Nathan has posted his second installment of his Artisan Series look at Liz Zorn (me). This time he has taken quotes from the blog as well as some of the things we discussed through email. Touching on the artistry of scent and science.
People may wonder why I have such a connection to science. Being triple Aquarius doesn't hurt. Aquarius being the sign of science and technology, and the fact that I have little to no use for Astrology makes it all make sense.
There was a time when science turned it's nose to the notion that human thoughts could alter realities. And that people who promoted these ideas where out of touch with reality. New Age, Space Cadets with no credibility. This is no longer the case, as many studies have proven just the opposite to be true. Thoughts are energy as is the life force within us. Every living thing is fueled by energy. Food is energy, we absorb energy from the sun. At every level of existence, from the large molecules that make up things that we can see, to the tiny atomic particles that we can not see, energy is at play, and there is a connection. Just because we do not see it doesn't mean that it isn't true.
That there is a level of existence where we are unable to see where one thing ends and another begins, is fascinating to me. It has been for years and as science has finally caught up to reality, we are entering a time when everything we thought about who we are will be challenged. That we can insert a computer chip into the human brain and through thinking can control a computer. That human thoughts can and do exist well beyond the body.
Thoughts are energy with a plan.
How we use that energy, how we carry out the plan makes all the difference. I find that positive constructive thoughts result in the best plans, so I make a conscious effort to stay positive. It isn't because I have some sort of superstitious belief, it is because I know it to be true.
Some will say, well what about religion what about spirituality, where does that come in. Religion, I am not going to go there. Spirit on the other hand is energy. In the Sanskrit the word prana means both spirit, and breath. Breath being life force, take away the breath and there is no life. Breath, spirit, energy, thoughts, particle physics, it is all connected and it has nothing to do with new age mumbo jumbo. At least not in today's time. People who insist on living in the good old new age past need to get with the program.
If I were a mathematician I would toss out an equation to go with the science, but I am not and you will just have to go look it up for yourselves.
The scientific world always drags it's heels, until they think someone is going to get there first, then they dig in and run like hell to be the hero's. We are in that age where once again science is running like hell to be at the top of the heap. When this happens things change with lightening speed. I am in amazement and can't wait to see what comes next. On the other hand I can also appreciate Stone Henge and Vintage Art. At the end of the day a healthy balance is the key.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
To Sale or Not To Sale
I have had a few inquiries about our sale. Only thing, is I never posted about a sale. I did post on FB and Twitter about a Soivohle sampler giveaway next week, which will include all of the new releases.
As far as a sale goes, the thought was that we would have a sale of the old stock when we switched to the new bottles. In all honesty I have been letting our stock dwindle and boxing as I go on most of the parfums. With just a few things boxed in the Sprays.
I keep a fair amount of boxed perfumes at our Boutique in the city, so I doubt that there will be enough of any one thing to offer a sale online.
What stock we do have in the old bottles will go downtown once we switch everything over online.
As far as a sale goes, the thought was that we would have a sale of the old stock when we switched to the new bottles. In all honesty I have been letting our stock dwindle and boxing as I go on most of the parfums. With just a few things boxed in the Sprays.
I keep a fair amount of boxed perfumes at our Boutique in the city, so I doubt that there will be enough of any one thing to offer a sale online.
What stock we do have in the old bottles will go downtown once we switch everything over online.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Winter Poem
I suppose I should start this by saying I need to clean and organize more. But then I would not find sweet little jewels tucked away, as they would have already been discovered. Enter Writing Lyrical Poetry, the beautiful White Flower Composition that I created in honor of my two grandmothers, both fine southern women with a passion for gardening, and flowers in general. As I was doing a quick re-organizing of the shelves in my lab I found a small bottle of the original formula for Writing Lyrical Poetry. I am guessing that it is around three years old. When I unscrewed the cap to get a whiff of it, I was blown away at how beautifully it had aged. It was so sinfully erotic. I immediately set out to create one of my impromptu scents.
The result is Winter Poem. It has all of the elements of WLP, but different, leaning more towards a white flower floral chypre than a white flowers and musk. The only big change I made was adding a dominant portion of my Freesia Accord. Unlike the Prada wearing Devil, I adore Freesia, and have been trying to find the perfect application for the new accord that I created. Freesia is such a fresh note, that when paired with the deeper notes of Gardenia and Jasmine, turn the whole thing on its ear. But in a good way.....
Unfortunately with impromptu blends they are not (most of the time) written down, or measured out precisely. For me this is the equivalent of sitting in front of a blank canvas and just diving in with a brush of color, letting my emotion and energy dictate the outcome.
So as I have been checking the progression of the aging process in this new scent, I have been very satisfied with the result, so much so that I will add it to our winter line up. I think I also mentioned the addition of Journeyman as a permanent selection. The original being an impromptu blend set into an oil base. For this I took some of the Journeyman from the original batch and sniffed out the components. The new one is a tad different, but still has the heart of the original. Reminds me of printmaking. I have a fondness for ink based monotype printmaking. I have gone back years later to a dried plate to create a variation of the original.
There has been a lot of talk lately about artistry and scent, and I find that many things, and variations of what I was saying years ago are now being repeated. Catch words like, Modern Natural, Liquid Art, Art in a bottle all came from early writings and the mission statement of my original perfume studio back in the 1990's.
