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/.

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.

---

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.