CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Amber Jobin of Aether Arts Perfume + Burning Man Festival Draw

Amber Jobin

Amber Jobin of Aether Arts

Profile:  I was born in Florida not far from the ocean.  My mom would take me to the beach and I’m sure that is when I found my love of ozone/marine scents and sounds. My father’s people were from Maine and we lived there a while before settling in the Green Mountains of Vermont.  Both my parents enjoyed creative pursuits but neither were artists.  Still, I think I received some sort of recessive art gene from them:  I loved to create and make things. I loved growing up in the country with my younger sister and brother, living in quirky old Vermont farmhouses.  Amusing myself in Nature became second nature to me.  I would make my own art supplies from natural materials, grinding up pretty-colored rocks for paint and making brushes out of milkweed fluff.  Birch bark was my canvas.  I loved to read and was fascinated by old camping and scouting manuals from the 1920s.  If disaster ever struck, I just knew I could save my family by building a lean-to out of fir boughs.  Curiosity drove me—a need to know how it worked, and how I could make it myself.  The DIY bug bit me early and hard.

One of my earliest and most profound teachers was my little brother Joshua who was born with cerebral palsy.  In his own sweet way, he taught me empathy, compassion, and service to others.  I would not be the person I am today without his role in my life.  It was partly because of Joshua’s condition that we decided as a family to try home schooling.  Special Ed classes weren’t very sophisticated in 1970s rural Vermont, so my younger sister and I retired from public school and along with Joshua, we began home schooling.  This experience brought us very close together as a family and helped form who I am.

DianaRiggCatsuitEmmaPeel

 Diana Rigg as Emma Peel

There is also one other person who, while fictional, profoundly influenced me as a teenager:  Diana Rigg as Mrs. Emma Peel from the British television show, The Avengers.  OMG,that show blew my country-mouse-mind wide open to all that a hip, modern woman could be.  She was a spy (how cool was that!) and she knew how to do everything:  fencing, martial-arts fighting, using a gun.   She drove a fast car, had the best wardrobe ever, and with multiple university degrees, was super smart.  I internalized her as my role model then and there and she is part of me still, actively expressed as my Burning Man alter ego, “Agent 11”.  One of the things that really fascinated me about the character was her obvious growth and expansion as a person.  OK, the car and the clothes were cool, but she had obviously learned and tried so many different things.  I wanted to do that too… so I did, earning degrees in Psychology, Art and Costume Design, all with a good dose of the danger arts:  fencing, aerial fabric, rock climbing, and fire spinning.

 amber jobin  AetherArtsPerfume and dawn spencer hurwitz dsh[erumes

Dawn Spencer Hurwitz and Amber at The DSH Perfumes Studio

My path to perfumery began when I met Dawn Spencer Hurwitz of DSH Perfumes  in 2009 and began an open-ended apprenticeship.  Dawn made sure that I was well-grounded in all the basics, and soon after, my classes became self-directed.  This allows me to explore—in depth—anything I find compelling as a perfumer, whether concept, family or material.  Inspiration and imagination are the only limits! As a teacher, Dawn has been incredibly generous with her perfume knowledge (laudable in a field traditionally known for its secrecy).  I especially enjoy her extensive knowledge of perfume history which dovetails nicely with my knowledge of costume history.  As an employee of DSH Perfumes, I am helping to catalog Dawn’s huge collection of vintage and contemporary perfumes for the ArtScent Museum.  Smelling as I go, this has been an invaluable part of my perfume education:  I have learned to recognize the contextual characteristics of perfumes by decade, artist, and house.

She has also taught me how to smell critically.  It is easy enough to know if you like something subjectively but what makes one perfume an acknowledged masterwork and others not?  Learning this skill has given me so much insight into everything I smell and allows me to more accurately critique my own work.  Ultimately, Dawn gave me the skills to competently create in my own style.

Agent11w

Amber alter ego Agent 11 by Brian Zegarski

Integrating my apprentice and scholastic studies affords a unique, multidisciplined perspective for all my artistic endeavors:  perfume, mixed-media art, and jewelry.  The Burning Man festival has also figured prominently as both an inspiration and an artistic outlet.  Hula hooping, fire dancing and perfume creation are all part of that yearly experience.  Every Burning Man event has a specific art theme which I use as a perfumer’s brief to create a fragrance as a piece of art to share with the community.  I give away the first run of every burner perfume at the event.