Forever pounding on the idea that scent is art, I have never let up.
At one point I had given an interview about my process, on how I was not all that interested in the note pyramid, and rarely used it to create a scent. That most things I create in my head before I ever write them down on paper, and when I do it is like an artists sketch, a sparse outline that I fine tune later. Besides once the basic information is logged to memory, one hardly needs to work like a beginner who is just learning the ropes.
I have also blogged about many of these things on numerous occasions, so I am happy that people are finding things they can use.
But back to Winter Flower. It will be available as long as it lasts, because after that it is gone forever. I made a kilo, or there abouts, as that is all that could be made with the amount of the original formula I had.
Now I need to go clean my shelves again to see what other goodies I find. I love working off the cuff.
The result is Winter Poem. It has all of the elements of WLP, but different, leaning more towards a white flower floral chypre than a white flowers and musk. The only big change I made was adding a dominant portion of my Freesia Accord. Unlike the Prada wearing Devil, I adore Freesia, and have been trying to find the perfect application for the new accord that I created. Freesia is such a fresh note, that when paired with the deeper notes of Gardenia and Jasmine, turn the whole thing on its ear. But in a good way.....
Unfortunately with impromptu blends they are not (most of the time) written down, or measured out precisely. For me this is the equivalent of sitting in front of a blank canvas and just diving in with a brush of color, letting my emotion and energy dictate the outcome.
So as I have been checking the progression of the aging process in this new scent, I have been very satisfied with the result, so much so that I will add it to our winter line up. I think I also mentioned the addition of Journeyman as a permanent selection. The original being an impromptu blend set into an oil base. For this I took some of the Journeyman from the original batch and sniffed out the components. The new one is a tad different, but still has the heart of the original. Reminds me of printmaking. I have a fondness for ink based monotype printmaking. I have gone back years later to a dried plate to create a variation of the original.
There has been a lot of talk lately about artistry and scent, and I find that many things, and variations of what I was saying years ago are now being repeated. Catch words like, Modern Natural, Liquid Art, Art in a bottle all came from early writings and the mission statement of my original perfume studio back in the 1990's.
Forever pounding on the idea that scent is art, I have never let up.
At one point I had given an interview about my process, on how I was not all that interested in the note pyramid, and rarely used it to create a scent. That most things I create in my head before I ever write them down on paper, and when I do it is like an artists sketch, a sparse outline that I fine tune later. Besides once the basic information is logged to memory, one hardly needs to work like a beginner who is just learning the ropes.
I have also blogged about many of these things on numerous occasions, so I am happy that people are finding things they can use.
But back to Winter Flower. It will be available as long as it lasts, because after that it is gone forever. I made a kilo, or there abouts, as that is all that could be made with the amount of the original formula I had.
Now I need to go clean my shelves again to see what other goodies I find. I love working off the cuff.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Soivohle Art Liquide, Spray Essence
Anyone who has ever seen my cat scratch signature will recognize it on the bottle. Being a bit bolder than when I was younger, as I signed my paintings on the back side of the canvas. Mainly due to the thick texture of the painting, but also because I went through a period when I wanted the art to shine 100% without any distractions. With painting there is no question as to what it is. With essence, as I mentioned in the earlier post and posts, artistry is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. Hopefully that will change. I am intent on making it so.Not only with Soivohle, but through presenting Scent Art Installations and workshops. Next Installation will be In November at our Scentual Artistry Studio/Boutique in Cincinnati. If you look at the image of our studio in the sidebar here, the table in the forefront with the down turned glass globes is a scent art installation. When you turn the globes up the essence is inside. It is a spin on the Monclin concept, originally intended for smelling perfume.
New Paradigm
I love my Sundays. I can take the day off if I want. Work a little. I never really have a set agenda, so whatever happens....happens.
I was thinking earlier about the new changes to Soivohle, and thinking that some folks may wonder why I am doing this.
My original intention was to maintain my creative vision as I shifted my focus from a paint driven process to an essence driven process. With the desire being to create a different kind of art, a liquid art. I think I have done, ok, yet at the same time have gotten a little off track with too much of the focus being on the word perfume. Not a word that sits well next to the word art. At least not in our culture where perfume is a throw away and for the most part seen as a personal care item, like deodorant and shampoo.
I knew that I was fulfilling my vision from the start when people would inform me that they purchased my scents, not to wear, but to open up and smell from time to time. Mainly because the scent reminded them of a particular time in their life. I have several scents that I keep around just for sniffing. Some are old vintage perfumes, and others, are things I have created.
With our new changes, and the focus being on the artistry, it is my desire to drop the use of the word perfume. I really want to get that commercial image out of peoples heads. To expand on what a liquid essence can be. That it can be worn on the skin, yes. But that it can be so much more than that.
I have spent some time reading perfume blogs, particularly the comments. Not all, but with some it is a game. A perfume game. New releases, the chatter about the notes, catty remarks about celebrities. A surface driven conversation, often about scents they have never smelled. I am guessing that the overkill of marketing and saturation has numbed peoples senses, to the point that it would be difficult to recognize a genuine jewel in a sea of glass. This is true for many other things too, but since scent is my thing I tend to notice more, how this little world spins. How that in the few short years of Internet perfume blogging, and heightened public awareness, how many have become so jaded so fast. On the other hand there are some blogs and online magazines with a great passion for the artistry of scent. People who really get it on a deeper level. These are probably the same folks who will see the subtleties of color value in a painting, or appreciate a particular chord pattern in a song. What these things have in common is attention. One must pay attention in order to discern and appreciate detail.
