The newly-minted institute for art and olfaction in Los Angeles is currently looking for scent artists to fill their first roster of artists in residence. Deadline is February 1, 2013. We can’t wait to smell the new work.
steam, scent & strangers
A couple of years ago, LA-based artist Michael Parker created Steam Womb, an immersive, interactive scent installation. Think of it as an urban social event at the intersection of hot-tubbing and clubbing. Every winter, Parker opens his downtown studio for steam season, an opportunity to crawl inside of a mirrored disco egg sculpture, get sweaty with strangers and experience the odd womb-like space enhanced by a DJ and “herb jockey.” Sounds, scents, and strangers are ever-changing. Check out this article and video. 
the smell is the same just before the rain
Here’s a brief account of a scent that rivals Proust’s madeleine in popularity. It’s called petrichor.
sf smells
Go check out a new exhibit by San Francisco-based artist Sita Kuratomi Bhaumik. Querida Calle 24 is a multisensorial installation about San Francisco’s lively 24th Street. Opens October 16 at 7pm.
london nose
The International Fragrance Association will be holding their annual fragrance form “From Flower to Shower” this Thursday at the Royal Society in London. Information on registration can be found here.
smell her
New York-based scent artist Martynka Wawrzyniak wants you to experience her scent self-portrait free from visual discrimination. Smell Me is on exhibit now until November 18, 2012 at Envoy Enterprises gallery on the LES.
monsieur malle’s scent stories
Here’s a lovely recent interview with olfactory dreamer Frédéric Malle.
LA artisan fragrance salon
The first annual LA Fragrance Salon is being held tomorrow, September 23, 11- – 5p in the East Wing of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Ticket available only online.
scent and color
Check out this interview with Dawn Goldworm, Scent Director at the olfactive branding company 12.29, in which she talks about her synesthesia influences her work.
caramel flower
If you lust after rich, heady botanicals, check out Velvet and Sweet Pea’s latest fragrance, fleur de caramel with notes of red mandarin, butterfly lily, cognac, Tahitian vanilla, and frangipani. This luxurious fragrance won the bronze medal at the recent Artisan Fragrance Salon in Sa Francisco. Buy the parfum or eau de parfum here. 
Olfactive 