Thoughts from Kafkaesque, and the closing of a busy year

It was something of a surprise to see such a detailed and truly beautiful review of the perfumes (and of January Scent Project in general) from Kafkaesque at Kafkaesque Blog. I was very pleased that so much work had been put into a deep analysis of Smolderose, with such musical overtones and many roads that lead from it (into dark corners, majestic Carmen-inspired musicality, and even some leathery rock 'n' roll.) It's the depth and expanse of Kafka's writing that is inspiring. It ends the year on such a high note; amusingly ironic that many orders came flooding in as a result of this wonderfully written piece. I smiled my way through the mountains of boxes - these paper cuts were lovingly earned.

I'm thoughtful and reflective about the conversations that have been raised by the fragrances that came from JSP this year. As I've mentioned elsewhere, although I began with this in 2015, this indeed was the actual "beginning" of the project in its most fully realized state, and this may be why two years were needed in between. There were too many things unfinished, too many rough edges I wanted to sand down to be a bit smoother. I can rush into many things in life, but things that I care about, I move with patiently. Keeping that patience seems more important than ever as we're about to enter another year. And as ideas bounce off my head (sometimes barely able to stay IN my head,) I think too that the process of creating anything artful, reflective, soul-full has a psychic cost. We don't go through these motions without some repercussions. In my case, I balance many things. I work a full time job in UX design management, I paint part time, and I perfume part time. and there are yet so many other things I love to do. We all lead very busy lives, perhaps now more than ever, but maybe our best skill is when we can balance all these things and still be good to each other, good to ourselves?

Many open questions, but we have nothing but time in front of us. 

I raise a glass to you all, a thank you for the immense support of 2017, a special thank you to Kafkaesque and all the writers and video reviewers who have been so supportive and nourishing to JSP, and to all involved in the great moments of the year - many, many thanks. I look forward to seeing more and more of you in 2018.

- John

Interview: John Biebel with Sergey Borisov at Fragrantica

It was a great pleasure to speak with perfume writer Sergey Borisov of Fragrantica in a new interview that ran today. We talk together a lot about the process of making perfumes, but then he goes on to review two of the scents (Eiderantler and Vaporocindro.) He asks excellent questions and his reviews are poetic. Please have a view over at Sergey's article, I think it's one of the best experiences I've had working with a writer to date.

More thoughts on Vaporocindro, new packages, and upcoming holidays

Vaporocindro has had more reviews come in by our extended international perfume community. Brazilian blogger and perfume expert Cassiano Silva, at his site Perfumart, goes in depth explaining the differences between spices such as saffron and turmeric, which helps in understanding the perfume. You can read his review here at his site.  It's also been featured by video blogger Sentinel from Australia, and may be viewed here on Youtube. Because of the complexity of this particular scent, I really appreciate that reviewers have taken the effort to dissect the smell and understand it better. There's no question that it is complex and multi-layered. I really appreciate the sensitivity and efforts these reviewers have brought to the fragrance. Also, Binxcat gives a review on her blog that touches upon the notion of hypnosis and dream-states. I was particularly intrigued by this since such neural states are huge in my mind and something I strive to replicate via perfume. I hope that all things I create can conjure up such moments in some small way. Thank you again to all the reviewers for their amazing work in describing something so abstract as scent.

Boxes for 30 ml perfumes, January Scent Project

In other news, it's really exciting to mention that we've finally got in the new packaging for the 30 ml bottles of perfume. It took some time and careful thinking about how I wanted to move forward with individual packages for the smaller perfumes, but after consulting with the box manufacturer and looking at options, and doing a lot of design work, it's complete. Each box is "personalized" for each individual perfume, marked by it's own frontal design line-work, and a small color stripe on the left side. It's a really big new step for the perfumes as the smaller bottles now have more of their own identity alongside the 100 ml creations.

January Scent Project also had some great exposure during Waltham Mills Open Studios, where I was showing my work as a painter. Nearly 3,000 people visit Waltham Mills each year to see the artisans who work in this historic converted mill just outside Boston, MA. It was a great time to introduce the public who usually just know me by my work as an artist to the work I do as a perfumer as well. It made for some fascinating conversations and I was able to expand the artistic conversation.

In keeping with the growing tradition of sales which accompany the nearing holiday season, I'll be offering discounts to celebrate the new packages and our upcoming Thanksgiving here in the US. It's a generous time, so all the more fitting. Look for info here on the site and in email to come very soon.