A Perfume for the Holidays (in person)

Join us for a special session that is both informative and very, very pragmatic. In this perfume-making class, IAO founder Saskia Wilson-Brown will lead attendees through the basics of perfume composition, with a very simple goal in mind: To make something that you like enough to give it to someone special (and—hey why not— also keep for yourself).

The class will begin with a quick primer on aromatic materials, as we smell a curated selection of materials to work with.The second portion of the class will consist of making. Each participant will be expected to work with the curated materials to create an original composition, which they will expand on site and decant into two 30ml perfume bottles.

Important notes to manage our expectations: This is a class, not custom-perfume creation session. The instructor will be on hand to help you create your own blend from the curated range of materials. We expect participants to work with that range of materials pre-selected by the instructor. If you have a special request, please email us beforehand. Note that it is always a possibility that you will not love what you have created. However, you will have the formula and the knowledge to tweak it, on your own, down the line. For custom perfume creation experiences, we refer you to our map of working perfumers, here.

Topics covered:
+ A quick primer on perfumery and aromatic materials: synthetics vs. naturals, top/middle/base notes, dilutions
+ Smelling and discussing a curated selection of perfume materials, chosen by the instructor.
+ Writing a formula
+ Compounding a perfume oil at 100%, putting it in solution, and decanting to final bottle.

Take-Aways:
+ Participants will leave with a knowledge of the basics of perfume blending
+ Participants will leave with two 30ml bottles of their final scent, at 10% solution.

About Saskia Wilson-Brown

Saskia Wilson-Brown, French by upbringing, Cuban and English by parentage, and American by birth, earned her BA at UC Berkeley and MA at Central Saint Martins in London. She began her career in film and television, notably at Current TV and the Silver Lake Film Festival, where she led innovative media programs. In 2012 she founded The Institute for Art and Olfaction, a nonprofit promoting experimentation and access in scent-based art. She created the Art and Olfaction Awards, Scent Fair LA, and Perfume on the Radio, while curating international collaborations between artists and institutions. A frequent lecturer and writer, she continues to champion open access in the arts and is pursuing a PhD at University College Dublin on the intersections of perfume, access, and power.

Materials

Materials are included in the sign-up cost, and provided by the IAO during class.

Attendance and Refund Policy

This is an in person class that will take place at the Institute for Art and Olfaction. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds or credit for this class. Note also that event tickets are non-transferable.

On Safety

Some aromatic materials can have side-effects when applied to skin. The information and teaching materials presented in our classes are for educational purposes only. These are not intended for commercial use and do not necessarily reflect commercial best practices or industry safety standards. For more information about commercial best practices and safety, consult the relevant authorities in your country of residence.

Registration Required:

Please note that you must reserve your space in advance. If you just show up without reserving a spot, there is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate you. Space at this event is limited.

All levels are welcome, but this session is 18 and up (or 14+, with adult supervision).

Location:

We are located in Los Angeles’ historic Chinatown neighborhood, on a pedestrian street.

Street Address: 932 Chung King Road Los Angeles CA. 90012

To find us: Chung King Road is a pedestrian-only road that runs parallel to Hill Street, between Hill St and Yale St. See more information here: http://artandolfaction.com/visit

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Institute for Art and Olfaction