AROMATICA MATERIA | A sensory study of botanical scent, smoke + ritual

AROMATICA MATERIA

The Sensory Art of Botanical Scent, Smoke & Ritual

SUNDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2026

TWO INTIMATE SESSIONS

Morning Session | 10:00am – 12:00pm Afternoon Session | 1:00pm – 3:00pm

$150.00 (including Eventbrite booking fees)

Art Department Studio Woolloomooloo, Sydney

An exploration of botanical provenance, aromatic composition and the ancient ritual of scent.

Join us for AROMATICA MATERIA, an intimate sensory workshop exploring the art of botanical incense making through material, intuition and ritual.

Guided by aromatic herbalist Kristen Budd of Calma Places, enter an aromatic library of thoughtfully sourced raw botanical materials, exploring a diverse collection of fragrant woods, aromatic herbs, natural resins, dried flowers, roots, barks and spices.

Discover the distinctive olfactory characteristics of each ingredient, from the grounding warmth of woody botanicals and the rich, balsamic complexity of natural resins to delicate floral notes, earthy undertones and the vibrant aromatic qualities of herbs and spices.

Through an esoteric lens, examine the provenance, textures, subtle complexities and individual scent profiles of these materials, developing an understanding of how their aromatic properties interact, complement and transform one another.

Explore the art of botanical composition, experimenting with contrasting aromatic families and discovering the delicate balance between earthy, woody, floral, herbaceous and resinous notes.

Under Kristen's guidance, learn the traditional techniques of selecting, blending and hand-rolling your own bespoke incense, creating a signature aromatic composition informed by your individual sensory instincts.

More than an incense-making workshop, AROMATICA MATERIA is an invitation to engage with the ancient practice of botanical perfumery, where material, intuition and ritual converge.

THE MATERIALS

WOODS. HERBS. RESINS. ROOTS. BARKS. FLOWERS. SPICES.

THE PRACTICE

SELECT. BLEND. FORM. BURN.

During this two-hour experience, you will have the opportunity to explore an extensive palette of natural aromatic ingredients, discover the foundations of botanical blending and learn the techniques of forming incense by hand.

Each guest will create their own bespoke aromatic composition to take home, allowing the sensory experience and ritual of scent to continue beyond the studio.

No previous experience is required. All materials and equipment are provided.

Organic herbal teas and light refreshments will be served throughout the experience.

Limited to 10 guests per session, allowing for an intimate and considered exploration of scent.

ART DEPARTMENT STUDIO Woolloomooloo, Sydney

LOCATION

Art Department Studio 13 Forbes Street Corner of Nicholson Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 (Opposite The Tilbury Hotel)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Art Department Studio is approximately a five-ten minute walk from Kings Cross Station and is easily accessible via public transport from the Sydney CBD, Eastern Suburbs and Sydney Airport.

A number of bus services travel along Cowper Wharf Road, providing direct access to Woolloomooloo and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

PARKING

One-hour street parking is available directly outside the Studio on Nicholson Street.

Additional free all-day parking is often available on Wilson Street, directly behind the Studio, subject to availability. On Saturdays and Sundays, complimentary all-day street parking is also available throughout many of the surrounding streets of Woolloomooloo and Potts Point.

FINDING THE STUDIO

Keep an eye out for our distinctive pink iron gates and heritage brick building.

Should you require assistance locating the studio, please call 0450 476 605.

Discover more about us on Instagram:

@artdept_studio_ @calma_places

Art Department Studio respectfully acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather, create, learn and share.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise their enduring connection to Country, community, culture and storytelling.

We honour the deep custodianship of this land that continues to sustain our work, our creativity and our community.