Bois d'Encens

Frankincense essential oil only presents certain aspects of the resin, reminiscent of citrus zest (lemon, orange) and sharp turpentine qualities in various degrees of harshness, depending on the oil's quality. The dry down of frankincense oils is typically powdery and faint, leaving much to be desired in both longevity and the scent itself. All in all, frankincense distillations generally pale in comparison to the rich experience of smouldering resin smoke that Church-goers and incense addicts are so fond of.

The reason for all this is rather technical: frankincense resin (and resins in general) are made of essential oils, gum and resin. The gum is water soluble, often creating a plasticity (this is especially apparent in mastic, the resin from Pistachia lentiscus).

Bois d'Encens is one of the most realistic frankincense scents I've ever smelled, which, given the above factors, is not an easy feat. Rather than smelling like the oil, it brings to mind the burst of citrus and dust that occurs when you place a tear of frankincense on a hot charcoal, followed by an explosion of essential oils released in thick smoke. So far, this is the only Armani that ever spoke to me (the rest of the Armani Privé collection seemed mediocre, or at best pretentious - a trend that is sadly saturated the faux niche market from its very conception).



But, as common with modern niche fragrances, there is a culprit. And that shows itself in the dry down, which often with the incense genre falls into the disinfectant-soap basin, with musk molecules or iso-E-super that break down the illusion of authenticity. Thankfully with this number, it happens later into the game (then, in, say Kyoto by Commes de Garcons).

Clil Art & Cultural Crawl

Some ideas are so brilliantly simple that you wonder how come they never happened before. Such was the first ever Clil art & culture crawl (titled "Islands in the Rain" even though heavens knows when it's actually going to rain here...). It was a day bursting with art and creativity in, by and for our community. An intimate event where the village's inhabitants can walk from studio to studio (those who wished to participate, of course), and get to see what their neighbours are up to. Above is the legend of the map of the event, also a testament to how much love and creativity went into organizing the event.


There were lots of artists involved from multiple disciplines, including many visual art studios hosting creators in other mediums, such as poets and musicians. So there was lots to see, hear and listen to, and the focus was on art and community and not on commerce of any kind.
Tamya and I just showed our art and answered questions, and felt happy and proud about it.

I'm not really going to write much more, just post a few pics of the setup of what me and Miss T had shared during this open house. They pretty much speak for themselves and allow you to imagine what it would be to crawl with the rest of the village and get a glimpse into our world.

It was so heartwarming to see the people - some old friends, some I've never met, or just heard of, and feel that the community here is so creative, supportive and appreciative of our art. I only was able to visit three more studios besides hosting our own event - and it was so awe inspiring, everyone's creativity and just seeing them their own space and element. As I strolled from one event to the next, I saw people happy, full of impressions from where they've just visited and excited to venture into the next studio space.
The event left us with taste for "more", wishing it would happen again and soon. Hopefully next Hanukkah, and the next... In short, let's make it a tradition!