At this particular twist in the juncture, I feel somewhat like a bratty kid throwing a tantrum, and I just want to have it my way and all will be fine. Luckily I am the only one who can make that happen. Lucky as well that I have been able to observe the panorama and make the adjustment.
I was thinking earlier about the new changes to Soivohle, and thinking that some folks may wonder why I am doing this.
My original intention was to maintain my creative vision as I shifted my focus from a paint driven process to an essence driven process. With the desire being to create a different kind of art, a liquid art. I think I have done, ok, yet at the same time have gotten a little off track with too much of the focus being on the word perfume. Not a word that sits well next to the word art. At least not in our culture where perfume is a throw away and for the most part seen as a personal care item, like deodorant and shampoo.
I knew that I was fulfilling my vision from the start when people would inform me that they purchased my scents, not to wear, but to open up and smell from time to time. Mainly because the scent reminded them of a particular time in their life. I have several scents that I keep around just for sniffing. Some are old vintage perfumes, and others, are things I have created.
With our new changes, and the focus being on the artistry, it is my desire to drop the use of the word perfume. I really want to get that commercial image out of peoples heads. To expand on what a liquid essence can be. That it can be worn on the skin, yes. But that it can be so much more than that.
I have spent some time reading perfume blogs, particularly the comments. Not all, but with some it is a game. A perfume game. New releases, the chatter about the notes, catty remarks about celebrities. A surface driven conversation, often about scents they have never smelled. I am guessing that the overkill of marketing and saturation has numbed peoples senses, to the point that it would be difficult to recognize a genuine jewel in a sea of glass. This is true for many other things too, but since scent is my thing I tend to notice more, how this little world spins. How that in the few short years of Internet perfume blogging, and heightened public awareness, how many have become so jaded so fast. On the other hand there are some blogs and online magazines with a great passion for the artistry of scent. People who really get it on a deeper level. These are probably the same folks who will see the subtleties of color value in a painting, or appreciate a particular chord pattern in a song. What these things have in common is attention. One must pay attention in order to discern and appreciate detail.
At this particular twist in the juncture, I feel somewhat like a bratty kid throwing a tantrum, and I just want to have it my way and all will be fine. Luckily I am the only one who can make that happen. Lucky as well that I have been able to observe the panorama and make the adjustment.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
New Look
Our new concept will be based on two concentrations. Absolute (parfum/extrait) and Demi-Absolute (a lesser concentration that can range from EDT to EDP) All of our current EDP's and EDT's are of a higher concentration than industry standards, and will not be altered. This image is for the new Demi-Absolute Spray 35ml. The bottle for the Absolute will not change. We will continue to use the reverse tapered bottle with the silver mushroom cap.
The box for the Absolute is square. It opens from the top, where as the Demi opens (see image) from the side.
Connecting The Dots
Just a quick post. I am in house cleaning mode today. Not my element, but it must be done. Wanted to thank everyone who came downtown last night for the Art Walk. It was a bit slow overall, but I am thinking quality over quantity. Met some awesome folks, had some great conversation, made a few sales.
Seems the new construction on the Casino will be cutting into our parking, as well as the valet service. Hopefully not taking away our lot. But I am hopeful that things will fall into place.
I really enjoy my time in the city, and wish I could be there more often. Hopefully after the changes with Soivohle go into effect, I will be able to get a better grasp on my time.
There is nothing like the experience of connecting with people face to face.
I have always been baffled by the stark difference in sales from online to boutique. People buy completely different things. Ginger Mead, a spicy somewhat gourmand Moderne Collection scent never sold online, yet is one of the best sellers in the shop. Same is true for Lavender Water and a few others. I will likely never figure it out.
I will have a sneak peek of the new Demi-Absolute bottle soon, as I have been bottling and boxing. I decided not to reorder the square crimp (32ml) and go instead with a 35ml screw on sprayer. We will have that as our main size and the chunky-mini bottle that we use for the parfums, as a travel spray, so folks can refill the mini from the larger bottle.
I am also going to change our set up downtown. The way it is now I have my testers in trays. Separated by Collection. I recently made flat table cards for the Acousticjus parfums, and will be doing the same for each of the Soivohle scents. Each card will have the notes and fragrance family listed, and the bottle will sit on the card. It is also a cleaner look, and should cut down on the overwhelming looks people have when approaching a tray of bottles. Live and learn. Always room for improvement, as I myself am a never ending work in progress. Off to clean another floor and dust more shelves.
Seems the new construction on the Casino will be cutting into our parking, as well as the valet service. Hopefully not taking away our lot. But I am hopeful that things will fall into place.
I really enjoy my time in the city, and wish I could be there more often. Hopefully after the changes with Soivohle go into effect, I will be able to get a better grasp on my time.
There is nothing like the experience of connecting with people face to face.
