Like A Rolling Stone

East Austin gallery rocks out with never-before-seen Rolling Stones photos

Postcards of the Rolling Stones by Norman Seeff, coming to Austin.

Norman Seeff unearthed more photos from a famous 1972 shoot just for the Austin exhibition at Modern Rocks.

Photos by Norman Seeff

Austin is home to many blues greats that retained the mystery of largely unsung national fame. Not the Rolling Stones. But a series of photographs by Norman Seeff from a session with the band in 1972 still have that glow. The vintage, rare, and unseen images will be on display at Modern Rocks Gallery in the Canopy creative community on Springdale Road.

The collection, “Fifty Years in Exile” — referencing the album “Exile on Main St.,” and certainly not the Stones’ reputation or public demand for memorabilia — contains images from the shoot for promotional postcards that were packaged with the first pressing of the album. The ghostly but celebratory black and white images, which now sell for thousands, show the band raucously fraternizing with women, everyone dressed in early 20th century finery and slightly obscured by a thick haze.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be hosting ‘Fifty Years In Exile,’” said Modern Rocks owner Steven Walker in a press release. “These original darkroom prints are testament to Norman Seeff’s greatness as both a photographer and an artist.”

The images were first displayed at the Rock Photography Museum in Los Angeles until July 17, and are moving to Modern Rocks with some new prints made specially for the show from August 19 to September 20. There’s more than the campy retro vignettes; a preview shows black and white images of the band, relatively stoic with hair blowing back.

The full collection came together as a result of Seeff rifling through archival imagery in his basement. (Where else would one keep rare images of one of the most famous bands of all time?) Reviving the prints, to the artist, represents expanding byproducts of old work into new art. This is not the first time the gallery has shown Seeff’s work, and it shares work about the Rolling Stones often, by various photographers.

“I’ve always wanted to use my photography as source material for creating art pieces,” said Seeff in the release. “The photos serve as a jumping off point. I decided to use the exhibition as an opportunity to experiment. People have been very pleased with the results I think.”

Susto Mezcal CEO Mark Shilling will help celebrate the exhibit at a grand opening with a Rolling Stones-themed cocktail as obscurely named as the white fog in the photographs: “Soul Survivor.” Tumblin’Dice Bourbon will also be served straight. The public reception begins at 7 pm.

More information about the exhibition and opening is available at modernrocksgallery.com.

galleries media music openings museums

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."

visual art drawing books