Since moving into my downtown studio at the start of this residency, my first mission was to truly connect with the heart of Austin. Wrapped up against the cold, headphones in, camera in hand, I began exploring the streets of downtown without a set path, driven by pure curiosity.
Though I’ve been a resident of Austin for a year, my time downtown was mostly limited to the night hours—this residency has given me the rare chance to rediscover the city in daylight. Based out of 506 Congress, I wandered freely, capturing any building that piqued my interest. It felt liberating to roam the city’s streets and river walks, reminiscent of my days back in London.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the world slowed down, long walks along the Thames with a close friend became a staple—our way to connect and find solace in the familiar yet always revealing new details of our neighborhoods. This slow, observant mode of exploration was something I carried with me to Austin and this residency. As I meandered through the city, I found myself drawn to architectural styles that echoed my past life, where the old and new exist side by side, just as they do here.
The Gothic Revival architecture of St. Mary’s Cathedral, for instance, could have easily been nestled in a London borough, while the towering skyline views from Austin’s Auditorium Shores brought back memories of gazing at London’s skyscrapers from the South Bank.
In these walks, I saw more than just buildings—I saw stories and histories, parallels that connect my old home with my new one. Back in the studio, sifting through the photos, I realized my lens had naturally gravitated towards sites that mirrored my London experiences. This unintentional yet profound connection inspired the focus of my mini-series of paintings for this residency.
I’ve chosen a few of Austin’s iconic locations that resonate with my past: The Capitol, The Driskill Hotel, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and the view up Congress. Each holds a special place in Austin but through my eyes, they also bridge the cities I call home.
I’m leaving you with some sketchbook pages for now. Join me next week as I dive deeper into the natural beauty that colours Austin—the flowers. Their vibrant hues and resilient nature are playing a significant role in shaping the color palette of this series.
Thank you for walking this path with me, both literally and figuratively. I look forward to sharing more of my journey and the art it inspires.
