Art Inspiration: Answering the question: "How are you REALLY doing?"

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-  (Three new episodes of the Studio Alchemy Podcast are available!  Listen here) Since my last newsletter a lot has happened! First Janet MADE ME IMMORTAL by creating this sculpture of my face.  I imagine that the plants are like all of my wild ideas sprouting out of my head. THEN I moved to North Carolina...      taking my boyfriend, plants and cats with me. I explored... finding light at the end of the tunnel and heaven on earth which inspired my latest painting, North Carolina.  The motto of North Carolina is Esse Quam Videri, To be rather than to seem.  This means we are real.  We are authentic. One friend asked me how I was doing. I said "fine." Then they asked, "but how are you REALLY doing?"  I laughed and said "yes really I'm doing great."  And really I am.  I realized that after I moved to Indiana years ago I got depressed.  Deep down I was worried that would happen to me after this move as well.  But so much is different now.  I don't have an infant to take care of.  And I know myself. I know how to make my own dreams a reality, not just follow someone else's ideals.  I have my projects and... art groups. I'm not lost. I know right where I want to be.  And I'm not pretending. Esse Quam Videri  If you are wanting to clarify your ideals I invite you to join me for the New Year's Reset Online Workshop!  Together we will imagine the future we want for ourselves, answer a series of thoughtful questions and set intentions.  $29  January 1, 2025 11am EST   Register Here

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 120 Writing what is True with Poet Julia Fehrenbacher

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an interview with poet, Julia Fehrenbacher.  We discuss how to write authentically and finding your voice.  Find out more about Julia at: https://www.juliafehrenbacher.com/

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 119 Rethinking Art Galleries with Alex Bass

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features a interview with the founder of Salon 21, Alex Bass.  Hear the story of her unique business model and innovative ideas on running an art business today.  Find out more about Salon 21 at: https://www.salontwenty-one.com/

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

Art Inspiration: All Creatures Great and Small

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- "If I had been a little dog I'd have gone leaping and gamboling around wagging my tail furiously." -James Herriot from All Creatures Great and Small  Friends Together at Blue Sky Earthschool, Sold Happy Autumn Everyone! Are you ready for harvest colors??? I am still in Indiana and getting ready to move to North Carolina next week.   During this in between time I have taken on some fun odd jobs including painting a mural at Blue Sky Earth School. The mural wraps down the stairs leading the children to the storytime den. Danielle requested that the mural feature images from an enchanting book from 1905, the Root Children.   In the book the root children are awakened by mother earth to rise up and enjoy the springtime. They enjoyed the mural so much they asked me back to paint the chicken coop.  So now I can add chicken muralist to my resume! And yes I got paid in eggs too. And now for the sad news.  Our beloved mascot Doogie passed away.  Doogie was always ready to greet everyone at the studio.   He was such a friendly guy!  He drove me bananas because he always wanted to be with us during class.   I built the "Doogie Door" out of an old wooden screen in order to keep him out.  But it rarely worked for long because he was so sneaky.   (Cat was Doogie's biggest fan!)   My daughter, Em made this sticker of Doogie. Can you see Doogie hiding in the bushes of my painting?  That was his favorite spot. May we be as spunky as the Doogster. And if you are asked which is better, cats or dogs, you know the answer.... Just kidding I love dogs too.   May this message inspire you! Feel free to share

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 118 The Art of Food with Rebecca Hostetter

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an interview with the culinary master Rebecca Hostetter!  We chat about how to balance the work of cooking into our daily lives and how food is a love language.

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives.  Hosted by Addie Hirschten, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author, and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/.

Art Inspiration: Wade in the Water

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-

“One must say Yes to life, and embrace it wherever it is found - and it is found in terrible places. … For nothing is fixed, forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have. The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other and children cling to us. The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.”
― James Baldwin



THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO THE HARRISON CENTER SHOW FRIDAY!!!!!


Please DONATE HERE to help pay Josh for his performance. The only payment he is receiving from the performance is from your donations. We have raised a few hundred dollars but I'd love to give him more!

 Margaret Bond's Troubled Water, Hirschten, Sold

One piece that many people asked about at the show was "Troubled Water." 



Margaret Bond's composed the music to the song weaving in notes from the hymn, "Wade in the Water."

The words to the hymn are:
 Fisk Jubliee Singer's Version Copyright 1905



To create this piece I read a lot of writings by theologians about the hymn.  Many talked about cleansing waters and baptism. 

But why is the water troubled?  This beautiful explaination was written by Howard Thurman:

“For the slaves the ‘troubled waters’ meant the ups and downs, the vicissitudes of life. Within the context of the ‘troubled’ waters of life there are healing waters, because God is in the midst of the turmoil. Do not shrink from moving confidently out into the choppy seas. Wade in the water, because God is troubling the water.”


William Grant Still Africa Land of Romance, Visions of Music Show, Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas, Addie Hirschten, 2024 Available at the Harrison Center

Life can be rough and choppy, like the dangerous sea, but we must emerse ourselves in it.  To be fully alive we cannot just dip our toe into the edge.  We must move with the swell of the tide. We must participate in life. 

I believe that this is what James Baldwin meant when he said, "One must say Yes to life."  We must say yes even when some terrible things happen.  We must remember that it is also wonderful.    

Since I am about to move Friday evening was so bittersweet! Thanks to so many generous patrons all but two of the paintings sold. 

The last two paintings can be purchased through the Harrison Center's site here.

 Harry Burleigh's A New Hiding Place, Hirschten, Available at the Harrison Center

Thank you old friends for coming to say hello! Thank you art patrons for buying the paintings. Thank you Sarah and all of the folks at the Harrison Center for hosting our show. And again thank you Josh Thompson for filling the air with music and keeping the memory of the composers alive.

“Music has to be human, and people have to like it; it has to move them spiritually and intellectually."
- Margaret Bonds, 1964

 

 

May this message inspire you! Feel free to share