New Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 126 Leaders and Followers

 

Are you a leader or a follower?  Do you switch back and forth with these roles in your relationships?  Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features a discussion on how people can play the role of leaders and followers in their different relationships, both personal and artistic.  

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/.

 

New Book! Emerson's Essays on Nature

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-

“I feel that nothing can befall me in life which nature cannot repair.” - Emerson

My newest book, Emerson’s Essays on Nature, is officially available! Ralph Waldo Emerson was a transcendentalist and revolutionary thinker who lived from 1803-1882. He shared his ideas in lectures presented throughout the United States. His work highly influenced the philosophical thinking of his day, bringing new concepts of how churches were to be structured and the role of authority in finding authentic truth.

This book includes Emerson’s original essays on nature along with a synopsis of each essay and reflection questions to help you process the materials. It is perfect for anyone interested in how nature relates to spirituality and religion. This book would be a good gift or for a book club discussion group! Order your copy of the book here!

The painting that I created for the cover is referencing Christopher Pearce Cranch’s famous 1836 illustration. It depicts Emerson’s “transparent eye-ball” showing the feeling of being at one with nature and God.

Order your copy here

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 125 Ancestors with Cindy Geary

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an interview with photographer and writer, Cindy Geary.  We share thoughts on our ancestors for our upcoming art show at Anchorlight Studios December 6, 2025 4-7pm.  Find out more about Geary's work at: https://www.cindywaszakgeary.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/.

Big news! I bought a church

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- Yes, you read that right. I just purchased this old church in Abingdon Virginia and will be turning it into my house and art studio. As I was looking for a new house I had to get very clear about what I wanted. I wanted a separate art studio space to host gatherings. I wanted a walkable neighborhood. This is part of my new house vision board … One of the hardest parts was that I needed the space to be zoned so that I could host classes. Most residental neighborhoods will not allow it, which made my house hunt difficult. So I started looking at business properties. That led me to old churches. The space has been empty for two years so at the moment it is a bit sad and smells … Except for the purple carpet, the sanctuary is a boring white box. I’m going to turn this into my living space. I will need to add a full bath, laundry and a kitchen. The old fellowship hall building will be my art studio. The church is in a damn near perfect small town, Abingdon VA, where there is an art museum, a vibrant art and music community, AMAZING restaurants and a farmer’s market. Abingdon is home to the famous Barter theater, where Em and I saw an excellent play. There are breathtaking views at every turn. This is up the road from the church. Oh and I will be walking distance from the Virginia Creeper Trail! I hope that you will all make plans to come visit me once I have finished with my renovations. I will share lots of Before, After and In-progress Pictures on this newsletter so stay tuned!

Art Inspiration: Something Old and Something New

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- An Abundance, Sold It has been a few months since I’ve shared news with you but that isn’t because I haven’t been busy! I HAVE FOUND A NEW HOUSE AND ART STUDIO. Yes, finally. “But where is it?” you ask. I am going to be mysterious about it for now… I will share more soon. I promise. Roses in the Afternoon, Sold Something “old” that I want to share with you is the wisdom of folklore. On the Studio Alchemy Podcast I had the pleasure of interviewing an interview with Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman. They are award-winning folklorists, teachers, and writers who teach creative souls how to re-enchant their lives through folklore and fairy tales. They are so cool! Soak up their wisdom on episode 123 of the Studio Alchemy Podcast. Waterfall, Cullowhee NC, Sold And something “new” that I want to share with you is that artist Carrie Schmitt has a new book coming out called, “Awakening Creativity”! I also had the pleasure of chatting with her about it on the Studio Alchemy Podcast episode 124. I hope you enjoy these episodes as much as I enjoyed putting them together!

Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 124 Awakening Creativity with Carrie Schmitt

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features an interview with artist and author Carrie Schmitt about her new book, "Awakening Creativity: A Sacred Journey to Reclaim your Inner Artist."  

Find out more about Carrie and her work at: https://www.carrieschmittdesign.com/ and order your copy of the book at: https://hierophantpublishing.com/awakening-creativity/

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/.

The Alchemy of Symbols is now available on Audible!

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- My book, The Alchemy of Symbols, is officially available on Audible! Reviews please! If you have read any of my books please share reviews of them on Amazon or Audible. I would greatly appreciate it. The Alchemy of Symbols is about how to use symbols to help remind you of your ideals. Part self-help and part encyclopedia, this book is for people who want to explore their own motivations, the psychological reasons, they are drawn toward certain images. 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. Order your print copy here or your sound copy here. Hear more about the book on Youtube “But what is new?” I keep being asked. “Where are you moving to?” Things are brewing in the background. Here are a few hints…. I have a project celebrating Emerson in the works and a possible unusual new home studio. More to come! Until then, keep creating. Keep building new things. Do everything in your power to make this world a better place, one project at a time. The Eclipse Prints available here  Keep shining friends! May this message inspire you. Feel free to share