The Austonian

As I prepared to bid farewell to the city of Austin, my home for over a decade, I embarked on a final photography excursion to capture the essence of the place that held so many memories. The Austonian building, a prominent symbol of Austin’s growth and urban development, became the focal point of my lens. Witnessing its construction from its early stages in 2007 to its completion in 2010, I felt a sense of pride in the city’s progress and my own place within it. It signified the transformation of Austin into a bustling metropolis, offering a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere that stood in stark contrast to my small-town origins in Amarillo, Texas.

The image I created was a fusion of two distinct images—one capturing the ethereal beauty of Austin’s iconic sunsets, and the other depicting the frenetic pace of city life. The interweaving of these images sought to convey the multifaceted nature of Austin, blending the tranquility of its breathtaking sunsets with the vibrant energy of its urban environment. By combining a clear, focused image with a blurred, impressionistic one, I aimed to evoke a sense of movement and dynamism, reflecting the constant flow and change inherent in city life.

Through this image, I sought to capture the essence of Austin’s unique character—the convergence of natural beauty and urban vitality. The Austonian building, standing tall as a testament to the city’s progress, became a symbol of the dynamic spirit that permeates Austin. It represents not only the physical growth of the city but also the sense of pride and connection I felt during my time there.

As I immortalized the cityscape on canvas, I hoped to convey the transformative power of Austin and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the vibrant community I called home. It is a tribute to the city’s evolution and the memories I forged within its boundaries—a visual homage to the lasting impact it had on my life.