Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 108: Finding Peace

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 1 of Hirschten’s new book, "The Alchemy of Symbols: How to Use the Power of Images to Transform Your Life."  People use symbols to highlight what is important to them and manifest what they want to see. In this uplifting book, Hirschten explores the psychology of symbols to inspire anyone who wants to thoughtfully incorporate them into their life. In this book you will learn how to use images to help clarify your hopes and dreams. Whether you want to select a symbol for your next tattoo, painting, or sacred altar the Alchemy of Symbols will give you many ideas to work with. Part self-help and part encyclopedia, this book offers a fresh perspective on the meaning behind symbols.

Purchase a fully illustrated copy of the Alchemy of Symbols at: 

https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Symbols-Power-Images-Transform/dp/B0CFZGXQGC

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives.  Each episode includes stories and reflections to inspire you to transform your life.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a.k.a. Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

Art Inspiration: Memories

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-  "Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it." - L.M. Montgomery  The Wreath Maker: A Memory from San Miguel de Allende Themes weave in and out of my life.  One recent theme has been memory.    The Smell of Roses in Cottage Home I have been touching base with a number of old friends lately... friends like Melissa and Luke who I hadn't seen in over 20 years.  It has been funny what we each remembered and forgot. Places where our memories of each other overlapped or gapped.   Kitty in the Garden Why is it that some memories fade and others become precious stones that we hold on to?  The Dawn of a New Brain by Lori Lee Andrews My friend, the artist Lori Lee Andrews, just created a series of artwork about the human brain.  Her mother has dementia.  She has been thinking about memory and how our miraculous brains are structured.  The Reflection I created this painting during the Covid quarantine time.  Do you see the reflection of me in the vase?  Seeing this painting brings me right back to that feeling of being in alone, in the safe little cocoon of my house.   I've realized that many of the objects I own are little slices of memories.   Ladies by the Fountain in San Miguel When I look at items like this painting or my grandparent's nativity scene, memories are refreshed within me.    My grandparent's nativity scene Objects often become talismans that preserve our memories.    These photographs reminded me that my sister and I went with my grandfather to cut down our Christmas tree in 1986. My father had died a few weeks before. I had forgotten that detail. When we create artwork, take photographs, or bring out the holiday decorations we enshrine the images with our memories. We distill the big picture of our lives down into tiny drops.  A lot can be held within one image. What do you want to remember and how can you preserve it?  As we enter the new year, how do your memories affect your future decisions? May your next season be merry and bright and may you create many new happy memories.    Happy Holidays!

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 107 Weaving Patterns

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 7 of Hirschten’s new book, "The Alchemy of Symbols: How to Use the Power of Images to Transform Your Life."  People use symbols to highlight what is important to them and manifest what they want to see. In this uplifting book, Hirschten explores the psychology of symbols to inspire anyone who wants to thoughtfully incorporate them into their life. In this book you will learn how to use images to help clarify your hopes and dreams. Whether you want to select a symbol for your next tattoo, painting, or sacred altar the Alchemy of Symbols will give you many ideas to work with. Part self-help and part encyclopedia, this book offers a fresh perspective on the meaning behind symbols.

 

Purchase a fully illustrated copy of the Alchemy of Symbols at: 

https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Symbols-Power-Images-Transform/dp/B0CFZGXQGC

 

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives.  Each episode includes stories and reflections to inspire you to transform your life.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a.k.a. Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 106 How to Create Beautiful Symbols

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 6 of Hirschten’s new book, "The Alchemy of Symbols: How to Use the Power of Images to Transform Your Life."  People use symbols to highlight what is important to them and manifest what they want to see. In this uplifting book, Hirschten explores the psychology of symbols to inspire anyone who wants to thoughtfully incorporate them into their life. In this book you will learn how to use images to help clarify your hopes and dreams. Whether you want to select a symbol for your next tattoo, painting, or sacred altar the Alchemy of Symbols will give you many ideas to work with. Part self-help and part encyclopedia, this book offers a fresh perspective on the meaning behind symbols.

Purchase a fully illustrated copy of the Alchemy of Symbols at: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Symbols-Power-Images-Transform/dp/B0CFZGXQGC

 

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives.  Each episode includes stories and reflections to inspire you to transform your life.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a.k.a. Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

New Studio Classes Posted and Holiday Art Sale!

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-  "Anyone who keeps learning stays young." - Henry Ford Yes!  We just posted new classes.  You can join us for...           AND many workshops...         See the whole list and register here.  Classes make great gifts!  Just sayin' Looking for unique gift items? Stop by the studio for our Holiday Painting Sale! Original paintings will be 50% off!!! When: December 1st 6-9pm December 2nd 10am-4pm Where: Studio Alchemy Art Gallery 1116 E. North St. Indianapolis, In 46202 We wish you a happy harvest season!  Try to not listen to too much Taylor Swift.

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 105 There is No Place Like Home

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 5 of Hirschten’s new book, "The Alchemy of Symbols: How to Use the Power of Images to Transform Your Life."  People use symbols to highlight what is important to them and manifest what they want to see. In this uplifting book, Hirschten explores the psychology of symbols to inspire anyone who wants to thoughtfully incorporate them into their life. In this book you will learn how to use images to help clarify your hopes and dreams. Whether you want to select a symbol for your next tattoo, painting, or sacred altar the Alchemy of Symbols will give you many ideas to work with. Part self-help and part encyclopedia, this book offers a fresh perspective on the meaning behind symbols.

Purchase a fully illustrated copy of the Alchemy of Symbols at: 

https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Symbols-Power-Images-Transform/dp/B0CFZGXQGC

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives using visualization, art making, and self-help techniques.  Each episode includes stories and reflections to inspire you to transform your life.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a.k.a. Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

Art Inspiration: Keeping the Home Fires Burning

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 



"I will light a candle, pour a hot cup of tea, gather around the warmth of my own blazing fire. 
I will howl if I want to, knowing this flame can burn through any perceived problem."
- Julia Fehrenbacher, from the poem "The Most Important Thing"



I recently learned about the ancient Greek goddess, Hestia.  She was the keeper of the hearth fire and was honored at the beginning of every meal.  

 Vestal Virgins painting by Marchesini
Some cities in ancient Greece and Rome had an eternal flame lit at the center of town.  It was the job of the "Vestal Virgins" to tend the sacred flame and make sure that it never went out.



At my last house I had a fireplace.  I LOVED those cozy winter days when I lit the fire.



Why do I find the image of the hearth fire so appealing? 

 A Single Soul, Sold

Is it because the warmth appeals to me on an instinctual level this time of year? 

 The Spirit, Sold

Or perhaps because fire and light symbolize hope and the banishing of the mysterious dark shadows of the night. 

 Alice's House, Sold

Light leads us back home. Light brings clarity and vision. 



I just spent the past few weeks creating a new Visionary Life Plan along with our class at the studio.



In it I ended up with many images of fire.  It is practically an ode to Hestia!  



To me the fire represents embracing love and warmth.  It shows my desire to savor each moment just as you do while curling up by the fire on a cold winter's night.


  
As we enter the winter season may you be filled with light, love, and warmth. 



Our Winter/Spring Classes at the Studio will be posted soon!


As always we will be doing our annual New Year's Vision Board Workshops.  Grab your place while there are still spots available.