Materia Viva is an independent publication devoted to aromatic raw materials: plants, resins, woods, flowers, seeds, roots and essences.
Each issue begins with a single botanical material and follows it through its history, geography, cultivation, cultural uses and sensory presence. The project brings together primary-source research, botanical knowledge, sensory observation, writing and original images.
Materia Viva has published ten issues to date, each devoted to a single aromatic material.
n.1 Sequoia
n.2 Melissa
n.3 Benzoin · Sumatra
n.4 Sichuan pepper
n.5 Camellia japonica
n.6 Rosa alba
n.7 Black Mitcham peppermint · Mitcham, Surrey
n.8 Valencia orange
n.9 The river Wandle · Surrey
n.10 Ramy, Canarium madagascariense · Madagascar
The Black Mitcham peppermint issue is the first extended edition: a longer piece of research, developed with the generous support of people, growers and historical archives in the United Kingdom.
In summer 2026 it was acquired as an archival source by the Wandle Industrial Museum (UK), documenting the historical cultivation of peppermint in the Mitcham area.
Receive an English issue
If you are curious about Materia Viva, you can request an English issue free of charge.
To receive it, write via the WhatsApp button or write to:
For those who wish to support the project
Materia Viva is an independent, author-led publication. Its research, writing and visual work are supported by a small private circle of readers.
Those who wish to support the international edition can do so through a free contribution and help the project continue its research into aromatic materials, archives and living botanical cultures.
Original prints
Each issue of Materia Viva carries an original image, made by the author alongside the research.
These images are available as fine art prints on Hahnemühle paper, produced by a specialist laboratory, in a limited number of signed copies. Kakemono format, 20×60 cm.
Prints are made to order. Some issues are also offered together with the botanical material they document.
For prices and availability, write to professionefelice@gmail.com