I have always been baffled by the stark difference in sales from online to boutique. People buy completely different things. Ginger Mead, a spicy somewhat gourmand Moderne Collection scent never sold online, yet is one of the best sellers in the shop. Same is true for Lavender Water and a few others. I will likely never figure it out.
I will have a sneak peek of the new Demi-Absolute bottle soon, as I have been bottling and boxing. I decided not to reorder the square crimp (32ml) and go instead with a 35ml screw on sprayer. We will have that as our main size and the chunky-mini bottle that we use for the parfums, as a travel spray, so folks can refill the mini from the larger bottle.
I am also going to change our set up downtown. The way it is now I have my testers in trays. Separated by Collection. I recently made flat table cards for the Acousticjus parfums, and will be doing the same for each of the Soivohle scents. Each card will have the notes and fragrance family listed, and the bottle will sit on the card. It is also a cleaner look, and should cut down on the overwhelming looks people have when approaching a tray of bottles. Live and learn. Always room for improvement, as I myself am a never ending work in progress. Off to clean another floor and dust more shelves.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Open House at Scentual Artistry
Today is Final Friday, the last Friday of the month, and the day when our building opens up to the public for the monthly art walk.
The Pendleton Art Center is an old factory building that houses eight floors of artist studios and shops. Because these are primarily studios where artists work, they do not have business hours, so once pr. month the public gets a chance to come in and check things out. There is valet parking available, and most months there is music, and local food vendors set up with everything from a tea/coffee guy, to Mexican Food, Burgers, Veggie etc.. Individual studios have their own set ups.
My studio/boutique, Scentual Artistry is part of the new Artisan Shops area on the first floor. We have not kept regular hours through the summer, but are there a couple of times pr. week , by appointment, and on the Final Friday, which is open from 6-10 in the evening.
There is always something going on in the city, but this month is different. The MPMF (Mid Point Music Festival) one of the largest music festivals in the country is in full swing, and very near the area where we are located. The city will be overflowing with people. The folks who own our building also own other buildings in the area, with nice sized parking lots, so are able to offer valet parking to visitors coming down for the Art Walk. I can't say how parking will be elsewhere, and on the street, but if anyone is coming down tonight, it might be a good idea to leave a bit early.
I was thinking about not going tonight, just staying home with the family, but I will get them squared away and head downtown in a bit. I really like that solitary drive into the city. As long as I don't hit rush hour traffic, which can sometimes turn my 40 minute drive into an hour and a half of creeping along. That part I don't care for.
Anyway, that's it. Come if you can.
PAC - 1310 Pendleton Street, Cincinnati, #108
The Pendleton Art Center is an old factory building that houses eight floors of artist studios and shops. Because these are primarily studios where artists work, they do not have business hours, so once pr. month the public gets a chance to come in and check things out. There is valet parking available, and most months there is music, and local food vendors set up with everything from a tea/coffee guy, to Mexican Food, Burgers, Veggie etc.. Individual studios have their own set ups.
My studio/boutique, Scentual Artistry is part of the new Artisan Shops area on the first floor. We have not kept regular hours through the summer, but are there a couple of times pr. week , by appointment, and on the Final Friday, which is open from 6-10 in the evening.
There is always something going on in the city, but this month is different. The MPMF (Mid Point Music Festival) one of the largest music festivals in the country is in full swing, and very near the area where we are located. The city will be overflowing with people. The folks who own our building also own other buildings in the area, with nice sized parking lots, so are able to offer valet parking to visitors coming down for the Art Walk. I can't say how parking will be elsewhere, and on the street, but if anyone is coming down tonight, it might be a good idea to leave a bit early.
I was thinking about not going tonight, just staying home with the family, but I will get them squared away and head downtown in a bit. I really like that solitary drive into the city. As long as I don't hit rush hour traffic, which can sometimes turn my 40 minute drive into an hour and a half of creeping along. That part I don't care for.
Anyway, that's it. Come if you can.
PAC - 1310 Pendleton Street, Cincinnati, #108
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Causality
Cause and Effect. What goes around comes around, karma. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, etc, etc, etc....
SOIVOHLE - Sending Out Inspired Vibrations Of Healthy Loving Energy = Causality....
Every time I read somewhere where that our acronym has something to do with New Age-ness, I have to laugh. I am the least New Age person I know. I am all about the science. And. yes being an artist can make it seem as though there are a few screws loose, but not here. The effects and processes of Causality are well documented. From thought manipulation, and long distance projection, to scientific exploration and theory. Heck the CIA uses thought manipulation and remote transference techniques, and there is nothing New Age-e about them. Causality is a common everyday tool. So when I decided I would use this tool when creating the SOIVOHLE acronym, I thought why not send out some good energy. Make it a group effort. Be pro-active instead of negative. When I think of energy transference, particularly when it is positive energy, I think yeah! this is giving folks something they can use. Really use. Because energy waves and vibrations are the essence of existence. Think string theory. Think determinism with a provisional Heisenberg caveat.
On the other hand, it just makes sense to have a positive outlook in life. To have ones head filled with healthy thoughts and intentions. Why is it that when we put our thoughts and actions to a positive intention we are labeled a whack job, or new age nut. But when we are focused on war and killing, we are patriotic citizens. This is garbage.
