Inspired by Okinawa
The latest development in seawildearth aims to showcase how closely scent and memory are intertwined.
Inspired by Okinawa
Over the years, much of my photography in Okinawa has centered around capturing the essence of time and place—slowing the restless waves with long exposures, softening waterfalls into silk, and pausing moments that are otherwise fleeting. It was through these experiences, often immersed in the natural elements, that I began to realize how closely scent and memory are intertwined. Inspired by Okinawa, I created a line of soy wax candles, each fragrance designed to carry the atmosphere of the landscapes and seascapes where many of my photographs were born.
Possibly the most unique aroma of a candle you'll ever experience. The earthy smell after the rains, Petrichor.
Each candle tells its own story. Petrichor reflects the earthy, rain-soaked aroma of the Yambaru Jungles after heavy downpours, while Yambaru Mist captures the freshness of pine and lush vegetation at dawn. Zampa Seaspray recalls salt-laden air on days spent photographing crashing waves and whales, and Cape Hedo Driftwood draws from the rugged masculinity of beechwood and weathered shores in the far north. For brighter, tropical notes, Kerama Breeze brings the carefree atmosphere of summer days in the Kerama Islands, Plumeria Shoreline celebrates one of Okinawa’s most beloved flowers, and Citrus Grove highlights the abundance of Motobu’s harvest. Perhaps most evocative of all is Okinawa Sunset—a scent as timeless and vibrant as the skies I have so often photographed fading into the horizon, and one that truly feels inspired by Okinawa.
To deepen this connection between place and atmosphere, each candle has also been given its own individually crafted color scheme. These designs are created by hand, by myself, with colors chosen to reflect the mood and setting of the fragrance they accompany—whether the cool greens of a misty jungle morning, the deep blues of an ocean swell, or the warm glow of an Okinawan sunset. No two candles are ever exactly alike, making each one a unique piece that echoes the individuality of the moments and landscapes that inspired them. In many ways, these colors are another way of expressing how the line is inspired by Okinawa.
All candles in this collection are made from soy wax, ensuring they are vegan and pet friendly. They were created not only as a reflection of my photography but also as a way to bring the spirit of Okinawa into everyday life. Whether it’s the grounding aroma of the jungle, the refreshing air of the sea, or the warmth of a summer bloom, each fragrance offers a way to experience these places beyond the photograph. I’m excited to share that this full line of soy wax candles—Inspired by Okinawa—is now *available through the new online store on my website, making it possible for anyone to carry a piece of Okinawa’s beauty into their home.
The venture to create these candles has been done so in celebration of my fashion sense. I give you 'The Flaming Beanie Candle Company'.
Footnote: The development of this candle line has been accomplished under the name associated with my deep and internationally established fashion sense—the flaming beanie that often appears in, and is worn throughout, many of my YouTube videos. Fittingly, the collection is offered under the name The Flaming Beanie Candle Company.
*At this initial stage these candles and additional products are only available in Okinawa as I look to get into the rhythm of venture.
Zampa Seaspray is a fragrant soy wax candle inspired by the dramatic, wind-swept cliffs of Okinawa’s Cape Zampa. Its fresh, invigorating aroma blends crisp marine notes with a hint of briny salt air, evoking the sensation of standing at the edge of the cape as waves crash below and a fine mist of seawater drifts through the breeze. Hand-poured in a delicate palette of wispy light blues, this candle captures the airy, ocean-kissed essence of one of Okinawa’s most iconic coastal landscapes.
Okinawa Sunset is a fragrant soy wax candle designed to capture the warmth and beauty of a tropical dusk. Its hand-crafted swirls of rich orange and golden yellow mirror the breathtaking tones of the island’s evening sky, where the sun dips into the sea in a blaze of color. The scent is a harmonious blend of soft citrus, sun-warmed florals, and a whisper of ocean breeze, evoking the tranquil, golden-hour magic of Okinawa’s coastline.
Plumeria Shoreline is a fragrant soy wax candle that captures the delicate charm of Okinawa’s beloved plumeria blossoms, often found gracing the coastal paths near the shore. Its aroma is a gentle yet vibrant blend of sweet floral notes with a hint of tropical fruit, evoking the soft ocean breeze that drifts through sunlit blooms. Handcrafted in a color scheme of rich purple and warm yellow, this candle mirrors the most striking hues of the plumeria flower, bringing a touch of island elegance and seaside serenity into any space.
About the Author
Internationally recognized as a provider of quality mixed media Mark Thorpe is always on the search for captivating imagery.
Photographer / Cameraman
Mark Thorpe
Emmy Award Winning wildlife cameraman and Internationally published landscape photographer Mark Thorpe has been an adventurer since he could walk! Spending 17yrs as an Underwater Cameraman at the start of his imaging career the highlight of which was being contracted to work with National Geographic. In that role as a field producer and predominantly underwater cameraman he's been privy to a mixed bag of hair raising adventures. For some reason he was always selected for projects relating to large toothed marine predators such as Great White and Tiger Sharks, Sperm Whales, and Fur Seals. Additionally he has also been active within Southern Africa on terrestrial projects dealing with a wide array of iconic wildlife.
Currently based in Okinawa, Japan, he has established himself there as the leading ocean, wildlife and landscape photographer. Always on the lookout for that next big adventure he has travelled extensively throughout the islands of Okinawa to document their beauty and natural history. He shares his exploits online with a totally organic social audience. Videography wise he continues to create short form content to promote the diversity of wildlife within the Okinawa prefecture.
Mark also plans, offers and guides completely bespoke wildlife experiences for private sector clientele. Whether you're a photographer looking to document the behavior of a specific species or indeed a nature loving couple/individual looking to that totally immersive and all encompassing experience. From single multiple hour options through to multiple day experiences trips and experiences are created with the view to witnessing the truly wild spectacle that Okinawa offers without being treated, or seen, as just another visitor to the island. Should you wish to experience this truly awesome side of wild Okinawa then all you have to do to get the ball rolling is click on the Contact page and fire off any questions you may have about the currently available adventures.