Russell Weiss
Russell Weiss grew up in the wind‑swept fields of Chicago’s suburbs, learning the language of plants from his grandfather and father. After earning a degree in graphic design at the University of Illinois, he spent a decade moving between sound installations, visual art, and teaching. A chance encounter with a vintage botanical perfume sparked a quiet obsession; he began mixing essential oils in his kitchen, documenting each trial with the rigor of a scientist and the curiosity of an artist. By 2015 he launched Deep Field Aromatics, a studio that produces small‑batch, hand‑crafted scents rooted in the flora of the Midwest. The brand quickly attracted collectors who value transparency and the tactile experience of a perfume that feels like a field walk. Today Russell balances studio work with workshops, inviting participants to experiment with raw materials and to accept failure as a stepping stone to discovery.
The hits
Notable creations
The signature
How Russell composes
Russell favors natural extracts, often beginning with a single botanical anchor such as sage, cedar, or wild thyme. He builds around that core with supporting herbs, resins, and modest touches of citrus or spice. Rather than layering dozens of synthetics, he lets the inherent character of each material speak. He frequently employs cold‑press techniques to preserve the fresh green quality of his ingredients. In the lab he works in small glass vessels, testing each formulation on blotter before moving to skin, ensuring the scent breathes as the wearer moves. His signatures are crisp green openings that soften into warm, earthy dry‑downs.
Philosophy
What drives Russell
Russell treats fragrance as a form of play. He believes that a perfume should invite the wearer to explore, to notice subtle shifts as the scent evolves on skin. Safety, for him, means creating a space where mistakes are welcomed; each misstep teaches a new combination of notes. He draws inspiration from the cycles of planting and harvest, letting the seasons dictate his palette. Sustainability guides his choices; he prefers ingredients that can be sourced responsibly and that honor the ecosystems they come from. This mindset keeps his work grounded and constantly evolving.
The houses