The front doors of Holy 8 Ball, Austin, 1993
Holy 8 Ball
1983 - 1998
1983 - 1998
During college, I read stories about New York City artist living in old warehouses because they were cheap and offered a tremendous amount of space to create work. I was enamored by the D.I.Y. approach and began to envision myself moving in this direction.
The Holy 8 Ball was a creative studio space in East Austin founded by Bruce Dye. Like myself, he was starting a career as a photographer and artist. Bruce secured this space with the aspiration of having a large area for photo shoots and small rental offices for other artist. I was the last tenet to move in and I occupied two rooms, one for my office and the other was my bedroom.
Choosing this lifestyle elevated my passion for creativity, cultivated my entrepreneurial skills, and left me with tremendous stories of joy, survival and self-discovery.
Entering the Holy 8 Ball Studios, Austin, 1993
Looking back at the front door, 1993
The kitchen, 1993
My office and darkroom, 1993
My bedroom, 1993
Bruce Dye, founder of Holy 8 Ball Studios, 1993
Movie(s) night, 1994
Bruce Dye cooking with a propane torch while Lee Bolton watches, 1994
Ben Davis using a computer and video player for traffic school as penalty for a speeding ticket, 1994
One of many smoke filled parties in the studio, 1996
The studio was 1800 square feet, 1997
Movie(s) nights were serious, 1996
My office and darkroom, 1997
My bedroom, 1998
Negatives and transparencies after 5 years, 1998