Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 102: The Alchemy of Symbols Chapter 2

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 2 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/.

 

Join us for September Paint Club!

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 

"Once you make a decision the world conspires to make it happen."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

  Work in Progress: Composer Florence Price

What creative projects have you been working on? 

I have just started a series of piano paintings depicting songs that my friend, Josh Thompson, plays.  Next year we will have a show of them at the Harrison Art Center and Josh will perform!  

  Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata


If you'd like to get in the groove with your own projects join us for Paint Club!
We meet every Thursday from 1-4pm and 6-9pm. 
Register here

   Deer at the Edge of the Woods, Hirschten, 2023, Available at the Studio 

Also coming up at the studio....

Learn to Draw - 7 Weeks, Wednesdays October 4- Nov. 15, 6-9pm  $320
Are you interested in learning how to draw?  In this class we will learn many techniques for drawing so that you can gain control over your artistic projects.  Drawing can be a meditative process that can help you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty in subtle details.  Together we will do exercises to learn to notice the patterns of our world and create dynamic designs. All materials provided.

Create Your Visionary Life Plan -  2 Weeks, Saturdays Oct 21 – Oct 28  1-4pm  $110
In this unique class we will create vision board collages and journal in a notebook that will become our life plan.  Part art class and part self-help we will answer questions that will help guide us into our next stage of life.  Together we will support each other as we cover a wide variety of topics such as our dreams, ideal day, vacation plans, career, relationships, and health. Pulling it all together we will create concrete action plans. All materials provided.

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I am working on my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM! 
Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material. 

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 101: The Power of Symbols

 

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 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/.

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 100: An Introduction to the New Book, The Alchemy of Symbols

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from 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: Branching Out

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-  "Living with fear stops us taking risks, and if you don't go out on the branch, you're never going to get the best fruit." -Sarah Parrish   The Orange Tree, Hirschten, 2023, Available at the Studio Between naps with kitties here at the studio we are painting up a storm! I've been painting fruit and foxes, experimenting with painting light in a new way.  Fox in the Sun, Hirschten, 2023, Available at the Studio  Robert, one of our Painting Club regulars, finished up a gorgeous painting the other day.... If you'd like to learn how to paint landscapes with depth and atmosphere join us for Landscape Painting starting next week...   Landscape Painting - 4 Weeks, Wednesdays August 30-Sept 20  6-9pm  $220 In this 4-week class we will create a variety of landscape paintings while learning basic contemporary impressionist techniques.  We will enrich our painting skills by focusing on how to create atmosphere, realistic perspective, and a well-balanced composition.  Advanced and beginning students welcome.  All materials provided.   Learn to Draw - 7 Weeks, Wednesdays October 4- Nov. 15, 6-9pm  $320 Are you interested in learning how to draw?  In this class we will learn many techniques for drawing so that you can gain control over your artistic projects.  Drawing can be a meditative process that can help you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty in subtle details.  Together we will do exercises to learn to notice the patterns of our world and create dynamic designs. All materials provided. Create Your Visionary Life Plan -  2 Weeks, Saturdays Oct 21 – Oct 28  1-4pm  $110 In this unique class we will create vision board collages and journal in a notebook that will become our life plan.  Part art class and part self-help we will answer questions that will help guide us into our next stage of life.  Together we will support each other as we cover a wide variety of topics such as our dreams, ideal day, vacation plans, career, relationships, and health. Pulling it all together we will create concrete action plans. All materials provided. I am working on my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM! (It is almost finished!!!) Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material.

Art Inspiration: Opposites Attract?

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-  "Always think of the universe as one living organism, with a single substance and a single soul." -Marcus Aurelius  (Translation: Seize the Day and Seize the Night!) I've been thinking about how we tend to divide everything into opposites like day and night, man and woman, good and bad.   Peachy Keen, Available at the Studio When I create a painting like the peaches above, it is easiest if I divide the object into light and shadow.  This helps me to create the colors and draw it accurately.  But in reality the peach is one object.  It can be easier to label things... to simplify everything into opposites. While this mode of thinking can be useful to a point, helping us to sort out our world, it can be limiting.  (This is most dangerous when we label people as "good or bad" rather than clearly seeing the whole person.) In order to see the whole picture we have to let go of divisions and "think of the universe as one living organism."  Mary Lou William's Song: Night Life, Available at the studio Harmony can only come when a chord is struck.  In music this is when different tones sound together.  In symbolism it is when both opposite elements, like yin and yang, are honored.  To have peace, to heal we must have union.  Years ago on the dry, desert island of Paros Greece I came across this sign... Following it I found a lush tropical oasis.  A valley held moisture creating a wet, steamy environment perfect for butterflies to flourish.  THOUSANDS of butterflies flittered around me.  Everyone walked slowly and in silence as if it was a cathedral. Within every desert there is an oasis, a spot where life can grow.  The oasis is part of the desert.  To have peace we must open our eyes wider to view the whole picture and accept it as it is.   I am working on my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM! (It is almost finished!!!) Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material.    Join us for upcoming art classes at the studio:   Landscape Painting - 4 Weeks, Wednesdays August 30-Sept 20  6-9pm  $220 In this 4-week class we will create a variety of landscape paintings while learning basic contemporary impressionist techniques.  We will enrich our painting skills by focusing on how to create atmosphere, realistic perspective, and a well-balanced composition.  Advanced and beginning students welcome.  All materials provided.   Learn to Draw - 7 Weeks, Wednesdays October 4- Nov. 15, 6-9pm  $320 Are you interested in learning how to draw?  In this class we will learn many techniques for drawing so that you can gain control over your artistic projects.  Drawing can be a meditative process that can help you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty in subtle details.  Together we will do exercises to learn to notice the patterns of our world and create dynamic designs. All materials provided. Create Your Visionary Life Plan -  2 Weeks, Saturdays Oct 21 – Oct 28  1-4pm  $110 In this unique class we will create vision board collages and journal in a notebook that will become our life plan.  Part art class and part self-help we will answer questions that will help guide us into our next stage of life.  Together we will support each other as we cover a wide variety of topics such as our dreams, ideal day, vacation plans, career, relationships, and health. Pulling it all together we will create concrete action plans. All materials provided.

