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.

  

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 104: Chapter 4 from the book The Alchemy of Symbols

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 4 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: How to Create a Life Plan

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 

"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities.
Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."
- Gloria Steinem

Thanks to everyone who came out to my Alchemy of Symbols Book launch party! 



Now that that HUGE project is over I have to ask myself, "What next?"

Sometimes I get stuck not knowing what to do.  I have so many ideas! 

 Pages from my Life Plan

The trick I have found to making my dreams reality is to create a concrete plan.

 Pages from my Life Plan

I answer questions like "what is my mission?"  I brainstorm options.  I make diagrams.

 Vision Board 2023

And I put my ideas into picture form with collage images.  These "vision boards" help me clarify what I want.


(Doogie likes to sit on my huge collection of magazine images but that is of course part of the fun!)

  Vision Board 2023

Being a visual person, this helps me solidify my ideas.  And it is addictive!  I remake my life plan each year.

If you would like to create your own artistically beautiful life plan I invite you to join us for...



Create Your Visionary Life Plan, starting October 21st. 
(We will have thousands of collage images to choose from to create our plans!  All materials provided.)



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

Take it from the author of Goosebumps...

"If you do enough planning before you start to write, there's no way you can have writer's block. I do a complete chapter by chapter outline."
- R.L.Stine

Planning is how you can create 62 tween thrillers OR ANYTHING ELSE YOUR HEART DESIRES.

Get clear, create a road map for yourself and be ready to take action.  

  

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 103: How to Use Symbols in Everyday Life

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an excerpt from Chapter 3 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/.