Still Life: Behind the Scenes at Still Austin Distillery

"Still Life" Lee Miller

In our latest installment of our Still Life series, we sit down to talk with Lee Miller of Texas Traditions Handmade Boots to learn his process of crafting the perfect boot for his clients, including some star studded feet he's molded boots to along the way.

"Still Life" Kel Brown

Kel Brown is a multi-disciplinary artist with a decade of professional experience, as well as a portfolio of varied accomplishments including gallery exhibitions, private commissions, public murals and municipal projects for the City of Austin. He painted every individual label for Still Austin’s popular December 2022 Distillery Reserve Series release, Cognac Cask Straight Bourbon.

"Still Life" Marc Burckhardt

In this episode of “Still Life,” renowned Austin artist Marc Burckhardt discusses his German-Texan roots, how he made a career of doing what he loves, and how “Austin is its own planet.” Of his iconic Still Austin labels and his work with the Distillery, Marc says, “It was a perfect fit for me.”

"Still Life" Gina Chavez

In this episode of "Still Life," beloved Austin singer-songwriter Gina Chavez talks about her creative process, where she finds her muse, and how she embraces all parts of herself as a queer artist, a Catholic, and a native Austinite. Gina's unique blend of art and authenticity is redefining Latin music, while garnering her a rabid following throughout Texas and beyond.

"Still Life" Fort Lonesome

In this episode of “Still Life,” the legendary women of Ft. Lonesome talk about how they almost singlehandedly revived the art of chain-stitching in Texas, using vintage machines to produce stunning results. “It’s kind of like tattooing your garments,” says head tailor Rebekah Dubose. “Each piece that’s embroidered has a story.”

"Still Life'" Caren Kelleher of Gold Rush Vinyl 

In this episode of “Still Life,” Gold Rush Vinyl founder Caren Kelleher talks about the process of making vinyl, the inspirational power of her grandparents’ late-40s Victrola, and the hardscrabble life of the modern musician. Since launching Gold Rush in 2018, Caren has made a name for her company nationally, pressing hundreds of thousands of records for all types of musicians, from young DIY artists to arena headliners and Grammy winners.

"Still Life'" JOHN SCHREPEL

In this episode of “Still Life,” Still Austin’s head distiller John Schrepel talks about the challenges of keeping a world-class whiskey operation running smoothly, while always maintaining a focus on quality. Since entering the industry a decade ago, John’s passion has continued to expand alongside the spirits he’s worked on—culminating in helping Still Austin evolve from a smallish craft distillery to being a powerhouse in the Texas whiskey industry.

"Still Life'" Zuzu

In this episode of “Still Life,” muralist Zuzu discusses the power of graffiti, the changing nature of Austin creative life, and the “aha” moment when a homeless man revealed her true nature to her. Over the past decade, Zuzu has thrived within the dynamic art scene of Austin, “crushing her passion” and learning to live self-sufficiently as a woman and an artist.

"Still Life' Ras Redwine VI of Ras Redwine VI Hats 

In this episode of “Still Life”, Ras Redwine VI recounts how, growing up on a ranch, he learned to reshape felt cowboy hats over a teapot. Today, Ras has become one of the most renowned hatmakers in Texas—by focusing on the art rather than the commerce.

"Still Life'"Growler Domestics Jordan Goetz

In this episode of “Still Life”, Jordan Goetz of Growler Domestics explains how he makes furniture by hand to “feed that creative spark.” In the meticulous process of building a dining table or a cabinet from raw materials, Jordan finds peace.