Hung Out To Dry...the Olfactory Project, Fruit Basket made with real fruit!!! : )

[Camille]

Step one...hanging out the citrus to dry...

Step 2: Collection of Dried Citrus...oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits

Hello there my CCS friends! It is good and well that I took time out from the PC...confirmed by the Universe, as there have been tech problems with Vista again...so it was meant for me to take this online break!

Am still putting together my futon, organizing and rearranging furniture. The retreat was enlightening and the Sacred Contracts book is keeping me busy as well. Reading a great Sci-Fi fantasy book...The Illuminatus, by Robert Anton Wilson...outrageously different!!!

Outdoors treats, more cottontail bunnies, feeding the squirrels and birds, looking for a hummingbird feeder. Saw the first lady bug and wasp this week, a gorgeous cardinal, many robins, black birds, wrens, sweet sounds of the mockingbirds...and unopened BUDS on the azaleas.

However, every day, there has been time for me to do something artisitically creative...and here is one of the "fruits of play":

It is called it the Citrus Zest.

It was an experiment...and it works!

Step 3: Dried fruit "sewn" together with thin copper wire

Step 4: fruit attached to a small light. It occurred to me that a little light would enhance the scent. It does!

Step 5: Place Light in Basket and turn Light on! : )

Basket with light on and more citrus potpourrie added.

Side view of Citrus Bowl

Alternative...leave out the light and just make a pretty slightly scented bowl filled with dried citrus and pretty pieces of papers!

It is possible to add a wire, so the bowl can be hung near a light too!

This project was a real challenge for me, as I have very sensitive olfactory senses and they don't feel good with most strong fragrances...even natural ones, like flowers! I loved the mystery of the outcome...it's suble natural scent, how beautiful the dried fruits are...The process was very much a direct experience with the natural aromas, as the fruits had to be cut and the juice squeezed out...mmmm...heavenly citrus smells made me happy! Every day was exciting, as it was intriguing to me how the fruits dried and deformed.

It must really be true that the smell of lime has an anti-depressant effect to it, because the de- juicing process was so joyfilled!

I miss you all and will be back shortly...

Love Camille/aka Dabs : )

[Jean]

I was wondering the same thing as Fiona...is it a single light of some type? Do tell!!

[Patricia]

What can I say? Lovely!!! I could even smell them.Go on working, you are on your way...
A big hug

[Julia]

Dear friend Dabs-you are always an inspiration, and I am enthralled by all of your citrus pieces-you have such talent and imagination- I would never have thought of such a creative idea-wiring fruit together into a sculpture of zesty delights-the top one is good enough to set my taste buds singing!

I just love the 5th and 6th ones with the light-only a true artist could have created such an' enLIGHTening' art sculpture covering sight and light, taste and scent-just brilliant girlfriend...hugs

Now I really need to know what you did to get that brilliant blue on the zest of the second one-all I can say is WOW, you are one cool artist!

[Lotus L Vele]

Dabs!
Real citrus is one of my favorite scents! What a great idea. I was going to ask you about the bits of color I see, but you answered. I was thinking maybe you might have used touches of paint. Very cool!

[Lin Neiswender]

What an interesting project Camille! You made dried fruit into a literal work of art and a feast for the senses. Good job!

[Charlene Reeves]

Camille I am so proud of you and your new found energy. Keep up the good work my friend.

[Camille]

Hi Susan! I so appreciate your visit!
"You help me to see life in a different way and more appreciative. Thanks for the inspiration." This kind of statement keeps me sharing and makes me happy, dear Susan!
Love and hugs from Camille

[Camille]

Hi Shayla! It was a project I knew you would enjoy! Thank you for stopping by to check it out!
Love and hugs from Camille

[Susan Hosken]

Oh Camille. It was so great to read this discussion. You seem to be in such a joyous energetic time at the moment and it is so wonderful with all the grief you have suffered. I love the citrus sensations. You are always up to some sort of creative work that is so different and inspiring to me. You help me to see life in a different way and more appreciative. Thanks for the inspiration.
lots of love from susan in australia

[Shayla]

Wonderful! A joyful project for all the senses *applause*