Compersion… “To take direct pleasure from the happiness of another, when it doesn’t in any way directly benefit yourself.”

I started this summer, coming back to life slowly with a new life in Glasgow, conquering demons that were long overdue and necessary in their demise. And without effort, as I walked the path into the sunlight of the spirit, came the gift that I didn’t know I ever needed. Helping others selflessly.

The journey of an artist and self-expression can be a self-serving endeavour. Solely focused on long periods, deep in the process of creation, can forge a rather myopic life perspective. I started to help and support others this summer and give back the gifts that I had been freely given, and it has been life-changing.

And as in many of my creations over the years, inspiration can come in different forms. Sometimes I like to delve into the historical archives and use history as the jumping off point. Sometimes, I like to look closely at individual ingredients and build the concept by molecularly finding newness and innovation. In the case of “Compersion”, it is a feeling that I am trying to bring into the olfactory realm. How to create a “feeling” using fragrance notes?

Starting with white woods and oak-moss, which I loved as a child, in texture and fragrance, adding Ambergris and fresh citrus accords (grapefruit rind) and sensual tonka. The key was to harmoniously blend the core notes and bring them to a gentle symphony. Using saffron, white vanilla, violet and rose, this blend finishes with the same kind of inexplicable enchantment as Kartushya. Unusual but addictive.