Lia Pascaniuc, a multifaceted artist, has masterfully bridged the worlds of visual art and olfactory storytelling. Known for her evocative creations, Lia’s journey into niche perfumery is a testament to her ability to transform memories, emotions, and artistic visions into unique fragrances. In this exclusive interview, Lia shares how her artistic background shaped her path, the inspirations behind her creations, and the meticulous process of crafting her two latest perfumes, Aurora Gold and Aurora Blue.
Introduction & Inspiration
Lia, your journey as an artist has been truly inspiring. Can you share how your artistic background influenced your decision to create niche perfumes? R: As an artist I used mainly the senses of sight and touch, the spontaneous consequence of the natural use of smell led me to decide to create fragrances. The perception of the movement of colors and shapes of artworks in this case is recreated at the olfactory level, using the same care and research that characterize my art in creating these artistic fragrances: an immersive journey that unlocks old memories and creates new precious ones.
Every artist has a muse. What inspired the creation of your two new perfumes? Were there specific memories, emotions, or places that shaped their stories? R: When we talk about smell, we often talk about memories related to a person or a place. There are many ways you can create works of art from concepts; for example, the intense fragrance of cypress wood in Aurora Blue recalls to my mind the places of my homeland, in Bucovina, back when I was running in the woods on wet grass, with a head full of dreams. I wanted a fragrance with fresh, aromatic tones that releases pure energy around; and an embracing fragrance as pleasing and sensual as Aurora Gold.
Niche perfumery is often described as an art form. How do you see it aligning with your broader artistic vision? R: The enchantment of a fragrance is an extremely expressionistic art form, in which each creator-artist tells their interpretation of facts filtered through their experiences and emotions. The essence takes on different shades and scents once it is vaporized because it blends with the scents of the wearer, creating a unique olfactory sensation. It is the same feeling when contemplating a work of art: intimate and personal for each person.
Creative Process
Take us behind the scenes: What was the creative process like for these perfumes? Did you encounter any unexpected challenges or revelations? R: It was initially an introspective work. I wanted to create essences that spoke of my art, but also of my vision, and I found in the whole work Aurora Light the ideal visual essence for this creative process. There were many challenges, but they turned into a stimulus to meet with the technicians and to face the rules of an industry different from my own.
The crafting of niche perfumes is a deeply personal endeavour. How did you decide on the unique olfactory identities for each of your creations? R: The olfactory identities have been able to patiently wait to later surprise me; they matured, a bit like good wine aged in barrique.
As an artist, how do you know when a piece of art—or in this case, a perfume—is complete? R: When they “speak to you”. When you feel it is time to present it to the world, then you know you have accomplished what you had in mind. Of course, there are also the technical aspects, that is indispensable for completeness.
The Perfumes
Could you describe the main accords or notes of each perfume? How do they reflect your personality or artistic essence?
R: Aurora Gold has a golden base of Incense and Vanilla, spiritual and sweet, Rosewood, Ebony and Amber, intense, deep and warm. Lavender and Thyme are the aromatic and characterizing heart, and at the top is the aggrandized and fragrant Mandarin. They evoke in me memories of the scents and colors in Orthodox churches, typical Romanian dresses and golden candles that release a unique and intense scent. They are the essence of my story, from which I derive inspiration in my art.
Aurora Blue is equally intense, unique and persistent, some find it more suitable for men, with a base of Cypress, Musk, Wood, the exotics Patchouly and Vetyver, graced by Lavender, Jasmine and delicate Lily of the Valley as middle notes, made fresher by the top notes of Grapefruit and Neroly. A mélange of notes that gives it a sparkling brio, a main trait of my personality.
If each of your perfumes were a painting, what colors or images would they evoke? R: The golden and bluish colors in the evocative images of the two perfumes are reproduced on the packaging, works from the Aurora Light project, published in the book Vita Liquida, Silvana Editoriale.
