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 

Tonight!!! The Visions of Music Art Show and please donate to our pianist!

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- “What we do now echoes in eternity.” ― Marcus Aurelius   Tonight is the night of our Visions of Music Show!     Come tonight to see Josh play the pieces!!!! When: September 6, 2024 6-9pm Where: Harrison Center Speck Gallery, 1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis IN 46202 Please DONATE TO JOSH HERE!  The only payment he is recieving from this performance is from your donations. Florence Price Sonata in E Minor, Visions of Music Show, Acrylic on Canvas, Addie Hirschten, 2024 The first of my paintings for tonight's Visions of Music show had only painted images.  But as I researched each song I felt that I needed to add words and photographs that would share the history and meaning behind each piece. So there are many hidden messages in these pieces, little treasure for you to find. Over a year ago I teamed up with my friend, pianist Josh Thompson, to create this new series of paintings. Josh gave me a list of songs that he specializes in written by composers of African decent.  I have spent the past year depicting each one.  See the whole collection and purchase paintings from the show here. (I think they post them for sale after opening night.)  https://www.harrisoncenter.org/buy-art

You are invited to the Visions of Music Show!

 

"All art is a kind of confession, more or less oblique. All artists, if they are to survive, are forced, at last, to tell the whole story; to vomit the anguish up.”

-James Baldwin

 

You are invited to the Visions of Music Art Show!

When: September 6, 2024 6-9pm
Where: Harrison Center Speck Gallery, 1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis IN 46202



Over a year ago I teamed up with my friend, pianist Josh Thompson, to create a new series of paintings.  


Florence Price Sonata in E Minor, Visions of Music Show, Acrylic on Canvas, Addie Hirschten, 2024

Josh gave me a list of songs that he specializes in written by composers of African decent.  I have spent the past year depicting each one. 



AND Josh will be at the opening playing the pieces for you to hear!!!! 

So we hope you will join us for this unique celebration of music.

When: September 6, 2024 6-9pm
Where: Harrison Center Speck Gallery, 1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis IN 46202

  

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features my interview with Josh Thompson!  In this conversation we discuss being drawn to creative work to express heartfelt emotions, the need for collaboration, and a sense of humor.

Listen on iTunes, any podcast platform, or here:  https://alchemy.podbean.com/






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

 

May this message inspire you! Feel free to share 

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 117 Collaboration with Pianist Josh Thompson

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features in interview with professional pianist Josh Thompson a.k.a. SockJoplin!  In this conversation we discuss being drawn to creative work to express heartfelt emotions, the need for collaboration, and a sense of humor.

Florence Price Sonata in E Minor, Visions of Music Show, Acrylic on Canvas, Addie Hirschten, 2024

Hirschten created the Visions of Music series of paintings in collaboration with Josh Thompson.  At the opening show he will be play the musical pieces that he selected featuring composers of African decent. Each painting is intended to reflect the rhythm and mood of each piece of music as well as honor the composer for their moving work. 

 

You are invited to the show opening!

When: Friday September 6, 2024 6-9pm 

Where: Harrison Center Speck Gallery 1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis IN 46202

 

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/.

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

Art Inspiration: Painting the Sound of Music

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- "Anything you are shows up in your music - jazz is whatever you are, playing yourself, being yourself, letting your thoughts come through." -Mary Lou Williams   You are invited to the Visions of Music Art Show! When: September 6, 2024 6-9pm Where: Harrison Center Speck Gallery, 1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis IN 46202  Josh Thompson playing the piano! Over a year ago I teamed up with my friend, pianist Josh Thompson, to create a new series of paintings.   Oswald Russell's Papillons, Hirschten, Mixed Media on Canvas, 80" x 36", Available at the Harrison Show Josh gave me a list of songs that he specializes in written by composers of African decent.  I have spent the past year depicting each one.      Margaret Bond's Vallery of the Bones, Hirschten, Mixed Media on Canvas, 30" x 40" The paintings are intended to express the mood and rhythm of each piece as well as honor the composers. AND Josh will be at the opening playing the pieces for you to hear!!!!  So we hope you will join us for this unique celebration of music. When: September 6, 2024 6-9pm Where: Harrison Center Speck Gallery, 1505 N Delaware St Indianapolis IN 46202   May this message inspire you! Feel free to share

Art Inspiration: Going with the Flow

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-

"Out of perfection nothing can be made.  Every process involves breaking something out.  The earth must be broken to bring forth life."
-Joseph Campbell

Big changes!   



Here is the cute little house I will be staying near the coast in North Carolina for at least a few months.  I'm thankful to have a roof over my head while I figure out my next move!



This is the view of the ocean less than a mile away.


Like the constantly moving sea, everything is always morphing whether we like it or not.  That is life.  Life is messy.


Some of us are ready to move, while others aren't!



Take a look at this whale vertebrate my parents found on the beach .... it was designed for graceful movement, to roll with the fluidity of the ocean. 

 



That is what I am aspiring to at the moment.  To go with the flow with laughter.



"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us."
-Joseph Campbell

BUT we can plan some things right?!  We just have to recognize what we actually have control over and let the rest go.

Victoria and I are currently planning our Upcoming Retreat!  Join us for a weekend of spiritual exploration and fellowship. Together we will gather for sacred circle meditations, yoga, and art making. We will create symbolic mixed media pieces to honor our sacred path and connect with each other. Prepare for a surprising blend of activities intended to build our community and ignite our inner flames. 

$550 Weekend long retreat includes six meals and two nights lodging.

Sign up now!  Spots are limited. The first 20 registrants will receive a Welcome Bag full of secret surprises.

Register Here
  


As I prepare to move it is comforting to know that I will be in Indiana for the retreat AND we hope to make it an annual event.  I'd love to be able to stay in touch with you all. 
 

Studio for Sale:

The studio and the house next door will be for sale soon. I'd love to hand it off to someone who will love the garden and be able to use this space in a creative way. If you or anyone you know is on the lookout for a unique house let me know.