My work as a writer spans theatre/performance, poetry, prose, collaborative and visual projects. I've developed an interdisciplinary practice, combining writing with other art-forms, working with other artists, also bringing in a range of my other interests.  I had been personally learning about essential oils and natural perfumery, as well as researching alchemy and correspondence - and found that this wanted to find a place in my work.  This is my thinking behind 'holistic creative practice': to have as few unnecessary divides in our lives as possible; to better understand how different areas can speak to each other, and the renewed sense of possibility this creates.  

 

In 2016 I was Poet-Perfumer in Residence with StAnza: Scotland's International Poetry Festival, where I made 'Five Charms for the Potingair' - a series of corresponding poems and perfumes; an interactive installation referencing alchemy, perfumery and the Elements.  

 

I wanted to share the research and techniques behind the work, but also to discover how other people could respond to these ideas.  So I designed the first Poetry Apothecary workshop combining scent-blending and writing. The first workshop took place at the Falkland Centre for Stewardship in 2016 and has had a few more outings since then.  

 

And here we are.  It felt like a good time to gather together everything I've learnt throughout this process, to create this website as a dedicated space, and to see where else it wants to go.  New work, new workshops - the journey continues and you're already part of it...