CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery: Joseph Colbourne of Cambium Fragrances + American Abstract Expressionism Draw

JCtoday

Joseph Colbourne of Cambium Fragrances

Profile: I was born in Boston and raised in Southeastern Massachusetts with four siblings. My mother was a screen printer and homemaker and my father a retired police officer and folk musician. I took interest at an early age in all matters of flora and fauna, from the eastern white pines that lined the front of our modest little home, to the lilies-of-the-valley and bosc pear tree in our backyard.

JCasaboy

Joseph at 5 yrs old

There was also a small vineyard beside our house, tended to by the previous owners, left to grow wild and wondrous, with tart green grapes that I’d relish in the summertime. My mother would take me on walks to pick wild blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, and point out the many wildflowers that grew in sprawling glades. My Dad would let me splash a little of his Canoé, English Leather, or Old Spice. One of my favorite gifts he gave me to me was a field guide to insects and spiders. I was raised to respect and honor nature; to appreciate music and art; and I was given the space to express myself creatively however I wanted.

As I reached adolescence, home life proved to be more challenging, and this is when I started the journey to find myself as many teenagers do. Punk rock, safety pins, dyed hair, smashing systems, collecting records, creating an identity for myself. Though each veneer would be shed and redone a number of times (mod, indie rocker, studied aesthete, the exact opposite), my punk-rock ideals and desire to preserve my individuality remained. My love for music led to DJing starting in my twenties. For ten years, I invested much energy in this creative expression, while quietly enjoying scent through niche and indie fragrances (after all, my idea at the time was that nothing should be pedestrian about my tastes!). However, I hadn’t given much thought to the idea of getting any more involved with scent beyond a passive appreciation.

It was at toward the end of 2013 that I reached my breaking point. I felt stuck working full-time jobs in corporate environments to pay the bills and after ten years of DJing I reached a point where I reached a place of dissatisfaction and exhaustion. Have I really in fact found myself? Thus started a chapter of introspection and self-exploration, which lead to facing some difficult realities. As winter approached, around Christmastime, I started burning balsam fir incense. As simple and mundane is that might seem to be, it made a profound impact to me. I thought to myself, “this is like aromatherapy,” which brought me to the question, “what is aromatherapy?” I bought a few essential oils, all woodsy: cedar, spruce, fir, juniper berry, even birch tar (was I in for a surprise with that one!). I  was immediately hooked, and wanted to know what all these oils were used for, what they smelled like. What is cistus? Tagetes?! Galbanum!?! Davana!?!?! I was so naïve and thirsty for knowledge—for the first time in years, I felt so inspired and eager. I began studying both aromatherapy and perfumery, reading voraciously, sniffing, blending, soaking it all in.

I left my full-time job and found myself with invaluable time to experiment, study, and grow. This rare opportunity has enabled me to tap into a skill I would never imagined as part of my repertoire just a few short years ago. I was brought to scent by looking inward and taking a moment to really be present with my sensory experiences; through sitting with my feelings, meditation, and spiritual growth. I discovered a new love affair and passion as a result. Over eighteen months later, I am now a certified clinical aromatherapist and self-taught perfumer. Still very much a student, I am just beginning to share the fruit of my efforts and develop an identity in my new fields.

 scenesfromworkspace

Collage of essences and raw materials from Joseph's studio

I consider myself an artist treading a fine line between traditional, structured approaches to perfumery and iconoclastic, intuitive, far-reaching experimentation. I create all-natural fragrances and mixed media (using both naturals and aroma molecules). At the moment, I am learning how the synergistic effects of naturals play with (and against) the more ‘sine wave’ like tones of isolates and synths. However, being the pragmatist, I understand my place and my level of experience, and am still developing my vision. I am not so sure if at the moment I want to sell a philosophy as I want to simply share my art. There is still so much to learn, modify, reinforce, and nurture. I do know that I want to tell stories, evoke different places, different times in one’s life. I want some of my scents to be agents of ‘elsewhereness’ and others to be meditative, putting the wearer very much in the sacred ‘present.’ They can feel handsome or glamorous, playful or austere. I see a lot of exciting adventures and enriching experiences in my future: making larger batches of my creations, growing my own plants, distilling my own materials, developing additional products such as skin care and aromatherapeutic blends. Today, however, I simply and humbly want others to experience the perfumed creations that I have spent the past several months constructing and refining. I also want to encourage a deeper connection with our primal sense of smell through expanding our language in relation to scent, approaching fragrance much the same as one would with architecture, food, painting, music, or poetry.