There are no rules stating that an artist can't be pragmatic. And to me being positive is the utmost in pragmatic applications. It may appear on the surface to be the workings of lunacy, or an exercise in tip-toeing through the tulips, but I assure you it is not. It is the most grounded thing we can do for ourselves and others.. Give it a try.
I stand behind my intention...
SOIVOHLE - Sending Out Inspired Vibrations Of Healthy Loving Energy = Causality....
Every time I read somewhere where that our acronym has something to do with New Age-ness, I have to laugh. I am the least New Age person I know. I am all about the science. And. yes being an artist can make it seem as though there are a few screws loose, but not here. The effects and processes of Causality are well documented. From thought manipulation, and long distance projection, to scientific exploration and theory. Heck the CIA uses thought manipulation and remote transference techniques, and there is nothing New Age-e about them. Causality is a common everyday tool. So when I decided I would use this tool when creating the SOIVOHLE acronym, I thought why not send out some good energy. Make it a group effort. Be pro-active instead of negative. When I think of energy transference, particularly when it is positive energy, I think yeah! this is giving folks something they can use. Really use. Because energy waves and vibrations are the essence of existence. Think string theory. Think determinism with a provisional Heisenberg caveat.
On the other hand, it just makes sense to have a positive outlook in life. To have ones head filled with healthy thoughts and intentions. Why is it that when we put our thoughts and actions to a positive intention we are labeled a whack job, or new age nut. But when we are focused on war and killing, we are patriotic citizens. This is garbage.
There are no rules stating that an artist can't be pragmatic. And to me being positive is the utmost in pragmatic applications. It may appear on the surface to be the workings of lunacy, or an exercise in tip-toeing through the tulips, but I assure you it is not. It is the most grounded thing we can do for ourselves and others.. Give it a try.
I stand behind my intention...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Memory
There has been a lot written on the sense of smell in recent years. Some of it in relation to perfume. Some interesting quasi-facts have been reported. Coffee beans do not neutralize the olfactory receptors, scent (perfume) is not an aphrodisiac, or related to sexual gratification. Body chemistry is hoo hoo...
You can believe this if you like. Personally I have seen and sniffed first hand stark differences in how scent smells on different people. So I do believe that body chemistry plays a roll. I can't speak for certain on the other two, but know that even if the coffee beans work as a placebo, a placebo is better than nothing.
My main interest in the human relation to scent is in how it is tied to memory. Almost all of my childhood memories are tied to smells. Like the smell of paste wax my mother used on our hardwood floors, or my grandparents basement in summertime. My grandmother had a little cot in the basement where she would go take a nap. It was cooler down there, but a bit musty with the smell of coal. I also remember the scent of Prell and Breck shampoos. Aquanet hairspray and shoe polish. When I was a kid we polished our shoes.
So many of the things that connect the dots to our lives are directly related to our sense of smell. And sometimes when we think we are smelling something, we are actually tasting it and vise versa. Particularly when the body has already begun to metabolize whatever it is.
For the most part the memories triggered by smell are vivid and seemingly precise. Yet science tells us that memories, even clear ones, can be false. It is this gray area the nebulous haze of memory that often peaks my interest when I am working on a new scent related project. Like the art pieces (soivohle boxes) in the previous post, there is something a bit transient about memory. Spooky even, in some instances. Particularly when a memory is fragmented and all of the pieces do not fit. I have several of these memories and have tried over the years to fill in the blanks through meditation and by using visualization techniques. But for the most part I am selective with my scent memories and how I use them in my work.
Once I get all of my changes in place with our Soivohle line, I may take some time off, when it comes to new things. I have been moving ahead at such a pace over the past few years, I am due for a little break. But then again, I have no control over how things come to me, or when, and often I must capture the essence of a memory before it floats away...
You can believe this if you like. Personally I have seen and sniffed first hand stark differences in how scent smells on different people. So I do believe that body chemistry plays a roll. I can't speak for certain on the other two, but know that even if the coffee beans work as a placebo, a placebo is better than nothing.
My main interest in the human relation to scent is in how it is tied to memory. Almost all of my childhood memories are tied to smells. Like the smell of paste wax my mother used on our hardwood floors, or my grandparents basement in summertime. My grandmother had a little cot in the basement where she would go take a nap. It was cooler down there, but a bit musty with the smell of coal. I also remember the scent of Prell and Breck shampoos. Aquanet hairspray and shoe polish. When I was a kid we polished our shoes.
So many of the things that connect the dots to our lives are directly related to our sense of smell. And sometimes when we think we are smelling something, we are actually tasting it and vise versa. Particularly when the body has already begun to metabolize whatever it is.
For the most part the memories triggered by smell are vivid and seemingly precise. Yet science tells us that memories, even clear ones, can be false. It is this gray area the nebulous haze of memory that often peaks my interest when I am working on a new scent related project. Like the art pieces (soivohle boxes) in the previous post, there is something a bit transient about memory. Spooky even, in some instances. Particularly when a memory is fragmented and all of the pieces do not fit. I have several of these memories and have tried over the years to fill in the blanks through meditation and by using visualization techniques. But for the most part I am selective with my scent memories and how I use them in my work.
