Seven Questions Series: In-Depth Conversations at Still Austin

Seven Questions - DALLAS ARTIST DESIREÉ VANIECIA

Desireé Vaniecia is a contemporary artist, based in Dallas, who creates personal and thought-provoking pieces inspired by the complexities of the human experience. Her works combine vivid colors, dynamic compositions, and a mix of media to evoke emotions and encourage deeper reflection. With hints of Art Nouveau and Renaissance art, she explores the representation of Black women, seeking to celebrate their beauty, strength, and diversity while challenging traditional notions of femininity.

Seven Questions - SINGER-SONGWRITER REILLY DOWNES

Reilly Downes is the Sad Cowgirl of Chicago. An Americana artist hailing from the Texas Hill Country, she cut her teeth as a session musician in Nashville, singing behind some of Americana’s favorite singer/songwriters. Reilly’s music has been described as “easy on the ears but hard on the heart” by Nashville’s Music Mecca. Her songs diverge from typical contemporary country, draw on her Texas roots with a sound that “cuts across each track like a rattlesnake, adding some extra honesty and grit.” Reilly’s first solo album, Spent, earned her the spot of #1 Americana releases for 2022 as well as features on The Boot, among other Americana and Country covering media. Since then, her haunting rendition of “Wicked Game” has landed her radio play, a feature on Spotify’s “Vibes” playlist, and more.

Seven Questions -MUSICIAN LEW APOLLO

Lew Apollo performs every other Wednesday at the Still Austin Distillery for our Blues & Bourbon events. A rising force in the world of neosoul-blues rock, Lew has a gift for captivating audiences with his soul-stirring melodies and poignant songwriting. Born and raised in Barnum, MN, Lew’s journey in music began with a deep connection to the rich musical heritage of his home state. Following the release of his debut EP “Jungle,” masterfully produced by BLK ODYSSY, Lew amassed an impressive 150,000 streams in less than two months. In the wake of his father’s tragic suicide in Fall 2022, Lew’s artistry took a profound turn. He found solace in pouring his emotions into his songwriting, using his music as a platform to normalize conversations about difficult topics such as isolation, entrapment, anxiety, temptation, and depression. Through his heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice, Lew Apollo aims to remind his audience that they’re not alone in their struggles

Seven Questions - MULTIMEDIA ARTIST HILLY HOLSONBACK

Hilly Holsonback, a dynamic and buzzworthy multimedia and performance artist, has become a fixture in the North Texas art scene in recent years for her unique uses of projection, light and photography, and for her subtly transgressive takes on American femininity. She’s had solo exhibitions at Eugene Binder Gallery in Marfa, Texas, and Sean Horton Presents in Dallas, Texas, and her work was featured in I’m Looking Through You, a two-person exhibition at Horton Gallery, New York, in 2012. Holsonback has also been featured in various Dallas group exhibitions at the Dallas Contemporary, Site 131, and Barry Whistler Gallery, among others. The Dallas Observer recently named Holsonback (@hillyholsonback) one of the “Dallas Artists You Should Be Following on Instagram.”

West Texas Exiles: A 'Seven Questions' Series Deep Dive

With influences ranging from The Flatlanders and Buddy Holly to Augustana and Jason Isbell, West Texas Exiles are reinvigorating the music world with a modern interpretation of the “Lone Star vernacular.” Grounded in rhythmic vibrancy and lyrical honesty, the Exile sound echoes the vastness of the West Texas sky. “New Moon Foe,” the band’s first single from their self-titled debut album, combines a driving, grinding pulse with haunting lyrics. Meanwhile their second single, “Hotel Tomorrow,” evokes the ghosts of southwestern Americana at its snakebit best. But it’s on a track simply entitled “Exile” that the group’s intentions are declared most strikingly: this band of outsiders aren’t just waltzing across Texas; they’re riding into the sunset in search of new musical horizons.

Seven Questions - PAINTER MICHAEL WAYNE HALL

Michael Wayne Hall has made a career of using color and form to create unexpected emotions in those who view his work. His abstract paintings are grounded in his love of the flat-color aesthetics of vintage screen-printing. For this reason, his works feel at once both familiar and new, retro and modern, calming and energizing. Michael’s work is always created by hand and painted without the use of tape or masking, which allows for the “realness” of wobbles, smudges, and other imperfections to remain. While each piece is extremely precise, a close examination reveals the handmade nature of the process. Mistakes are left to be discovered. If you’d like to see some of Michael’s work, check out his Instagram—or head over to the Still Austin Tasting Room, where he painted the interiors!

Seven Questions - PAINTER 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.

Seven Questions - POET SCOTT ANDREW JAMES

Scott Andrew James is an inspirational poet and speaker who believes in everyday magic and the power of creativity. At home on a 1946 Smith-Corona typewriter, his work has been widely featured online and in print. His three books of poetry have brought peace and comfort to readers from all over the country. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and daughter, and their pug.

Seven Questions - SAMANTHA HELIGMAN

Samantha Seligman is the artist behind the popular pottery workshop Settle Ceramics. She believes in making objects that mean something: vessels that will be used and loved for generations. “In a world where so many things are disposable,” says Samantha, “my ceramics are handmade with the intent that they will become a steady favorite and that you will enjoy them everyday, for a lifetime.” Her shop, Settle Ceramics, is “dedicated to making the everyday beautiful for your kitchen and home,” with each object made with an eye toward becoming cherished family heirlooms. All of Samantha’s pieces are hand-thrown and glazed with care.

Seven Questions - CHET GARNER OF “THE DAYTRIPPER”

Chet Garner loves Texas, and he loves barbecue, which means he considers his job to be the greatest job on earth. Chet is the creator, executive producer, writer, editor and host of the five-time Emmy-award winning PBS series “The Daytripper.” Chet is also a proud husband, father of four and eagle scout, and he’s a monthly contributor to Texas Highways magazine.