WombAmberJobin362_0149b

Womb by Amber Jobin (mixed media using fabric and found objects)

I love to combine my art:  when designing a perfume I will often create a jewelry or mixed-media piece on the same theme.  While fire dancing, I may be struck by a great perfume idea; or a particular costume or clothing design might inspire me to develop a complementary fragrance.  Having many different creative outlets is like having the big, 64-box of crayons; I don’t I think I could be content with just a fistful of colors.

quayBrothersImage

 Street of Crocodiles by the Quay Brothers (Stephen and Timothy Quay are American identical twin brothers  who are influential stop-motion animators) photo by twi-ny/mdr

On American Perfumery:  Freedom!  It’s one of the best qualities of American Perfumery—the freedom to use any material you deem true to your vision—freedom to acknowledge European perfume traditions without being rigidly bound to them.  I so appreciate the unique voices of niche perfumers; the openness of American Perfumery allows the personalities and gifts of each indie perfumer to shine.

JosephCornellTradeWinds2

Joseph Cornell Tradewinds

Favorite American Artist:  It’s hard to narrow it down but for mixed-media art, I really love Joseph Cornell; his assemblages are so mysterious and dream-like!  I look at them and my mind is filled with so many questions.  Another favorite would be the movies of the Brothers Quay.  Their films, encompassing all the theater arts in miniature, are veritable assemblages in motion.  They simultaneously reveal and conceal; you see so much and yet know so little, a lot like life.

Amber Jobin, Perfumer and Artist

Amber in steampunk garb, Burning Man 2012

 Amber in Steampunk attire by Brian Zegarski

Thanks to Amber we have a draw for both our US and International readers:

aether arts perfumes

For Our US Readers: Your Choice of 5.5ml of Aether Argent, Inuus A Roll in the Grass ( both inspired by Burning Man)

For All Readers: A sample set of all three fragrances.

To be Eligible please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Amber Jobin and your choice of fragrance. If you LIKE CaFleureBon Profiles In American Perfumery on FACEBOOK your comment will count twice. Draw closes June 27, 2013.

SUPPORT AMERICAN ARTISAN PERFUMERS

Editor's Note: If you have called DSH Perfumes, chances are Amber assisted you. Amber also named one of my favorite DSH Perfumes- Mirabella, which was first reviewed and announced on CaFleurebon.  To learn more about the Annual Burning Man Festival, which will be held August 26-Sept 2 2013 in Nevada's Black Rock Desert click here– Michelyn Camen, Editor in Chief

We announce the winners on our site and on our Facebook page, so Like Cafleurebon and use our RSS option…or your dream prize wil be just spilled perfume

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

6 ÷ 1 =

34 comments

  • What a lovely review. I found fascinating the jewellery and perfume creations together. It makes total sense and I really love the way perfumers are embracing mixed media when creating. I want to say ike playing Piano and adding chords for depth but it may not be quite so…I also thought of creating an exquisite decor for a complex meal you have cooked..it goes hand in hand as does music, painting, perfumery, gardening, painting, sculpture…all related by the senses, all enhancing one another…I also love the Emma Peel and Burning Man combo. I'm determined to go to Burning man one day, so legendary, an american cultural icon. 🙂 Amber, the best of luck in your ventures!

  • leathermountain says:

    The multimedia approach makes a lot of sense to me, and I haven't heard that much about it in the perfume world.  The Zegarski photos are fantastic.  Tough call, but I think I'd select Inuus.  In USA.

  • I was extremely touched by the influence of Amber's brother on her education, family life and compassionate personality.  It seems as if her early experiences sparked her creative side, which took so many interesting turns, and continue to do so.  I love that Amber is always creating, exploring and open to new ideas.  It's so wonderful that Amber connected with DSH, who seems to have truly taken her under her wing and given her a true gift.  I would most like to try Inuus, which sounds glorious.  Thanks for the draw and best of luck with all your creations!

  • Innus sounds incredible, and it I find it briliant to develop scents in tandem with other art endeavors, especially an icononic festival like Burning Man!

  • I'm totally fascinated by this particular bio, Amber sounds like she walks forward through life trailing and gathering magic. Her tales of childhood, family, memories, influences and choices are all intertwined with what seems like a determined yet relaxed, honest curiousity about the world, and desire to let her reflections bounce our way. One way or another, I hope to be able to sample her work in scent, just for the complete story. (European resident).

  • Everything about Amber Jobin is fascinating, from her quirky, classic beauty to the name that suits her perfectly. I was charmed by the impact that Emma Peel has had on her teenage life through her current endeavors. I'm in the US and choose Inuus.

  • I thought her inspiration from the Burning Man festival was interesting, as well as her wonderfully eccentric alter ego 🙂 I would love to try A Roll in the Grass. I live in the US, and thank you for the draw!

  • What I found fascinating about Amber was her apprenticeship with Dawn. It's a reflection of perfumery in the past where all of the learning was done as an apprentice before setting up one's own perfumery business! Thanks for the draw, I live in the UK

  • Yay, Amber! 🙂  I hope that this profile is the first of many to come.  Amber brings a real dedication and creative mind to the art form of perfumery and I know that we have lots to look forward to as she grows and releases more of her work.  I am thrilled for both Amber and CFB for this profile.  Great work all around!

