Sensibilities

Today I began to regain a little of my sense of smell. I had only lost it for a few days, but how I had taken it for granted! I had so missed the aroma of coconut creme in my conditioner in the shower, the peppermint in my lip balm, my dog, men wearing cologne, coffee!! All the little moments of pleasure that regularly sprinkle my days with lilts of joy were suddenly back, and I was giddy I was so excited. The few days I spent smelling nothing but grey dust started to make me depressed. I missed the smell of my son’s head and the snowy winter air. This really has very little to do with art except that I think there are all kinds of these small wonders that I see and hear and feel also. My favorite places are peppered with art. I look around and see moods and colors and whimsy. These are things that, seeing them, bring meaning to my every day. Our senses feed our souls.

Honestly, I spoil myself with scent. My favorites are florals, especially rose. I carry rose- scented shea butter in my bag just for the luxury of it. Neroli is fresh and calming to me when I get stressed out. I have that in my bag, too… and in my studio and my medicine cabinet. My collection of perfumes are memories in a bottle. The empanadas that are made in the bakery immediately under my studio smell heavenly all day long. This is kinda weird, but cigarette smoke. I’ve never smoked or even held a lit cigarette myself, but I’ll stand directly next to anyone who smokes in my general vicinity. It reminds me of my dad and the streets of Spain. For Christmas, my daughter gave me a strand of colorful woolen beads that hang from the rearview mirror in my car, and they hold essential oils; jasmine and oregano and frankincense work surprisingly well together. Sawing wood. Paint. Oils and pinstriping enamels, solvents and acrylics smell like new and beautiful possibilities. Rain in Ohio. The cinnamon in craft stores. Any ocean, anywhere.

Can I somehow paint an olfactory experience?? I guess now I’m gonna try.