Once I get all of my changes in place with our Soivohle line, I may take some time off, when it comes to new things. I have been moving ahead at such a pace over the past few years, I am due for a little break. But then again, I have no control over how things come to me, or when, and often I must capture the essence of a memory before it floats away...
Friday, September 17, 2010
Deconstruction
blah, blah, blah.... so on and so forth. and I pull out the tid bit about forms of expression, as this is where my own interpretation is relevant, or not....
It is very apparent, even with all of the indies, that perfumery is still one of those spit shined and polished industries where image is everything. I myself have fallen for the trappings at times. Got to have a better box, got to have a better bottle, got to have a better look, got to have a better....fill in the blank...........
The artistry of scent has to be about what I want to express. Not what I think will sell, or what I think people will like. Amazingly, and for the most part people do have an appreciation for my work. And it isn't that I am anti-art. Or want to create things so difficult that they will be challenged and dismissed. I have never worked this way. Or been all that into the shock factor in art. Instead. If something is difficult, or a subject not one that people can readily embrace, I tend to look for ways to create unity. It is not as easy with scent, but could be. And it took me, going back to my visual art for inspiration. For many years I worked with metal and found objects in my paintings. These things resonate with me. I love handling old rusty metals. Old gears, wire mesh, mechanical parts. I guess it is my grandfather rubbing off on me. He was an inventor and machinist who worked and created things from metal.
I know this will not be for everyone. And some may not like or get what I am doing. Those preconceived ideas about what scent is, and how things should look, are deep-seated. Turning back the clock on a hundred years of consumer advertising and image making is not an easy thing to do. My aim is to not go backwards but forward to something new. Now that my head, heart and gut are all on the same page again, I feel absolutely amazing, and hope that my high spirits rub off on everyone else. Now I am going to go do a little happy dance, and batch out a kilo of Underworld.
The images (boxes) are art pieces for a visual project in my studio. Not the finished look of the new packaging.
P.S. For those with an interest. Thanks for asking. This change only covers select parfums in the naturals and moderne collections. Particularly the ones made with special tinctures, carrier's etc. The ones with an authentic artisan foundation. As well as adding things like the original parfum version of Honeysuckle Bird, instead of the reworked EDP. Adding an parfum version of Journeyman. Or Fan Dance, which is made from a combination of several floral tinctures from my gardens and a vintage style chypre base. Things like that....
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Acousticjus, We Are live
We have uploaded the new AJ web pages, and everything is live. Shopping Cart is working. All links are working. (we think) At least I have tested everything a few times.
The PDF press release is a download. Mainly for those who want to reprint and use the info. for blogs, news outlets etc.
Individual images and text available upon request.
Thanks everyone who had a hand in this. It has been a long wait. Labor of love and challenge at every turn.
For two years I have been trying to get this acousticjus trademark approved and registered, and could have given up at any point along the way. But I said onward and so I went, making my case, determined to see this through. Now it is official.
So I say, if you have dreams, be bold and stand firm in the belief that they can come true. I have not once thought that this would not become a reality. There were times when it didn't look so good, but I kept visualizing and chanting my internal mantra.
I kept working on the design, the mission statement and the products. Fine tuning all of my ideas, and behaving as though it were already done. That I was walking in the truth, even if it was a few months down the road.
So apt the Dragonfly, the music the artistry. Everything about this makes sense. I am very happy today to be sending this little soulful jewel out into the Universe, to flutter, flex her wings and fly.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Ezra's Poem
I do not believe in coincidence, luck,... and find superstition to be life's lazy way out. Life is a complete web of tangled thoughts, emotions, energies, connected at a core of possibility. To be fully engaged is the key to living. Being aware of things as they unfold.
Having a little reserve space set aside in the mind, so that time and ego don't bunch it all together and crowd out the important aspects of minute to minute reality. It's easy to get lost and run ahead of the game, thinking about tomorrow instead of today. I do it more than I would like to admit, and my perpetual beginners mind is forever resetting the pace to now.
The last thing I did last night was to open my notebook to the page containing the formula for Ezra's Poem. The little parfum I created for the Memory & Desire, Perfume in a Poem project. So what do I have when I get up this a.m. but an email inquiring about it. Whatever forces are at work to bring this to a bubble are of endless fascination to me. More so than connecting the dots, I am blown away by how constant and accurate the Universe is with it's intention. No stone goes unturned.
So to whatever little blip got this ball rolling again, I say Thank You!
As you readers know I am making some changes in our Soivohle Brand. Big changes. One of which includes Ezra's Poem. From time to time I get a request for it, and have in the past offered it in small supply. Now I will be adding it to the permanent collection. I have gone over the formula, which is uber heavy in base notes, and switched out some of the materials to include my very best things. It will not change in structure, but should be nicer to the touch, as better quality materials have a way of shining through.
When I was first approached to participate in the project I felt an immediate connection. It was as if I had passed through this same time space portal before. Everything felt very familiar to me, and in a way it was. Ezra's Poem was a perfume that I was very familiar with. Many of my early perfumes were earthy and nostalgic.
And again here, I am feeling an uncomfortable scratchy rub with the word perfume. It seems so inadequate a word for the depth of emotion and soulful connection brought about by the smelling of fragrant oils. This Art Liquide. That borders on the magical, but is not. Is firmly real and tangible here , in this very moment.
