Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 121 How to Conquer a Blank Canvas

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features tips and tricks for letting go of fear and diving into creative projects with confidence.

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: Finding Clarity Through Poetry

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-    Listen here to my interview with poet, Julia Fehrenbacher Are you inspired by poetry?  For me whenever I can't sleep at night I pick up a book of poetry.  Good poetry can lead you back to your center. Two of my favorites are...   The Illuminated Rumi Translated by Coleman Barks and Staying in Love by Julia Fehrenbacher   This book isn't about romantic love. It is about staying in love with life. After I interviewed Julia on the Studio Alchemy Podcast.  I was inspired to take her writing class, Write Yourself Free. For my final project I wrote about this painting. I Brought Abundance Inside   Heavy with blossoms this branch of roses fell over onto the street. The stem broke in my old garden, an oasis in the paved city.   Usually, when she blooms in May, I pick just one soft pink girly princess of a flower leaving the rest to enjoy the wild wind until rain taps the petals off again.   But this time I brought abundance inside. Filling the cup with water, I placed her on our community table and wrapped her around the central beam.   Then the flowers unlocked, the tight buds relaxed and opened to possibilities. She expected bees and sunshine.   In the glass jar white roots slowly formed, entwining with one another. From the severed cut she grew again. She didn’t give up and neither should you. Later after I held my breath and placed her delicately into a pot of fresh dirt, we moved together over the mountains to our new soil.   In the back of the truck surrounded by my bulky furniture she shook with anticipation. And so did I.   I love this plant. I carry her with me to each new home. And this painting holds the memory.   It might seem that you are cut and broken. But there is always next spring, when you can show off how beautiful you are again. The process of writing was so therapeutic! And it helped me to clarify why this plant is such a treasure to me. I've also been experimenting with adding poetry to artwork.   This one is by M.C. Richards Closing Hymn Sweetness stores in the root, Sap rises and descends. The rhythms of our nature Round us round. Human Beings, risen, Take eternal life in hand. Our creative light Shares in worlds creation. The Life-Line of our Schooling In its golden vein. These two shetchbook pieces have a poem by Hafiz    Clarity can be found when seeing our feelings made tangible in images and writing.  Said another way... Sometimes we need to create in the outside world to better understand our inner world. If you want to clarify your goals join us for the New Year's Reset Online Workshop!    This is not an art class but a fun and surprising brainstorming session.  Together we will get our ideas out of our head and onto paper so that we are ready to start something fresh and new.     May this message inspire you! Feel free to share

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