My Dad was in line at the PO for me recently to mail some international sample packages, and the guy ahead of him tried to mail a live snake! A python, no less. Makes mailing perfume look tame, lol. 🙂 Luckily for the poor snake, they did not let him mail it.
I’m taking a break from mixing batches of scents to give my wrists a rest but am taking care of lots of little things. The new sample spray vials are ready to add to the site and I’ll do that within the next day.
Here’s a link to a nice review of Ambre Noir that talks about the way we associate music with scent. I catch myself sometimes thinking I have to “listen to that part again” when I’m formulating and need to put on a fresh dab to revisit the top or heart notes.
Also, there’s a great drawing going on at the new blog by perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurowitz. You might throw your name in the hat. Her blog looks like a fun read!
7 comments
Oh the things people will try to mail! Poor snake, indeed – I don’t like snakes, but certainly do feel sorry for this one…
I was wondering if you saw the writeup on AN. I like the way she connected the feel of the instrument, the range and color of tone it produces to the texture of the fragrance family and eventually to your perfume.
a:)
Hi Ann,
Yes, that’s a neat way to think about scent. I’m not very familiar with cello but will have to hear something that features it now!
Author and scientist Avery Gilbert has done some interesting work on synesthesia.
He has a blog:
http://firstnerve.com/
and I interviewed him a while back:
http://sonomascent.wordpress.com/2008/07/03/interview-with-dr-avery-gilbert-author-of-what-the-nose-knows-the-science-of-scent-in-everyday-life/
The Bach example that Sarah used is pure cello (i.e., unaccompanied) and as she indicated – is used ad nauseam in all kinds of commercials, to depict high-standard (“elegance” and/or “precision”) of the products and services being advertised.
Another cello piece that “everyone knows” is the Dying Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns. Althought when I hear that piece in my head, I’m thinking more along the line of Lieu de Reves, which as far as I know, has no amber in it. All a matter of interpretation, I guess! – But, to be fair, I do see (hear/smell?!) the point Sarah is trying to make.
The interview is an interesting read. Thanks!
You’re right AnnYM, I do recognize that — very pretty! (Just listened.)
I’ve been amusing myself wondering what scent impression might be conjured by a snake. Not what a snake smells like (presumably, not much). But the associations. Smooth (obviously) – dry – shiny – intricate but simple – perfect movement – bright-eyed – fascinating but scary …
I live in a dry (mostly) country so snakes for me suggest images of hot dry environments, but snakes in the tropics would suggest a bunch of other scent-sations.
Hi Anne,
That’s creative, actually! I wonder if there’s a scent called Snake, lol. My associations are hot and dry too — dry grass and dusty sunbaked adobe soil. But you’re right, a rain forest would apply too, and the character associations would be even more fun. 🙂
just saw this 🙂
http://www.sonomascentstudio.com/images/cobra.jpg