At Perfumera Curandera we have been blessed with an incredible community, many of which we have been lucky enough to share in moments of art, creative collaborations, and most of all healing.

It has been a long year for us all, lets close it out as we open a new chapter by highlighting some of the creative forces who have contributed their wonderful talents to the beauty of Perfumera Curandera’s style over the last few years.

To start the series we are sharing a Q+A with Portland-based multimedia artist and musician, Javier Bracamonte, the first Creative of Curandera who we will be featuring in this series. Javier has shared some of his otherworldly talents with us in the form of sensual, dream-like photography and videography that truly captures his connection to the earth through his experience with our botanical perfumery over the last few months.

PERFUMERA CURANDERA (PC): Tell us about your artwork and connection to the world of Perfumera Curandera.
JAVIER BRACAMONTE (JB): Discovered Santo and Jungle Rose in NYC which is one of my favorite places on earth, at the time, I was living in Colorado craving lushness and healing through botanicals , Perfumera Curandera really transported me back to my rainforest childhood in Central America. Immediately, I emailed Leanne with a picture of Jungle Rose by the piano 5 years ago. Since then, we’ve been sharing music, scents, stories, and uplifting our spirits.

PC: What brings you Joy and where are you finding inspiration these days?
JB: Improvisational piano moments! Music gives me so much joy, especially in the gestational stage of a project. My main inspiration lately comes from reading, meditation, and mother nature (Pacha Mama). It is always a reminder to find joy with simple things.

PC: With healing plants being at the core of our botanical perfumes, do you connect your creativity with aspects of Nature?
JB: Absolutely! Natural light and water are key elements for my adventures. It takes away our digital world by immersing every sense in alignment with the surroundings. There is something truly magical happening by honoring healing plants/florals.

PC: As a visual storyteller what do you hope an onlooker takes away from your work? What emotions are you trying to evoke?
JB: Mystery, rawness and complexity. Usually, I spend some time daydreaming about the possibilities before shooting to create something unique and vibrant.

PC: If you could choose another medium to experiment with, different from the one you normally do, what would that medium be and why?
JB: Watercolor painting. I find a similar relationship between watercolor painting and film photography, there’s something spontaneous and organic going on.

PC: Scent not only has the power to heal, but also the power to transport. How does scent transport you?
JB: It is my favorite quality about perfume! It has the ability to take me places as well as create narratives which are essential for my creative process.

PC: If you were stranded on an island and could only take one Perfumera Curandera perfume with you, which would it be and why?
JB: Jungle Rose Mariri! It makes me feel like I’m swimming in the protection of honeyed rose petals intertwined with Piri Piri's mystical presence.

PC: Describe your perfect day and why?
JB: A day filled with rituals, meditation, and hiking/foraging with my corgi daughters. The best version of myself comes from a deep understanding of my own emotions and ways to ignite my creative soul.

PC: What is your favourite Flower?
JB: Roses 🌹🌹🌹

PC: If you could take off on an Adventure where would you choose to go?
JB: Capri!

Javier Bracamonte, artist and composer, made this beautiful short film shot on his Super 8 camera inspired by Perfumera Curandera in the magic of mother nature in Oregon. Bracamonte also composed this beautiful track called Angel 1st, on his honeymoon in Kauai.

Creatives of Perfumera Curandera • Javier Bracamonte