Do the names of your perfumes hold a special meaning? How do they tie into the story you want to tell? R: The two perfumes were inspired by an art project that sought to depict the moment when the essence of steaming, boiling geysers is captured, where hot water and steam are released in an explosion of life. In that very moment, the colors of the steam vary from purple to blue to yellow in a golden dance. The names of the essences are dedicated to this natural phenomenon.
Connection to Romania
Being a Romanian artist, how does your heritage and culture influence your approach to niche perfumery? R: Romania is a country rich in colors, scents and traditions. I come from a family where taste and passion for aesthetics (in the literal sense of the word) and beauty were very much felt. The search for high quality products and the accuracy, the study I put into the creation of my works is almost scientific. I often seek technicians and experts’ advice and I did the same for these two Extrait de Parfum. They were created niche by their nature, because they are Limited Edition, with a high percentage of essential oils.
Are there elements of Romania’s natural beauty or traditions that found their way into these fragrances? R: As I answered above, they bring back memories of my childhood in Romania.
Audience & Vision
These two perfumes mark an exciting milestone in your journey. Can we expect more fragrances or perhaps an expansion into other sensory arts in the future? R: My philosophy is for art to be usable and accessible. Aurora Blue and Aurora Gold are my latest two artistic creations and as such can be worn by anyone. I have been promoting accessible luxury lines for years, precisely because I believe that quality is a fundamental aspect of making any product even while respecting sustainability and the environment. A quality product lasts longer, with great benefits in environmental terms, especially if it is made with eco-friendly materials and processes. For me this is luxury and as such it should be for anyone who shares this philosophy. Made in Italy is a strength of the brand, as is the packaging that has environmental labeling.
The world of niche perfumery is intimate and personal. What kind of connection do you hope your audience will form with your creations? R: There are many niche fragrances. If a person chooses such a fragrance, it is because they feel sophisticated, completed, represented, “dressed” by a certain essence. I would like the person who chooses Aurora Gold or Aurora Blue to wear them like a second skin. I wish they could feel them their own, because the variety of notes on each skin type gives and leaves a different scent, which becomes unique. I would like everyone to somehow feel that they complement the two essences with their own personal skin scent, to create a unique version of the two scents.
Future Plans
These two perfumes mark an exciting milestone in your journey. Can we expect more fragrances or perhaps an expansion into other sensory arts in the future? R: Absolutely, I will surprise you soon with exotic and floral notes, but I don't want to anticipate too much.
If you could collaborate with any global artist, perfumer, or brand, who would it be and why? R: I would love to collaborate with Serge Lutens, a multifaceted and visionary artist like me. I have often worn his fragrances.
Personal Reflection
Perfumes often encapsulate memories. If you could encapsulate one defining moment of your life into a fragrance, what would it smell like? R: Aurora Gold certainly represents me more. They are both “my kids,” so I like them both and they both reflect something of me, but perhaps Aurora Gold evokes the most pleasant suggestions and memories for me: like the trip to Saudi Arabia.
How do you want your legacy as an artist to be remembered? R: All my art, my artistic expression, has been characterized by research. I have never produced on impulse or spur of the moment. I have always studied, researched, often collaborated and relied on experts. I have always sought quality and expressed my point of view through works that are always different in materials, expressions, and fruition. I have adapted my artistic expressiveness to changes, I have analyzed them, they have always fascinated me. I would like to be remembered for the versatility of my art and for this need for constant research.
Closing
Finally, what message would you like to send to those discovering your perfumes for the first time? R: I created Aurora Gold and Aurora Blue so that they would be a sensory experience. Eyes closed you can fully savor their notes and fragrances; eyes open you see the packaging, the work of art from which they are inspired. The first puff to “feel” them, the second to “see” them and be transported into the magical world of Aurora Light.
Lia Pascaniuc’s perfumes are more than just fragrances; they are sensory masterpieces that encapsulate her life, artistry, and personal memories. Each creation invites us to embark on an olfactory journey, exploring emotions, places, and stories that resonate deeply with the soul. As Lia continues to redefine the art of perfumery, her work serves as a beautiful reminder that creativity knows no bounds, seamlessly weaving the visual and the sensory into something truly exceptional.
Comments