The Scent of Eddie G's Dad Lying Under the Xmas Tree After Pouring Concrete

Summary:

An experimental audio documentary/sound collage on people's perceptions of scents.

Tones:

Esoteric, Experimental, Offbeat

Language:

English

Description:

     I have an unusually keen sense of smell. As a result, events in my memory are often inextricably linked to scent. Throughout my life I've collected scent memories that can be inadvertently conjured up by a hint in the wind, a sniff of a kitchen or a stranger's scarf brushing past me on the street. In this project, I attempt to learn about other people's relationship to scent and their ability to verbally articulate said perspective.

     The relationship between the olfactory and aural is complicated and little discussed. As a society rooted in the visual, I feel that we undermine the power of scent. Artists and critics are constantly engaged in the process of verbalizing what they see, but talking about scent is a task often left to perfume makers and sommeliers

     My goal was to make something somewhat universal-a recognition that most of us have a sense that is to a large degree undermined by the others.

     What did your first love's hair smell like? Your favorite toy? How do your nightmares smell? Something that is perhaps well tolerated by the public at large for which you have distaste? Can you name or describe a traumatic smell?

     Another aspect I play with is the idea of describing a scent via a noise. Perhaps the scent of a rose sounds like fingers stroking cashmere? This abstract concept led documentary in a more experimental direction.

 

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