Deep Smelling is a meditative, experiential artform, that brings attention to our sense of smell.
The Deep Smelling Protocols are a series of 25 cues. They are simple exercises to get us thinking about and engaging with, our sense of smell.
They were developed as part of my PhD research at Ulster University and are inspired by renowned composer Pauline Oliveros’ Deep Listening.
This set of 25 A6 cards in a stitched and foil-blocked box, with ergonomic pencil and spare cards is currently available to buy via Uphold.
Uphold is a non-profit platform promoting and selling work by artists in Northern Ireland run by Household Belfast.
The design of the cards has a sculptural quality, keeping in mind that they are working tools to be handled. I worked with Simon Goode at London Centre for Book Arts (LCBA) to create the cards. We ordered the boxes to house the cards from a company that makes stapled cardboard boxes to house nails, screws etc. Our aim was to negate the feeling of a ‘precious’ artwork, creating a more everyday usable feel to the box. The matte feel of the box with its rough edges and staples keeps the haptic in mind.
This was continued via the inclusion of an ergonomic pencil and extra cards made of scrap from the LCBA workshop, so that whoever uses the protocols can make notes, journal, or even make their own protocols.
With practice a greater understanding of the spatial and sculptural qualities of smell can develop. This in turn creates a rebalancing of the Enlightenment hierarchy of the senses, renewed knowledge of how olfaction influences our perception and cultivation of greater tolerance and empathy in relation to smell.
No olfactory prowess is necessary to practice Deep Smelling.’
Jan Uprichard 