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 artists living in old warehouses because they were cheap and offered a lot of space to create. I was drawn to the D.I.Y. approach and began to envision myself in a similar situation.
The Holy 8 Ball was a creative studio space in East Austin founded by Bruce Dye, who, like me, was starting a career as a photographer and artist. Bruce secured this space to have a large area for photo shoots and small rental offices for other artists. I was the last tenant to move in, occupying two rooms: one for my office and the other as my bedroom.
Choosing this lifestyle elevated my passion for creativity, cultivated my entrepreneurial skills, and left me with remarkable 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