Creating Art

Meet Ballet Austin's New American Talent/Dance finalist: Bradley Shelver

It's no surprise that New York City is a hotbed for creative innovation. So it's understandable that, after Ballet Austin sent out a nationwide call for dance choreographers to enter their fourth annual New American Talent/Dance series, all three of the finalists chosen to compete in the 40-hour residencies here in Austin call the Big Apple home.

Along with his fellow finalists Gregory Dolbashian and Loni Landon, choreographer Bradley Shelver is an up-and-coming choreographer that can benefit greatly from this competition. Not only will Shelver be able to debut his latest choreographed masterpiece for Austin audiences and an industry-renowned jury on the Long Center stage, but he has the opportunity to walk away with the $24,000 grand prize.

Shelver, who hails originally from South Africa, holds advanced diplomas in Tap, Jazz and Ballet through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in London and attended the National School of the Arts in Johannesbug. He is the Artistic Director of the Bradley Shelver Contemporary Dance Theater and on the teaching faculty of The Alvin Ailey School in New York, and still finds time to conduct master classes across the globe.

His international perspective and daring physicality are exhibited in his latest work, set for its world premiere at the Long Center on Feb. 17 - 19. "This piece was inspired by ancient Jewish folklore," Shelver explains. "The story goes that in every generation, 36 men are born and shoulder the responsibility, the pain, the anguish, the disasters that mankind faces."

The piece features all male dancers, providing unique challenges and also some interesting possibilities. As shown in the video above, the rehearsals during the choreographer's 40-hour residency have been grueling and demanding on the dancers.

Ballet Austin company dancer Jordan Moser says, "We knew that it was going to be really aggressive. It was like, awesome, an all men's piece, let's really dig into it. But we were also a little bit scared. The bruises come and go..."

Shelver's work is visceral and urgent, as the assembled dancers thrash and rage and explode against the approach of the impending apocalypse. With such high stakes, the piece is sure to take the audience on an evocative journey with which they may not be familiar .

"I think that some people come to the theater and have a very passive experience with the art. And with this particular project, they can't do that," explains Ballet Austin Artistic Director Stephen Mills. "They have to be engaged, they have to very carefully analyze what they're seeing."

After each night of performances, audience members will be invited to cast their votes via text message as to which choreographer should be declared the winner. In the end, the champion will be awarded the national acclaim and the bragging rights to take back home to New York City.

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There are three chances to see New American Talent/Dance at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, Feb. 17 - 19. Tickets are available at the Ballet Austin website, starting at just $15.00.

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Outside the Lines

Buda artist releases intuitive drawing book with fun prompts

Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Artist Ronald Gross creates an intuitive drawing with crayon, which he considers a "joyful" medium.

Buda-based artist and writer Ronald Gross released a book in November called Unlock Your Creativity: A Guide to Intuitive Drawing, which will walk aspiring expressers through drawing without worry. On December 6, he'll be on hand to help in an intuitive drawing demo at Buda Public Library's Holiday Open House.

The book is a hands-on guide that teaches readers how to lean into their own desires and intuitions when drawing, whether they feel like an artist or not. In this way, intuitive drawing should feel relaxing, meditative, and ultimately, beneficial for mental health. If you find coloring books relaxing and meditative, intuitive drawing may have the same effect on you.

"Intuitive drawing is the practice of creating art without a specific plan or outcome in mind," says Gross. "It’s about letting your hand move freely, guided by emotion, curiosity, or subconscious impulses; not about making something perfect."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Intuitive drawing is simple, joyful, and according to Gross can calm the mind much like meditation. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

This book presents exercises to access a mindful state: freeform doodling, blind contouring drawing, drawing from the imagination, and drawing from emotions. For artists feeling stuck, Gross also includes plenty of exercises for overcoming creative blocks and even discusses ways intuitive drawing can be applied to other creative projects and areas of life.

In the December workshop, Gross will give a quick demonstration on how to create an intuitive drawing using nothing but lines, shapes, and simple marks. Then participants can try it out with a variety of crayons, because crayons are "tactile" and can quickly transport people into a "playful, unselfconscious space," according to Gross.

"The workshop is all about creating a supportive, judgment-free space to explore intuitive drawing," he says. "Attendees will leave with tools to keep practicing on their own and, hopefully, a renewed sense of creativity and playfulness."

An intuitive drawing from author and artist Ronald Gross. In college Gross was taught how to take a doodle and elevate it into fine art.Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross's own journey into intuitive drawing started at a young age, when he would doodle and sketch throughout the school day. Years later at the Academy of Art University, a professor encouraged him to lean into this more intuitive and abstract style of art. Since then, Gross has been exploring intuitive drawing's ability to access a meditative state, as well as tap into the subconscious mind.

"When you draw intuitively, you’re fully present in the moment," Gross says. "Your mind quiets, and you become attuned to the flow of your thoughts, feelings, and physical movements. It’s akin to meditation, only instead of sitting still, you’re actively channeling your inner experience onto the page."

An intuitive drawing by author and artist Ronald Gross. Gross's intuitive drawings each evoke a different feeling through his simple use of color and linework. Photo courtesy of Ronald Gross

Gross adds that over time, doing some of the exercises included in the book may even help boost confidence, since intuitive drawing can help people learn to trust their instincts.

"Intuitive drawing can unlock creativity, reduce stress, and help people reconnect with their inner selves," he adds. "It offers a space to process emotions, spark ideas, and break free from perfectionism or overthinking."

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