what is incomplete? Is it possible to seek anything else? If Christ was himself forsaken, how am I to know he is any different from me?

In this spiral, I am learning how to enjoy again, letting my arms sway, and my eyes rest, for there is even more to see with my eyes closed.

This will be a place I make mistakes (for this is learning), speak confusing truths (as all lies hold), and change my mind (perhaps quite regularly).

This will not be a place for answers, only wonders.

I hope you will join me in this practice of noticing, seeing, and sharing.

VISIT SUBSTACK SITE

CATHARTIC PORTRAITS

A black and white photo of a person with short, tousled hair wearing a black ribbed turtleneck sweater and a beaded necklace, with a large fuzzy black hat covering part of their face and tilted downward.

Tired?

Overhead view of a woman with curly hair sitting on the ground, reaching out with her right hand, with shoes and a small stool nearby, and a white backdrop on a textured floor.

Lost?

Black and white portrait of a young woman with curly hair, wearing a leather jacket, looking to her right, with a plain grey background.

Confused?

YOU’RE NOT ALONE.

LET'S BEGIN TOGETHER

Tell your story.

Make your sound.

Tell your story. Make your sound.

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"Quartz Circle" Cassette Tape
$15.00

This cassette includes an exclusive poetic overview of the album, where each song title creates a line within a greater story. This poem is only found inside these sleeves! Every tape is numbered. Four color variations are available, all inspired by the eccentric paint of Ezra’s childhood home.

Backyard Castles, an ambient music group created by Ezra Bram and Miles Jenkins, is stoked to release their first album together. As a master’s student in the process of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, Ezra honed in on the emotional foundation of the project. As a well seasoned, professional musician steeped in jazz, Miles crafted each musical expression to feel authentic, vulnerable, and meaningful.

Quartz Circle is meant to commemorate the piano in the basement of Ezra's childhood home. The music extends beyond personal memories and welcomes each lister to explore their own ambiguous experiences, dynamics, and relationships from childhood. We encourage listeners to dedicate 45 minutes to uninterrupted listening with a journal, as this is meant to be a seamless experience that helps you process your own past.

Tell your story. Make your sound.

Welcome to our musical journey of bringing a painful past into the loving present.

This tangible token is a unique way to remember this experience and hopefully inspire you on your own journey of introspection.

This cassette includes an exclusive poetic overview of the album, where each song title creates a line within a greater story. This poem is only found inside these sleeves! Every tape is numbered. Four color variations are available, all inspired by the eccentric paint of Ezra’s childhood home.

LEARN MORE

2ND EDITION

COMING... EVENTUALLY

2ND EDITION COMING... EVENTUALLY

Walking from Home (1st Edition) Walking from Home (1st Edition)
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Walking from Home (1st Edition)
$45.00

I have been deeply ashamed about my anxiety & depression for most of my life. Now I am offering an open book inspired by own struggle & my Uncle Andrew’s suicide. Quite frankly, that both terrifies & delights me. The medium of photography helped me find a safe, contemplative space for my emotions to arise. Andrew’s poetry helped me learn how to meet my own pain with love & acceptance. I hope these pages spur you on your own journey of loving acceptance for you & the you before you.

1st Edition Includes:

  • Numbered & signed copy with a “You’re Not Alone” bookmark to encourage a slow, thoughtful reading

  • Introduction about my past & Andrew’s life

  • My thoughts about the importance of leaving home and how it is necessary for developing character

  • A look into my philosophy behind my film photography process

  • Thoughts on the importance of asking, “What happened to you?” not “What’s wrong with you?”

  • Blank space for you to write your thoughts & feelings as you work through the pages

  • A personal resource list of books and online sources about mental health that I found helpful

  • A hopeful conclusion to guide you into the beginning of your healing process

Details:

  • 8in x 8in size

  • Textured cover with felt weave 100lb paper

  • 125 interior pages of full color coated matte while 100lb paper

  • Perfect bound spine

Destigmatizing mental health, suicide, and depression can only happen if we’re willing to face it. I believe that no one should have to endure life alone. This book exists as that very reminder. Let’s embrace it together.

Welcome to my visual & poetic reckoning of life & death.

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Close-up of a blue book cover with white text reading "EZRA BRAM with poetry from ANDREW MEDAN KARP" on a beige background.
A backyard scene with a small, leafless tree and bushes, a grassy lawn, a brick house with three visible windows, and a large, modern multi-story building in the background. The sky is clear and blue.
A person flipping through a photo album showing images of residential buildings and houses.
Nighttime scene of a residential area with houses on the left and an under-construction building on the right, with city lights in the distance.
Close-up of a blue book titled 'WALKING' on a white surface.
Open yellow book with text on left page asking, 'What do we do with the bread we have left?' and a white question mark on the right page.
A small, weathered building with a partially peeled sign that reads 'hope' on its side, in a suburban area under a clear blue sky.
Open book showing a photograph of a large tree with bare branches on the left page and a poem titled "Andrew's Prayer" on the right page.

Let’s begin together.

Let’s tell your story & actualize your visionary imagination.

START HERE