  • I love the idea of the burning man festival. I wish Iwas close enough to experience what it's like. It's fascinating that Amber draws inspiration from the festival.

    Diana Rigg was awesome. All class!!

    I live in the EU. ty

  • Burning man festival sound like fun and I love the daring costumes of Amber. If you got them flaunt them…;)

    I'm from the Netherlands and all three scents sound wonderful.

  • Amber sounds like an interesting person, and she is certainly being trained by one of the best:DSH. I found it interesting that Diana Rigg was an inspiration. Amber has certainly followed an interesting path. I live in the USA

  • Hey Amber!! – I had the opportunity to meet you a few years ago when I was in Boulder visiting the Essence Studio…and I think you were just starting to make fragrances. How wonderful that you have followed one of your dreams to fruition!!! And now to discover that we share a love of Emma Peel only makes me want to try your fragrances even more (Diana Rigg was the bomb – still is, IMHO). 

    I will be in Boulder later this summer – I'll get to try these fragrances then, so no need to include me in the draw. 

  • What WASN'T fascinating about this profile?! I'm quite envious of Amber's multitude of creative outlets that she draws inspiration from. I'm just not that creative (the kitchen is where my supply of creativity seems to leach out), and to see someone that can creat a themed scent, make jewelry and mixed media art is quite amazing. I think it's awesome that she had a thing for old camping/survival manuals – how cool is that! I would love to try Inuus. I live in the USA.

  • Thank you for the introduction to this amazing artist! I so admire people who are true to themselves, follow their bliss and find inspiration all around. I am most facinated by the threads that connect Amber's diverse passions and areas of study! I think I would most like to try Inuus.

  • I like that she combines art and creates perfumes regardless of the constraints that may be involved, that she acts with passion and freedom in everything she does.

    I do not live in the USA.

    Thanks! 

  • Amber's style is amazing to me! I am fascinated by someone

    with so much creativity and vision. I live in the US and choose Innus.

    Thanks!

     

  • I found it interesting that Amber's creative forces were present while she was growing up in Vermont, making her own art supplies out of natural materials that she was exploring. I live in the US and my choice would be Aether Argent.

  • Too cool she got to train with Dawn. DSH has some incredible fragrances. I really like the way Amber uses the "moment in time" approach to designing her fragrances. I can literally see her at the bonfire and seeing something so amazing and out of this world to inspire her next scent. Im in the USA and excited to try the Aether Agent. Thanx a million.

  • I am fascinated that Amber has a connection to the Green Mountains of Vermont. 

    My choice would be Aether Argent. Thanks Amber. 

  • I really found the relationship between Amber and Dawn fascinating, and the work she does for DSH. It's just so awesome, how much she has learned and how exciting it must be for her. I would absolutely love the chance to try Inuus. Thanks for the draw!

  • Amber sounds like a true free spirit, and I am awestruck by her artistic creativity in so many fields.  Great idea to have the art or jewellery to go with the fragrance!

    Inuus sounds beautiful.

    I am international.

  • I must admit that I have heard of the Burning Man Festival, but had no real idea of what it was. My 21 year old son helped me with this one! Anyway, Amber has lead quite an interesting life and it was fascinating to read about it and understand her inspirations. I would choose Inuus if I should win. Sounds like something I would like. Thanks and I live in the u.S.

  • On American Perfumery: Freedom! It’s one of the best qualities of American Perfumery—the freedom to use any material you deem true to your vision.

    I love this so much! Its about invention and growth-exspression and individualism-what you see as beauty and art. Would love to try any of your art fragrances thanks

  • Wow! I have not tried any of Amber's work but she is one huge character! Fire dancing and getting ideas? That really sounds amazing! Love the idea of combining scents with other artistic aspect. Perfume is an art itself! I'm an international reader and I thank you for the draw!

  • I found it great to hear her life story, and how she got to where she is today. I enjoyed this article quite a bit. 

    I live in Canada. 

  • It was great Amber mentioned the wonderful 64-box of crayons. 

    I live in U.S.A. I would select the sample set. ty 🙂

  • Fazal Cheema says:

    I can understand how Amber's brother has positively influenced her…People who have difficult lives often have better understanding of human emotions..

     

    for this draw, my choice is Inuus a Roll in the Glass.

  • USA and fb liker

    So cool! Amber's apprenticeship (DSH! big fan) was the awesomest part of this piece for me, but so was reading about the little girl who ground her own pigments and was homeschooled with her brother and sister–I got a sweet and clear image of this. 

    Burning Man and having many creative outlets–also very cool. Fire dancing, I mean, whoa.

    Thank you for the draw!  I'd choose the sample set, Inuus, or A Roll in the Grass. 

  • I'm usually in Boulder. LOVE DSH!

    Gotta love that American made resurgence. 🙂

    Innus and the Aether for choices.

    Live in the US