Biography
Addie Hirschten is a contemporary painter, art teacher, author of several books, and host of the Studio Alchemy Podcast. They sign their paintings with the name Vita after the garden designer, Vita Sackville West.
Hirschten earned a Bachelor of Fine Art from Appalachian State University graduating in 2000. After working for a number of years as a children’s librarian, they went on to earn a Master of Library Science from Indiana University in 2010. When they moved to Indianapolis in 2011, they spent several years conducting performances for children in libraries throughout the state of Indiana as well as working as a public speaker for community organizations and Unitarian Universalist churches. Hirschten also works as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator.
Hirschten’s style can range from abstract expressionist work to impressionism that reveres the sacred beauty of the natural world. Hirschten is a Purdue University Extension Master Gardener and incorporates the botanical images into artwork. Her other serious hobby is playing old-time and early blues style violin. View the YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@FiddlingAddie
The Studio Alchemy Podcast
On the Studio Alchemy podcast, we explore creative ways to transform our lives using visualization, art making, and self-help techniques. On the podcast, we hunt for the wise balance between accepting what is and taking empowered action. We can change both our physical and spiritual selves for the better by examining how our outer world reflects our inner world. Originally the Alchemy of Art podcast, the focus has changed from artist interviews to a wide range of topics on transformation.
Past guests on the show include Megan Jefferson, Caravan Classes, Bobbie Lancaster, Paula Scott-Frantz, Kyle Herrington, Tori Weyers, Rebecca Berdel, Laura Lohmann, Sharon Vargo, Cara Moczygemba, Bianca Dudeck-Mandity, Randal David Tipton, Elizabeth Duvivier, Danny Gregory, David Gallup, Pam Newell, Carrie Schmitt, Dianne de Las Casas, Sofiya Inger, Trisha Adams, Jessica Kaufman, Sonja Brooks, Dan Fifer, Dima Kroma, Jason Adams, Richard Brendan, Jude Odell, Jessica Green, Flora Bowley and more...
