JUNI

The Power of Scent in Memory

In the essay Av Malena Skote, the author reminisces about the profound power of scents to evoke vivid memories and emotions. She describes how the fragrance of lilacs instantly transports her to her teenage years and early summer days, cycling home through tranquil neighborhoods after school endings. The lilac hedges bend their blossoming branches far out into the street, and for a moment, the world seems empty except for herself and the lingering scent of the blossoms.

Scents and Associations

Similarly, the aroma of apple blossoms brings Skote straight back to her grandmother’s garden, a place of childhood adventure among the trees. She muses on the unique, heavenly quality of the apple blossom’s fragrance—noticeable without being overpowering, full yet not too sweet—and reflects on the general difficulty of putting the experience of scent into words. Associations and comparisons are the tools we use, she notes, as when lavender’s freshness seems inseparable from its frequent use in soaps. Is it the product that shapes our perception, or is the plant truly inherently clean-smelling?

Skote observes that scents bypass language and thought, going “directly to our inner being without passing the intellect.” She ponders how, in our word-heavy world, the fleeting, intangible nature of scents leads the sense of smell to be somewhat overlooked. Scents cannot be documented or written down—“When will there be a scent-CD-rom?” she wonders, citing Marguerite Walfridson’s book Doft for insights into the challenges perfume makers face in trying to preserve fragrances.

The Sensitivity and Subjectivity of Smell

She wryly admits that her sense of smell sometimes fails her completely—unable to detect burning in the kitchen, or the scent of mouse in a cellar that others claim is unmistakable—yet when it comes to flowers, her nose is uncannily sensitive, able to “sense lilies of the valley from a hundred meters away” even when others doubt her.

Skote suggests that, like eyesight, our sense of smell perceives what it wants to, influenced by attention and context. She notes how the term “fragrant” has become common in plant catalogues, catering to our desire for strong floral scents from plants like honeysuckle and roses, while also reminding readers that many green leaves—such as those of tansy or mugwort—offer mysterious, spicy aromas when crushed.

Scent Gardens and Sensory Awareness

The essay touches on the creation of "doftträdgårdar," or sensory gardens, planted with fragrant varieties and specially designed for the blind, complete with braille signage. Skote encourages even the sighted to close their eyes in such gardens, to allow the scents to fully emerge into consciousness. This summer, she plans to train her sense of smell—much like a wine taster trains their palate—by taking “scent walks,” closing her eyes and truly savoring the aromatic symphony of the garden.

Professional Background and Creative Philosophy

This keen attentiveness to sensory experience is echoed in Skote's professional background. As a multi-talented creative professional trained as an architect, she works as a writer, illustrator, and photographer. Skote is especially known for her hands-on approach to DIY projects, often working with recycled materials.

Influential Craft Books

Her influential concrete craft books, such as Betong som hobby (“Concrete as a Hobby”), Inspirerande betong: 44 projekt att gjuta själv (“Inspiring Concrete: 44 Projects to Cast Yourself”), and Stora betongboken (“The Big Concrete Book: 100 Projects from Try-Out to Pro”), helped start a popular movement for concrete crafts in Sweden.

Her most recent book, Slöjda med skräp (“Craft with Trash”), exemplifies her environmental philosophy and dedication to reusing materials—transforming cardboard, worn clothing, and plastic bags into useful new items. Skote’s DIY guides are characterized by their pedagogical, step-by-step style, making creative projects accessible even to beginners.

Creativity, Sustainability, and Hands-On Learning

Skote believes that so-called "waste"—from torn clothes to packaging—is actually potential material for new creations, reflecting her conviction that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. Her background in architecture brings a structural sensibility to her projects, and she often encourages her readers to dare to experiment and make things by hand, eschewing perfectionism for play and imagination.

Interplay of Nature and Creativity

Through both her craft books and sensory essays, Skote reveals a deep appreciation for the interplay between the natural world and human creativity. Whether reflecting on the elusive nature of a scent or guiding readers to see treasure in trash, she consistently invites us to notice, experiment, and remember—with all our senses.