Having a little reserve space set aside in the mind, so that time and ego don't bunch it all together and crowd out the important aspects of minute to minute reality. It's easy to get lost and run ahead of the game, thinking about tomorrow instead of today. I do it more than I would like to admit, and my perpetual beginners mind is forever resetting the pace to now.
The last thing I did last night was to open my notebook to the page containing the formula for Ezra's Poem. The little parfum I created for the Memory & Desire, Perfume in a Poem project. So what do I have when I get up this a.m. but an email inquiring about it. Whatever forces are at work to bring this to a bubble are of endless fascination to me. More so than connecting the dots, I am blown away by how constant and accurate the Universe is with it's intention. No stone goes unturned.
So to whatever little blip got this ball rolling again, I say Thank You!
As you readers know I am making some changes in our Soivohle Brand. Big changes. One of which includes Ezra's Poem. From time to time I get a request for it, and have in the past offered it in small supply. Now I will be adding it to the permanent collection. I have gone over the formula, which is uber heavy in base notes, and switched out some of the materials to include my very best things. It will not change in structure, but should be nicer to the touch, as better quality materials have a way of shining through.
When I was first approached to participate in the project I felt an immediate connection. It was as if I had passed through this same time space portal before. Everything felt very familiar to me, and in a way it was. Ezra's Poem was a perfume that I was very familiar with. Many of my early perfumes were earthy and nostalgic.
And again here, I am feeling an uncomfortable scratchy rub with the word perfume. It seems so inadequate a word for the depth of emotion and soulful connection brought about by the smelling of fragrant oils. This Art Liquide. That borders on the magical, but is not. Is firmly real and tangible here , in this very moment.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Journeyman
Today is the day. I will be taking on the task of creating a new Journeyman parfum. The original was one of those in the moment ephemeral compositions, that was build on feel, not precise measuring. The original was set into an infusion of Indian Agarwood Oil. It also contained one of my amber bases and a lot of different things in small measure, that when combined amounted to a warm leather accord. The new one will have all of those elements, but upgraded a bit. The agarwood will be from my Laotian stash, and the amber and leather notes will be rebuilt from scratch.
I know a few folks will be happy to hear this. I get a lot of emails asking about Journeyman. And finally, it is time to put the pieces together in a permanent formula.
Sleeping under an open window, with a chilly breeze blowing in last night has regenerated me. I love this time of year. That first cool wind of autumn reminds me of that mystical wind in the movie Chocolat, symbolizing a time for change and moving on. And it is, indeed like a magical gypsy swirl that spins me around and points me in the perfect direction.
I will be glad when they get that clone thing worked out, I would love to be able to paint all day as well. Fiercely stabbing at a canvas, slinging paint and channeling the energies of found metal, or heading up river with my guitar. To do it all at once,now that would be the thing.
But anyway, before I let this thing get away from me, I am going to go sling some scent. Sling it with authority into the bottom of a wide mouth beaker. LZ
I know a few folks will be happy to hear this. I get a lot of emails asking about Journeyman. And finally, it is time to put the pieces together in a permanent formula.
Sleeping under an open window, with a chilly breeze blowing in last night has regenerated me. I love this time of year. That first cool wind of autumn reminds me of that mystical wind in the movie Chocolat, symbolizing a time for change and moving on. And it is, indeed like a magical gypsy swirl that spins me around and points me in the perfect direction.
I will be glad when they get that clone thing worked out, I would love to be able to paint all day as well. Fiercely stabbing at a canvas, slinging paint and channeling the energies of found metal, or heading up river with my guitar. To do it all at once,now that would be the thing.
But anyway, before I let this thing get away from me, I am going to go sling some scent. Sling it with authority into the bottom of a wide mouth beaker. LZ
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tapping Into Creativity
Going through a box of books looking for one thing I came across another. My original copy of Julia Camerons The Artists Way. I was not one of those folks who jumped head first into the pool, as many began to offer creativity workshops and the like based on principals found in the book. I read it, found it inspirational and then went about my business. I have never had a problem tapping into my creative side. It seems more often than not all I have is a creative side.
But it did get me to thinking. I can't say how often I have been approached to teach classes in perfumery, but the number is high. It isn't my thing, just as it was never my thing to teach art classes. What I am finding IS my thing is the desire to introduce folks to their sense of smell. Not in regards to perfumery, but in general. This is the main reason I have been creating the Olfactory Installations at my studio in the city. At first I was shocked at how little people were actually wired into their sense of smell. That a simple universal smell like vanilla could be so hard for them to identify. I realized after a few rounds of this, it wasn't that they didn't recognize the smell, it was that they were not allowing themselves to feel what they were smelling. It was all superficial like a game. And in many ways this is how we approach smell. We have been bombarded, almost whacked over the head with it. From room sprays, household products, personal care products. Everything has a smell. The same thing has happened with food. We eat drive through food, that at some level all tastes the same. We do not invest in it. We just eat it and go on our way. We spray, shampoo, do the laundry and go on our way. We are investing nothing. And when we invest nothing, nothing is what we get in return.
How do we change this, how do we connect to our senses in order to have a more brilliant life experience. I am thinking that for my part in this I am going to begin offering Olfactory workshops. Not perfumery, no way perfumery. But rather create an environment, like my installations where people can get up close and personal with smells.
