Scent and Art: A New Chapter from My Studio to The Gallery
Empress Studios
Last year, I moved into a new studio space in London. It has been a refreshing and inspiring change. The building is home to a diverse group of artists working across a wide range of creative disciplines — from photography and pottery to painting and multimedia art forms. Each artist brings their own unique voice and style. Being the only scent-related business among such talented neighbours initially felt a little daunting. However, their artistry and dedication have been a wonderful source of inspiration.
I have always believed that scent can add a new dimension to creative expression, and being surrounded by so much artistic energy encouraged me to explore this idea more deeply. A few weeks ago, I sent a simple message to our shared WhatsApp group asking, “Would anyone like their art scented?” The response was immediate and enthusiastic.
I am now collaborating with several artists to explore how aromatherapy and scent formulation can complement and enhance their work. These conversations have been eye-opening and revealing. We have discussed how scent can evoke memories, influence emotions, and deepen the experience of art in unexpected ways. Each artist brings their own perspective on how scent fits with their creative vision, and I have been pleasantly surprised by the breadth of ideas and possibilities emerging from these exchanges.
InvisibleVisible Project
One collaboration in particular has moved forward and is now open to the public. It is with the InvisibleVisible Project, currently exhibiting at The Gallery, Lillie Road, Earls Court, until the end of June.
The InvisibleVisible Project: Exploring Menopause Through Art
The InvisibleVisible Project is a powerful and important initiative led by West London photographer Denise Baker, in collaboration with writer Nichola Charalambou and textile artist Tisna Westerhof. The project aims to give voice to the personal, often under-discussed experiences of menopause and perimenopause through community-led creativity. It uses photography, storytelling, and textile art to highlight the challenges, transitions, and shared realities of women navigating this stage of life.
Menopause remains a topic surrounded by silence and misunderstanding. Many women face symptoms and emotional shifts that can feel isolating, yet these experiences are not always openly discussed or supported, either socially or within healthcare. The InvisibleVisible Project seeks to change this by creating a safe space for expression, dialogue, and community connection. It challenges stigma, widens awareness, and fosters empathy through the powerful language of art.
The project is funded by Arts Council England and involves a wide range of workshops and creative partnerships across London. These include collaborations with researchers, health professionals, local libraries, and community groups. The exhibition presents the work created by participants who are themselves experiencing or have experienced menopause, making the project deeply authentic and grounded in real stories.
Denise’s approach as a socially engaged photojournalist and ethnographic psychologist brings a unique depth to the project. Her work explores themes of identity, change, connection, and transition — themes that resonate strongly with menopause as a life stage. Nichola’s writing and Tisna’s textile art add further layers of storytelling and creative expression, making the exhibition a rich, multifaceted experience.
Scenting the Space with Yatlina Blended Drops
For this exhibition, I was invited to contribute to the sensory experience by scenting the gallery space. I chose three blends from my award-winning Yatlina Blended Drops range, formulated for room diffusion and personal inhalers, to support the exhibition’s themes and the emotional landscape of menopause:
Calm combines lavender and neroli to create a serene and restorative atmosphere. It helps centre the mind and promote emotional balance during daily activities.
Power Up is designed to boost energy, clear mental fog, and encourage deeper, more focused breathing. It provides gentle support for those demanding moments when concentration and stamina are needed.
Rest features chamomile and sweet marjoram, helping to quiet restless thoughts and support more restful sleep, which many women find challenging during menopause.
These blends are part of the Yatlina core range and were created with everyday wellness in mind. In this setting, they become part of a larger narrative, enhancing reflection, comfort, and connection for visitors. The power of scent to influence mood and wellbeing is well supported by research, especially when combined with visual and tactile art forms. This collaboration has allowed me to see scent as not just an accessory, but as a meaningful participant in the dialogue around health and personal experience.
Supporting Wellbeing Through Awareness
Menopause is often framed solely as a medical or biological event, but it is much more than that. It touches emotions, relationships, identity, and quality of life. Projects like InvisibleVisible are vital because they broaden the conversation beyond symptoms and treatments to include the social and cultural dimensions of this transition.
The exhibition and workshops provide an opportunity for women to share their stories, feel heard, and connect with others who understand their journey. This sense of community can reduce feelings of isolation and shame, which are common but rarely addressed.
By contributing scent to the space, I wanted to reinforce the message that wellbeing during menopause involves care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and chamomile have been studied for their calming and mood-supportive effects, making them a natural complement to the creative expression and storytelling featured in the exhibition.
Visit The Gallery
If you are in London, I encourage you to visit The Gallery at Lillie Road, Earls Court, where the InvisibleVisible exhibition runs until the end of June. The space is open Wednesday to Friday from 11am to 4pm.
For the duration of the exhibition, the Yatlina Blended Drops range is available at a special price of £10 instead of £14. You can experience the scents in the gallery and purchase a limited number of bottles there, or order online.
Looking Forward
This collaboration marks a new and exciting chapter for me. It has opened my eyes to the many ways scent can interact with other art forms and contribute to important conversations about health and identity. I look forward to continuing these projects with the talented artists in my studio and sharing more experiences with you.
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Learn More
For further information about the InvisibleVisible Project and the team behind it, please visit invisiblevisibleproject.com
