Lords of H-Town

True Norwegian Black Metal's Peter Beste returns with an inside look at Houston hip-hop

After spending the better part of a decade documenting the everyday lives of the artists, community leaders, producers and family members that make up Houston's influential hip-hop community, photographer Peter Beste and author Lance Scott Walker are finally seeing their new book, Houston Rap, hit the shelves.

If Beste's previous book project is any indication — he shot the excellent True Norwegian Black Metal, wherein Carpathian Forest's Nattefrost was captured smearing himself with his own excrement just moments after he smoked heroin, among other indelible images — we can be assured that his photographs will show the legends of the Dirty South in all their guts and glory.

We can be assured that Beste's photographs will show the legends of the Dirty South in all their guts and glory.

Beste and Walker did their work in now-legendary neighborhoods the Fifth Ward, the Third Ward and South Park, taking account of the cultures and conditions under which not only Houston hip-hop but fundamental and distinctive aspects of Southern rap as a whole — including its outsider, community-based business model — developed and thrived.

Alongside the likes of performers Bun B, Big Mike, Willie D, Lil' Troy and Paul Wall, as well as late legends including DJ Screw, Pimp C and Big Hawk, Houston Rap profiles the influential community that artists were immersed in and gives the scene its proper place in the American pop-culture canon.

The authors accomplish this in no small part with the inclusion of a timeline that covers the history of Houston rap music from the beginning of the 20th century. Many of Beste's images of the contemporary Houston scene, which have not been exhibited or published before, are included as well.

As the photographer recently told The Source, "We made an effort to present a larger picture rather than just focus on typical rap/hip-hop topics. We purposely reached out to those who are aware of how these communities have been historically overlooked and even directly targeted by ‘the powers that be’ in an effort to keep them subservient and unable to fight back.”

Beste and Walker will be at Farewell Books tonight, Tuesday, December 3, 7-9pm.

From Houston Rap by Peter Beste and Lance Scott Walker

Photo by Peter Beste

From Houston Rap by Peter Beste and Lance Scott Walker

unspecified

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