samplingolibanumcoeur

Joseph sampling different raw materials

On American Perfumery: For better or worse, America is about individualism. With the help of the internet, this has encouraged the (re-emerging trend) of the independent artisan, with unlimited access to research and the means to educate oneself. One’s individualism is a virtue when he or she is connecting with their community in some capacity. American perfumery has the potential to do just this—to connect to a person’s dreams, desires, joys, memories, and to unearth sensations that have been buried from deep within their psyche. There is something profound about the power of scent and the small-scale indie perfumer as a vehicle for delivering these sensory experiences; exceptionally personal and intimate connections are made.

cleve grey silver and gold paintings 1967

Cleve Grey Silver and Gold 1967

Favorite American Artist: My favorite American artist is painter Cleve Gray, an American Abstract expressionist painter, who was also associated with Color Field painting and Lyrical Abstraction. The aesthetic of color field painting is how I imagine my Cambium olfactory works to resemble.

Joseph Colbourne of Cambium Fragrances, website (coming soon): www.cambiumfragrances.com

silkvine

Silkvine Cambium Fragrances

 We have a draw as follows: For a US registered reader  Joseph is offering  a 10ml bottle of Silkvine, with notes top notes of Pink Pepper, Cabrueva, Cinnamon, heart notes of Chinese Silk Vine, Frangipani, Cascarilla Bark, and Turmeric, and base notes of Labdanum, Patchouli, Sandalwood, and Peru Balsam

OR

accismus

Accismus Cambium Fragrances

a 10ml bottle of his  100% Natural perfume Accismus, with top notes of Bergamot, Maritime Pine, Lime, heart notes of Raspberry, Rose, Heliotrope, Cedarwood and base notes of Blonde Tobacco, Patchouli, Cacao, Benzoin and Geranium. To be eligible please leave a comment with what you found fascinating about Joseph and your choice of fragrance. Draw closes August 3, 2014

Please like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery and your entry will count twice.

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

 

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20 comments

  • I am impressed that Joseph had the insight and courage to pursue his passion. It isn’t easy to take a leap from full-time, predictable paychecks into the unknown. Other stories I’ve seen featured on the blog highlight what seem like natural paths for perfumers. All interesting, but Joseph’s story contained some turns I didn’t expect. I imagine he is self-aware and confident in other areas of life, as well. Kudos to him! I would be interested in trying Accismus, if given the opportunity. Thank you for hosting a giveaway!

  • I love the Profiles in American Perfumery series! Always happy to be introduced to a new perfumer. I enjoyed Joseph’s introspective and open profile very much. I’d like to try them both (of course) but I’d pick Silkvine. Cheers!

  • fazalcheema says:

    Joseph had an enjoyable childhood, with fruits such as blackberry and raspberry growing in his backyard and his parents encouraging him to observe the nature including insects. I also kind of agree with Joseph that the internet has done marvels to encourage individuals to pursue their dreams on their own. thanks so much for the draw. My choice will be Accismus. I am in the US

  • I really enjoyed reading everything about Joseph’s journey but I was most moved by the point he came to, of dissatisfaction and he acted apon it. I guess being young helps motivate that decision but its never easy and I admire the direction he took. We now all benefit. I would choose Silkvine. They all sound divine. These American profiles are wonderful reading by the way and I am constantly amazed with them. I am a US registered reader.

  • pursejunkie says:

    Nice to see someone willing to out and say, hey, I’m still learning here. Accismus sounds like the choice for me.
    U.S.

