Head EAST Young Man

An artist's guide to EAST: Can't-miss small studios, hidden gems and more

You may not know it, but they are lurking everywhere. They live in our neighborhoods and work with us every day. They skulk around in garages, backyards, sheds and alleys. You can recognize them from the noises they make: power tools buzzing, hammers banging, pens scribbling, Lone Star tallboys cracking, Bjork singing on an old boombox.

I'm of course talking about artists.

For two weekends in November, the East Austin Studio Tour puts local artists on the main stage. This year, on November 15-16 and 22-23, almost 300 studios will be put on display. With that many artists and spaces, you are guaranteed to find something you will love. But just in case, we've picked out a few great neighborhood spots off the beaten path that are sure to please.

David Leonard
EAST #8 — 1804 Corona Dr.
David Leonard's paintings breath life and spirit into the mechanical structures and buildings that make up our cities. San Francisco streets swing and sway as if they were concrete rivers. Glassy skyscrapers glisten in the sunshine like colossal movie monsters while gas station signs loom on dusky horizons like ancient totems. After visiting David's studio you might never see the world in the same way ever again.

Sertodo Copper
EAST #19, 20 & 21 — 3615 Oak Springs Dr.
The clank of hammers on anvils will greet you as you enter Sertodo Copper. This international cooperative metal studio produces beautiful copper goods ranging from cups and mugs to paella pans. The Sertodo Studio even landed a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things 2014 list with their gorgeous Moscow Mule set. As an added bonus, artist Brady Shae Foster will be offering forging demos.

Sarah Collins
EAST #37 — 1402 Concordia Ave.
"Bold," "energetic" and "dynamic" are all words used to describe Sarah Collins' work. But it's not a vibrant oil painting or a vigorous charcoal drawing she creates. Instead, her medium of choice is fabric. And as wild and lively as her compositions can be, you must look closer to appreciate the vast vocabulary of stitching over the pattern and lace.

John Swanger
EAST #66 — 701 Tillery St. A-6
"The starting point for a series is often an accidental discovery," says John Swanger in his artist statement. You might accidentally discover your new favorite artist when you walk into his studio. His mixed media paintings are experiments in color and form that seem to defy physics. The electrified canvases pop with colors that are sure to please anyone with an open mind.

John Mulvany
EAST #78 — 3401 Govalle Ave.
It's hard to imagine that John Mulvany isn't having fun while he's working. His compositions dance with found imagery and a mix of beautiful color work. And even though you are viewing a scene of two dour Civil War infantrymen, they are adorned with bright halos referencing sacred geometry. Mulvany's paintings are a mix of references that span vast eras and he leaves it up to the viewer to decode the true message.

Mark Goodman/Wildfire Studio
EAST #111 — 916 Springdale Rd. Bldg. 1, #207
Author's note: Mark Goodman's studio was destroyed in the 2011 Bastrop County Complex Fire and he now works out of Canopy Studios. I have bent my rules to allow him into the small studio guide.
Mark Goodman is the kind of photographer who finds everything important. Not the kind to snap a pic for instant gratification, Goodman doesn't document the trivial for the sake of social networking. Instead he catalogues it within a larger timeline, often finding connections and relationships that don't appear on the surface.

Sophie Roach
EAST #274 — 1401 E. Fourth St.
It may be hard to get Sophie Roach's attention when you stop by because she will probably be busy doodling. Her pen knows no end when it comes to drawing. Her excessive style has been seen on guitars, music stages, shoes, skateboards, handkerchiefs, and even old black and white photos. It's easy to get lost in her maze-like illustrations, but the curious designs and pop colors will definitely leave you wanting more.

Stop by and see Sophie Roach's explosive work.

Sophie Roach sophieroach.com

Stop by and see Sophie Roach's explosive work.

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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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