The most important aspect of my work is my personal relationship to the smells that I encounter. My ability to allow them to move me and teach me. I feel there is great value in this, so am going to work out a way to make it a reality for others. LZ
But it did get me to thinking. I can't say how often I have been approached to teach classes in perfumery, but the number is high. It isn't my thing, just as it was never my thing to teach art classes. What I am finding IS my thing is the desire to introduce folks to their sense of smell. Not in regards to perfumery, but in general. This is the main reason I have been creating the Olfactory Installations at my studio in the city. At first I was shocked at how little people were actually wired into their sense of smell. That a simple universal smell like vanilla could be so hard for them to identify. I realized after a few rounds of this, it wasn't that they didn't recognize the smell, it was that they were not allowing themselves to feel what they were smelling. It was all superficial like a game. And in many ways this is how we approach smell. We have been bombarded, almost whacked over the head with it. From room sprays, household products, personal care products. Everything has a smell. The same thing has happened with food. We eat drive through food, that at some level all tastes the same. We do not invest in it. We just eat it and go on our way. We spray, shampoo, do the laundry and go on our way. We are investing nothing. And when we invest nothing, nothing is what we get in return.
How do we change this, how do we connect to our senses in order to have a more brilliant life experience. I am thinking that for my part in this I am going to begin offering Olfactory workshops. Not perfumery, no way perfumery. But rather create an environment, like my installations where people can get up close and personal with smells.
The most important aspect of my work is my personal relationship to the smells that I encounter. My ability to allow them to move me and teach me. I feel there is great value in this, so am going to work out a way to make it a reality for others. LZ
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Honeysuckle Bird
Today I am batching from the original formula of Honeysuckle Bird. A scent that was first created as a brides scent, and one that has always been close to my heart.
It is feminine with an ethereal quality, even in the concentrated original. Last year I was contacted by three different women who were planning to wear it on their own wedding day. Sometimes these stories are so heartfelt, they bring me to tears. Happy tears of course. The kind of thing that keeps me moving forward.
As I evaluate our new line up for Soivohle, going through stacks of notebooks, I am revisiting the parfum versions of several scents. These are my favorites, and my favorite form to work with. Some of the original sheets of paper are yellowed from age, and even more, the parfums have only been worn by me, or given by me as a personal gift. When we do the update in a few weeks, we will keep most of the naturals in parfum, and will be adding a few mixed blends in the concentrate, including Honeysuckle Bird, Bottleneck Blues, the new NightJar, Anniebelles Rose (which is an oil) and a few others.
We will also be keeping things like Green Oakmoss, Vanillaville, Moroccan Orange, Violets & Rainwater, Lilacs & Heliotrope, etc... in the lesser concentration spray.
It feels good to be heading into cooler weather with a clear head. LZ
It is feminine with an ethereal quality, even in the concentrated original. Last year I was contacted by three different women who were planning to wear it on their own wedding day. Sometimes these stories are so heartfelt, they bring me to tears. Happy tears of course. The kind of thing that keeps me moving forward.
As I evaluate our new line up for Soivohle, going through stacks of notebooks, I am revisiting the parfum versions of several scents. These are my favorites, and my favorite form to work with. Some of the original sheets of paper are yellowed from age, and even more, the parfums have only been worn by me, or given by me as a personal gift. When we do the update in a few weeks, we will keep most of the naturals in parfum, and will be adding a few mixed blends in the concentrate, including Honeysuckle Bird, Bottleneck Blues, the new NightJar, Anniebelles Rose (which is an oil) and a few others.
We will also be keeping things like Green Oakmoss, Vanillaville, Moroccan Orange, Violets & Rainwater, Lilacs & Heliotrope, etc... in the lesser concentration spray.
It feels good to be heading into cooler weather with a clear head. LZ
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Future of Soivohle
Recent projects like Meerschaum and NightJar were very revelatory. They brought it all home. The personal nature of these scents made it worth something to me. More than filling a gap in our scent wardrobe. More than profitability.
As much as I want to make things people will like. My gut will not let me toss all of my emotions and personal feelings into something, just to make a buck. I know it's the American way and that the fragrance industry works on that model. People unfortunately, and in larger numbers, are used to that model and see scent as nothing more than a consumer good. The only thing they invest is the few dollars they pay the cashier. So how does someone like me fit in. The truth is, I don't. More than one person expressed that to me during our conversations. Advising me to go back to my original plan and stick to it. The plan that used phrases like, "Art in a bottle" Liquid Art" Scentual Artistry" ....
Even more than not fitting the model, I don't want to fit the model. And I guess that is what has me smashing at the side of the box I have painted myself into. It's funny how that thing (box) creeps up and slams down on a person. Some folks live in a box their entire life and never know it. But there is a sure fire test for finding out. Try to flex your wings, do you have enough room to maneuver. Can you fly unhindered.
I am spending the next few days reorganizing my work space, and making my final decisions on what will stay and what will go. This time there will not be a special order for discontinued things. There will only be the things that are truly loved. If anyone reading has a special Soivohle scent they would like to see in the line up, please leave a comment about why you would like to see it stick around. I am most interested in feedback on scents in the Natural and Moderne Collections LZ
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