Description
During this time of lock-down, quarantine, and global pandemic, I found myself home more than ever (and dealing with myriad emotions around what is going on all around us). The “Stay at Home” orders and other social distancing that are required at this time triggered for me a need to find new ways to meditate and feel grounded while staying home.
Many times in the past, as a visual artist, I have begun series of drawings as a form of confronting/ contending with difficult emotions and situations in order to find a healing space. In the time of COVID-19, I have felt this same need arise: to create a series of work based on things found around my home (most notably dried flowers and tree branches), made with materials I have as every day ceremonial items. For me, it started with tea and charcoal. (Eventually, this series involved spices and other forms of nourishment. See: Hot Masala).
Tea and Charcoal are some of the most ancient items used in ceremony, meditation, and good health. As soon as I began this meditation, it felt immediately right. I could feel myself diving deeper and deeper into the spirit of the materials and feeling their essence. This fragrance is the first in a series of aromas that correspond to the series of drawings and their subject matter. I feel that “Tea and Charcoal”, the fragrance, encompasses the essential feeling of this “Isolation Meditation”. It is a fragrance that is somewhat avant-garde, but strangely deep and intimate. It’s soothing, grounding, and mindful; simple and complex.
For me, it is a refection of our deepest, quietest space.
Victoria (verified owner) –
“Meditation” is the perfect word to describe this fragrance. There is something contemplative and nostalgic about it. It has a smoky scent (which I love) that is nowhere near as heavy or sweet as most “smoky” perfumes on the market. It is subtle yet noticeable—and cozy. I truly enjoy it.
Marlen Harrison –
I lived in Japan for almost 10 years on and off, and there is something both familiar and comforting about this deceptively simple fragrance. The fragrance is perfectly named as these are the two notes that are immediately perceptible. However, the tea has some complexity by turns powdery and smoky while the charcoal note offers some earthy sweetness. Wearing it as akin to drinking a hot cup of tea on a cool day outside a Buddhist temple.
lbld50 (verified owner) –
Tea and Charcoal is among the most unique DSH fragrances I’ve tried. The tea element is floral, reminding me of Earl Grey. It makes for a great gift.