The Still Life

About The Still Life

The Still Life was created as a world where art and scent live side by side — not as decoration, but as objects to live with, collect, and return to.

At the heart of the brand is original artwork. Our artist-founder, Neil Plotkin, creates graphite-on-vellum illustrations that wrap each candle box. Inside every box is a signed original drypoint mono print — a one-of-one work of art he gifts to each owner of a The Still Life piece. Boxes and artworks are released in limited, evolving editions, with future collaborations planned with artists who share our vision.

Our fragrances are layered and perfumy, designed to lift, calm, and shift the feeling of a room. We offer three collections: Floral, Energizing, and Still.

We work with clean, responsibly sourced materials — healthy waxes, safe fragrance oils, FSC-certified papers, and no petrochemicals, phthalates, parabens, or palm oil. Everything is made in small batches and tested extensively to ensure a clean, even burn.

Our Story

The Still Life was founded in Brooklyn by Annabelle and Neil Plotkin. Annabelle was a co-founder of the brand before returning to her full-time work as a consultant. Neil, an artist and product designer, now leads both the creative and operational elements of the business, shaping each collection from concept through production.

The Still Life exists to bring scent and art into everyday life — creating still lives you can truly live in.