  • I have been admiring Joseph’s taste in all things botanical and am imagining that his perfumes are infused with the same fascination with the natural world that he communicates so well. I feel a real, true connection to his work and intention and feel that he is someone who I would want to support in his endeavors since his work is so genuine. I would be so stoked to win a bottle of Silkvine, since this is clearly an offering of connection and beauty, and on a Blue Moon no less…..Congrats Joseph!

  • Joseph, like most of the perfumers profiled here, seems to have a strong desire to follow his dreams and a strong streak of creativity. I find his courage commendable in going for it! His two perfumes sound like interesting concoctions, and I would love to try Accimus should I win.USA33bg

  • Rather amazing turn of events and courageous to jump from the field of music to the field of perfumery and aromatherapy.

    Found it refreshing that he honestly stated that this is a new field for him and he has learned a great deal in a short space of time.

    Wishing you all the very best, Joseph!

  • I love Joseph’s attention to the natural world and the way he draws inspiration from his life spent out-of-doors. Hard to choose between the two – let’s say Accimus.

  • I was really touched by the description of his childhood, and how his parents encouraged him to explore things that he loved through nature– and what luck to have parents who love and appreciate art and encouraged it in all its forms!

  • What i find fascinating about Joseph is what i find interesting about most people who have an authenticity which is palatable: they are not confined by any perspective on themselves- be that of others or of their own; and as such never cease to evolve.

    I also have a great passion for emerging artists of any medium- but a blooming perfumer kicks the ole vagus nerve in! There is great strength and wisdom in being a novice, in the honesty and openness it takes to say one is such.

    Thrilled to know Joseph at such a magical point in his journey! My choice would, of course, be Accismus.

    Registered user USA

  • Congrats on launching the new line!

    I love that Joseph allowed himself the time to study and explore combined with self study and meditation. It is very sincere. His earnest exploration and confidence radiates!

    If I am chosen I would love to sample Accismus.

    Thanks for the draw – US.

  • Right in my own backyard… I live in Brookline.
    Really cool how Joseph is so honest that he is a beginner and that he is still learning that shows real humility. My choice would be Accimus.

  • I enjoyed reading about Joseph and found his self-observations fascinating, particularly that “though each veneer would be shed and redone a number of times (mod, indie rocker, studied aesthete, the exact opposite), my punk-rock ideals and desire to preserve my individuality remained”. Thank heavens! My choice of fragrance would be Silkvine.
    I like CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery.

  • bunchofpants says:

    I like that Joseph can trace his journey into scent to a particular source–the burning of balsam fir incense. Amazing how one seemingly small thing can set one onto a particular path. I would choose Accismus. I’m in USA.

  • First of all, I love natural perfumes. They capture the essence of nature so well.

    Daniel’s childhood sounded so idyllic. His fond memories of his family, playing in nature, and remembering his dad’s scent is touching to read about. Then that childhood is contrasted with the angst of being a teenager. I can really relate.

    It’s also fascinating to read about how Daniel immersed himself into music and DJ’ing but still feeling incomplete until he followed his calling.

    Aromatherapy is such a beauty form of therapy. I’m glad he followed his true calling. I admire anyone who can dig inside to see that what they are currently doing is not making them happy or whole and to embrace where theirheart guides them towards.

    I love the aspect of individualism in perfumes and thus I love niche lines. There’s so much to love about them.

    I’m in the USA and would love to win Accismus. I have liked the CaFleureBon Profiles in American Perfumery page!

  • I found his whole winding journey fascinating–it’s inspiring that he pursued his passions! And especially the voracious appetite for learning. It’s also exciting that he’s Boston-based. The West Coast keeps hogging the indie scene ;D
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    USA I would choose Silkvine

  • I can relate to Joseph ‘ s affinity for punk rock and safety pins, in his younger years. I find the description of Silk vine fascinating and would love the chance to try it. I’m in the US, thanks!

  • If Joseph’s taste in fragrances is as interesting as his taste in art, then hos perfumes musy be lovely. I love the work shown of his favorite painter. If I won the draw, I’d choose Accimus. I live in the US.