Why can’t we capture a fragrance?
Why can’t we record a scent? We can faithfully, or nearly, record sounds and sights, but why not nature’s sweetest offerings?
More than any other plant or flower, the heady, intoxicating and redolent blossoms of this winter daphne invariably invoke this thought in me.
Growing along one side of our long, steep and bumpy drive, these tiny blooms hit one with a palpable wave of perfume that arrests thoughts and actions, and inspires deep, lung-filling breaths, reluctantly let out when one can no longer hold them in.
I’ve discussed this at length with D, who very logically explains that sound and light are wavelengths, whereas fragrances and tastes are particles.
But isn’t it said, by those who study such things, that of all the senses, smell is the most powerful at creating a mood or atmosphere, and most importantly, evoking vivid memories?
So, why can’t we capture it, to replay and experience again, as we do with an image or a sound?
I suppose it’s simply because no one has invented the means to do so.
(And, no, perfume doesn’t count.)
A musky, spicy rhododendron, tucked inside my Dad’s baby spoon.
Perhaps it’s up to one of us to discover it. Perhaps it’s possible, after all…
And if it were possible, what favorite scents from your life would you love to record and relive?
• • • •
(Deepest thanks to everyone who visits and comments, reaching out across the miles and oceans. I’m so pleased that you are here and do my best to respond. Your time and words are very precious to me.)
xo
– g
I love the lilacs, even with out them here I can smell them. They're my favorite, so beautiful.
Georgianna, It is Lilly of the Valley for me. I could not have been more than 3 years old. My Father had me by the hand and we were walking towards the Baltic Sea. There was a giant meadow, to my left, filled with Lilly of the Valley.
K, lilacs are my Mom's favorite, too. Next month we are going to a Victorian lilac garden in southern Washington. She can hardly wait! xo – g
Oh, Gina, what a beautiful, cherished memory – thank you so much for sharing it. For a wonderful moment I was taken with you… xo
This is one of the most beautiful questions. I know that there are many that evoke memory, feelings, so why can't we "record" or capture smells? I wonder if, (though it would be grand to have some of these flower scents in the depths of a gray February,) I wonder if we should see it instead as a momentary miracle to catch the first waft of lilac on the May breeze? I wonder if I should cherish the daily as much if I could summon the smell of my Grandma's soft cheek as she said, "Goodbye." Maybe we wouldn't if we could record a scent. Maybe it is fleeting, miraculously fleeting and subjective? I don't know. I loved thinking about this Georgianna! This makes me appreciate the smell of earth and my husband's cooking and the way the kids run in smelling like the wind when I hold them. I appreciate it and thank-you for this post. Blessings.
Sometimes photos are so beautiful that we can feel the taste and smell, just as if they were real!
And yours are definitely this kind of photos!
Have a great weekend,
Stefania
(I've a bad english, I know..)
i remember the honeysuckle that grew in my granparents backyard when i was about 5 years old.
now i bring in spring with the almond bloosms that make the yard and house smell like honey with a touch of almond extract!
Such precious photos. I know what you mean about scent, it brings memories flooding back. I did a post on this about enjoying Simple Things and at the time was so struck by how many are Scent based.
You can read my list here – http://bumpkinbears.blogspot.com/2010/01/simple-things_27.html
Yesterday we were treated to that wonderful scent – the scents of nature after the rain.
Have a lovely weekend
c x
My god, Georgianna, how beautiful is your work. Post after post of visual magic.
I've always told myself that the minute the film guys will learn to create or record smells, then there will be very little that seperates it from real life. Its one of the most powerful and yet most understated sense that we have.
Scents are kind of magical with their ability to transport us through time; it would be fun if we could capture them like photos and line them up on a shelf in a pretty collection…
Thank you for the visual treat! Maybe you couldn't catch the scent on film, but you definitely got everything else that's wonderful and swoon-inducing about these blossoms :)
These are gorgeous! I thought of you today when we passed several cherry trees… spring is trying to come our way!
Thank you all for sharing your wonderful "scented" memories and inspirations. Interesting that many are very early memories – they really stay with us, don't they?
Amy, you bring up a very intriguing thought. Hmm, now I will have to ponder that one!
xo
I just love all of these images so much! You are a real master at capturing beauty in nature, and I am so pleased to be able to see them!
I am wondering what the first images are? I found some to shoot, but don't know the name.
I love the soft pastels and know they must smell divine!! I have often wondered the same thing, and wish somedays there was smell-ography.
:)
I used to go to the feed and grain store with my dad when I was little. The smell of oats still carries me back to those days… :)
Georgianna, these photos are SO very beautiful — you have such talent!!! I swear I can almost smell them. ;)
Oh scents are definitely the most instantly evocative memory triggers, aren't they? And although you don't capture the smell, your photographs are so beautiful, they come as close to evoking the full experience as a picture can!
I can't name a favourite… there are simply too many, but for me the smell of laundry (especially bed linen) dried in the fresh air and sunshine is one that immediately transports me to a happy place in my grandmother's home… lovely!
My favorite scent in all the world is an armful of lilacs. Not only is the heady scent glorious, but they bring back quite a memory. I think I'll post about it. Come read it, won't you?