Exploring the Olfactive Terrain of New Mexico Through the Lens of Alchemy
Step into the fragrant landscape of New Mexico and discover the ancient art of incense through the lens of plant alchemy.
In this immersive workshop, botanical perfumer and aromatics educator Roxana Villa guides participants through the olfactive terrain of the high desert. Through scent, story, and hands-on practice, guests will explore the aromatic plants native to New Mexico and learn how these botanicals relate to alchemical correspondance.
Participants will work with seven carefully prepared plant materials, ground and curated for the experience, while learning how to craft incense in the style of the ancient Egyptian temple blend known as Kyphi.
This intimate sensory workshop weaves together:
• desert botanicals
• aromatic history
• incense craft
• the symbolic language of alchemy
By the end of the experience, participants will have created their own incense blend and gained a deeper appreciation for the fragrant plants of the desert.
Reserve your place and enter the aromatic world of the desert.
LOCATION
This session takes place at Roxana’s perfumery in the Mid-town Arts District of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
If you have questions, please contact Roxana to schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation prior to booking.
Online and live classes as well as additional workshops can be found here.
PRICING
Pricing is $250 for one to two attendees, with additional participants at $50 each (groups are intentionally kept small to ensure a focused, hands-on experience).
Incense making sessions are designed for personal creative exploration and fragrance appreciation rather than professional product development or commercial formulation.
About the Instructor
Roxana Villa earned her BFA from Otis Art Institute in Los Angeles. During her sophomore year, she submitted seven illustrations to the prestigious American Illustration Annual—all of which were accepted, with four published in the book. Upon graduation she was invited to return to Otis as an Illustration instructor.
After gaining experience teaching at the college level, Roxana moved to New York City to pursue a career as a freelance editorial illustrator. Over time, she discovered that her fantastical depictions of humans and plants paled in comparison to the direct sensory experience of working with plant distillates. This realization led her to pursue professional aromatherapy, eventually expanding into botanical perfumery and alchemical practices.
Her published work explores the intersection of aromatics, Jungian psychology, alchemy, and artistic expression. Roxana has given presentations at Bastyr University and the University of Utah, and has led lectures and workshops around the world. Her presentations combine artistic vision with scent reconstructions designed to evoke the atmosphere of ancient cultures and long-lost aromatic traditions.