Art Inspiration: Love is a Lens

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-  "What and whom we love is a lens to focus our love of life itself." -Maria Popova   Apples in the Tree, Sold What do you love?  What will you focus on?   Did you know that before Hitler rose to power in Germany he wanted to become an artist?  Twice he applied to study at the Academy of Fine Art in Vienna but was rejected.  I wonder how different the outcome of WWII would have been if he had been encouraged to focus on something more positive.   What you focus on will shape your life.  What you focus on grows. In 1902 the author, James Allen, wrote... "A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts."  Tree on a Summer Evening, Sold Right now my focus is on painting more of what I want to see.  I want to see more growth and vegetation- less pavement!  20 years ago my garden was paved over.  The former owner had the pavement torn out.  Now it is teeming with birds, bugs, herbs, flowers and my blue tailed lizards. How funny is it that outside the other day I found this sign.... When my focus this week is on gathering materials for our upcoming Tree Painting Class! (August Painting Club and this class start Thursday! Join us by registering here.)  For the Beauty of the Earth, Sold So let's work on trees!    Morning in Ed's Garden, Sold "Learn to cultivate your own garden." -Voltaire By the way I did end up changing my Great Balls of Fire painting.... Before                                                                           After   Great Balls of Fire, Hirschten The blue cooled it down too much and I wanted it hot!  Sometimes you just have to keep working until you get it right.

Art Inspiration: Great Balls of Fire!

 Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 

"I laughed at love 'cause I thought it was funny, You came along and you moved me honey
I've changed my mind, this love is fine, Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!"
- Jerry Lee Lewis

 Great Balls of Fire, Hirschten

(Is it finished?  That is the question.)

Continuing with my music series... this latest painting depicts the song Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis. 

To create the patterns I listened to the song over and over again.  I also looked at the sheet music... but the black and white notes on the page just can't convey the ENERGY of the song.  That is what I am trying to paint, the emotion of it.  



The beginning of this painting looked like this....


This idea of painting music is not new.  In 1911 Kandinsky went to a piano concert of Schoenberg's music and created this piece...

 Impression III, Kandinsky 1911

The large black form is the piano. The colors are meant to evoke the tone of the piece.  

And now I ask myself if my Great Balls of Fire Painting is finished... does it express the song?



On one level the arts can never completely express our emotions. But I think that Great Balls of Fire does a great job of coming very close to expressing that raw energy of love.  Can I mirror that?   



Yup. All I can do is try.  

Then maybe, just maybe, you will feel that same energy as you look at the painting. 

And you will hear what I am trying to say.

 

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Join us for upcoming art classes at the studio:

Painting Trees - 4 Weeks, Thursdays August 3-24  9am-Noon  $220 
Since ancient times artists have honored trees as a sacred symbol of life and vitality, and you can too!  In this 4-week class we will create paintings inspired by traditional symmetrical tree designs as well as realistic forms.  This is an excellent class for both beginning and advanced students.  All materials provided.

 
Landscape Painting - 4 Weeks, Wednesdays August 30-Sept 20  6-9pm  $220
In this 4-week class we will create a variety of landscape paintings while learning basic contemporary impressionist techniques.  We will enrich our painting skills by focusing on how to create atmosphere, realistic perspective, and a well-balanced composition.  Advanced and beginning students welcome.  All materials provided.
 

Learn to Draw - 7 Weeks, Wednesdays October 4- Nov. 15, 6-9pm  $320
Are you interested in learning how to draw?  In this class we will learn many techniques for drawing so that you can gain control over your artistic projects.  Drawing can be a meditative process that can help you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty in subtle details.  Together we will do exercises to learn to notice the patterns of our world and create dynamic designs. All materials provided.

Create Your Visionary Life Plan -  2 Weeks, Saturdays Oct 21 – Oct 28  1-4pm  $110
In this unique class we will create vision board collages and journal in a notebook that will become our life plan.  Part art class and part self-help we will answer questions that will help guide us into our next stage of life.  Together we will support each other as we cover a wide variety of topics such as our dreams, ideal day, vacation plans, career, relationships, and health. Pulling it all together we will create concrete action plans. All materials provided.

Painting Club     Thursdays Afternoons 1-4pm or Thursday Evenings 6-9pm 4 Sessions $80 
Create your own projects in our warm and inviting painting studio.  Your instructor will be there to support you, answer questions, and share inspiring readings as you develop your own style and voice.  Bring your own materials and a sense of humor!  

And yes there are more one-day workshops available too! Like...

See the full list of classes at:  https://studioalchemy.art/classes-at-the-studio


Together we make things happen!

What are you wanting to say?  How can you express it with your creative voice to break the silence?  When we come together in community we listen and grow together.  I am looking forward to seeing you in class!

May you grow toward the light and as always...

 Choose Peace, Prints available here


I am working on my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM! 
Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material. 


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