The Studio Alchemy Podcast Episode 85 Transformation with Big Magic

 

Today’s episode of the Studio Alchemy Podcast features thoughts on transforming our lives with fresh creative projects and a more honest, open discussion of sacred spirituality.

On the Studio Alchemy Podcast we explore creative ways to transform our lives using visualization, art making, and new age 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/. Take online creativity classes at:  https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/courses

Read or listen to the book, “Start Selling Your Art: A Guide to Starting an Art Business” on Amazon and Audible. 

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 84 Interview with Mixed Media Painter Lisa Cyr

 

Today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast features an interview with the mixed media painter, author and teacher, Lisa Cyr.  Find out more about her work at:  https://www.cyrstudio.com/

On the Alchemy of Art podcast we chat about the creative process and philosophy.  Each episode includes stories, dreams and reflections to inspire you and keep you going.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/

💗 Art Inspiration: Choosing Peace 💗

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 

"If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."
-Mother Teresa

 

What does peace mean to you? My daughter made this statement a few years ago...


Peace to me is about allowing myself to feel happiness.  It is about letting go of worrying about things I have no control over.  



 
My young friend, Freya, chose the peace symbol to be at the center of her hand print on our table at Studio Alchemy.


The peace symbol was created by a nuclear disarmament group in the fifties.  It represents the anti-war movement.  Other symbols of peace have included the olive branch and the dove.

  For me any image that helps me to FEEL peaceful is a peace symbol.

 Bridge at Hocking Hills State Park Available on Etsy

I have felt a greater sense of peace since I decided to take a break from social media.  It was causing me to feel constantly itchy.... a feeling that I was missing out if I wasn't looking at it. 

My daughter called this FOMO, Fear of Missing Out. 

  The Watering Can, Available on Etsy

I realized that no matter what I decide to do I will miss out on the other possibilities.  Peace is accepting that you will miss out then embracing the decisions that you have made.  Peace is a choice.

  Roses by the Yellow House Available on Etsy

Each night we say what we are thankful for at dinner.  This ritual helps me feel peace.  I am thankful for clean air and water. I am thankful for the bounty of the garden.  


I imagine that my cup is full and that the basket is over flowing.

And SOMETIMES peace is being able to laugh at something that is silly.


 Sunflowers in the Community Garden, Available at the Studio $410

"Let us not use bombs and guns to overcome the world. Let us use love and compassion. Peace begins with a smile-smile five times a day at someone you don't really want to smile at- do it for peace. So let us radiate peace...and extinguish in the world and in the hearts of all men all hatred and love for power."
-Mother Teresa

Want join me for classes?  I just added more classes and workshops to our spring schedule!

Many of today's illustrations are from my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM! 
Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material. 

Would someone you love be inspired by this message?  Feel free to share   

Alchemy of Art Podcast Episode 83 Flowers for the Ukraine and Symbolism

 

Today’s episode of the Alchemy of Art podcast features a chat about how people around the world are using the symbol of the sunflower to support Ukrainians and the important role symbols have in our lives. 

On the Alchemy of Art podcast we chat about the creative process and philosophy.  Each episode includes stories, dreams and reflections to inspire you and keep you going.  Hosted by Vita, a contemporary impressionist painter, art teacher, author and public speaker.  Find out more at https://studioalchemy.art/. Take online creativity classes at:  https://the-alchemy-of-painting.teachable.com/courses

Read or listen to the book, “Start Selling Your Art: A Guide to Starting an Art Business” on Amazon and Audible. 

💗 Art Inspiration: Flower Power in Ukraine 💗

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers- 
 

Did you know that the sunflower is the national flower of the Ukraine? 
 Sunflower Field, Sold 
People around the world have been wearing sunflowers to show support for the country. 


Flower crowns are a traditional Ukrainian headdress.  Women have been wearing them in protest.
 
 This is Flower Power at its best! 

It reminds me of the photo "Flower Power" by Bernie Boston. 

At a protest against the Vietnam War in 1967 George Harris placed flowers in the barrel of guns.  Years later a friend of mine met George Harris and talked to him about the experience.  


This is a photo of one of my favorite artists, Ashley Bryan.  He just passed away a few weeks ago and the world has lost a bright soul.  Now is the time to grow and paint more flowers in his honor.  Let them be vibrant!

Read Bryan's autobiography. It is soooooo good and uplifting.  In it he said...

"I never gave up. Many were more gifted and talented than I but they gave up. You've got to stand up for what you love."  -Ashley Bryan

 "Sunflowers at Cornucopia Farm" $269

When tragedy strikes so far away it makes me feel helpless.  What can we do?  How can we stand up for what we love?

You can consider donating or volunteering for the non-profit organization, Exodus Refugee.  A few years ago I donated this painting to them for a fundraiser...
  Birds of Syria
This painting is about how a group of people can be like a flock of birds.  When they are disrupted they scatter but they always come back together again.

Even if you can't afford to give to a charity you can always do something to make the world a better place. 

"Success is...
     to laugh often and much
     to appreciate beauty
     to find the best in others
     to leave the world a bit better
     to know that even one life has breathed easier because you lived."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

We can do small things.  Many small things add up.  There is power in helping your neighbor and in planting just one flower.  There is power in choosing peace, even with your inner thoughts. 

When the fabled alchemist, Hermes, wrote, "as above, so below," he meant that our inner spiritual world is reflected in our outer world, our actions.  If we are to keep to the light we must be peaceful in our thoughts AND our actions.

We've got to stand up for what we love, life on this beautiful planet, our families and ourselves, just one good deed at a time.

 Sunflower Bouquet, Sold

Many of today's illustrations are from my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM! 
Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material. 

Want join me for classes?  I just added more classes and workshops to our spring schedule.


Would someone you love be inspired by this message?  Feel free to share   

💗 Art Inspiration: Dreaming of Sailing Away 💗

 

Hello My Fellow Art Lovers-    "A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what a ship is built for.” - John A. Shedd Do you ever feel like sailing away?  Escaping on a pilgrimage of epic proportions? I have!  Lately I dream of crossing the ocean with just a notebook and set of paints to document the journey.   I even added a Viking ship to my 2022 vision board. In the song, "Blue Boat Home" Peter Mayer wrote: "I’ve been sailing all my life now, never harbor or port have I known. The wide universe is the ocean I travel and the earth is my blue boat home." Last year I made this painting for a client of an albatross.  This amazing bird travels way out into the ocean, miles from land, and just lives.  He doesn't need to touch down on grounded earth.  Wow I wrote a whole section of my upcoming symbolism book on how it is best to: If plants are to grow they have to get rooted, stay in one place.     "Along the Picket Fence" Sold I like being grounded in one place.  To sink my feet into the soil like a plant.   Dreaming of the Ocean, Framed $469 BUT sometimes it is good to explore. I've been reading this fabulous travel diary book "A Fine Romance" by Susan Branch (for the third time!)  It is a dream just to imagine crossing the Atlantic on a boat and pottering about England.  I wish I could go!  Keep dreaming... Chaucer wrote that springtime is when people get this feeling.... When we "longen to goon on pilgrimages." So where should I go?  Suggestions for fabulous art retreats?  Is this just the siren calling my name???? Many of today's illustrations are from my upcoming book on SYMBOLISM!  Stay tuned for the more juicy symbols and art philosophy as I swim through this material.  Would someone you love be inspired by this message?  Feel free to share