Evan Voyles’s Guide to Austin
Austin native Evan Voyles is the artist behind The Neon Jungle, known for creating many of the city’s most recognizable neon landmarks. A Yale graduate with a degree in Intensive English, he turned his love of literature and roadside iconography into a career shaping the visual identity of restaurants, music venues, boutiques and theaters across Austin. Beyond his neon practice, Voyles is an avid collector of vintage cowboy boots and handmade signs with collections featured in books, national media and on The Discovery Channel.
For TRIBEZA’s Curators series, Evan Voyles shares his favorite places and hidden gems around Austin.
How long have you lived in Austin?
I was born and raised in Austin. What I love about my work is that I get to make pretty much free–range, amazing things from fairly free–range, amazing people in my hometown. I get to actually change how my city feels and looks, and not many people get to make that claim — or bask in that glow, pun intended.
What’s your perfect day in Austin — from morning to night?
A perfect day in Austin would probably still include work. For one thing, I can’t escape it. And for another, I love it. If it was my preference, I’d work early before the heat sets in. If I got a chance to knock off early, I’d head to Uncommon Objects, check out an art show or go to an event with my friends. Next I’d have dinner with my wife or my friends, and the night would wind up back at my house — sitting on the porch, drinking tequila or beer, playing guitars or up on the roof. We live very close to South Congress and, judging from the view from the roof, dangerously close to downtown.
Are there any lesser-known Austin gems that you’re willing to share?
Lucy’s Fried Chicken for me. I wouldn’t say it is not well–known, but still, I don’t feel like people get it. I’m in there a lot, partly because it’s adjacent to my studio, and partly because they’re friends of mine. The whole vibe of the place is very authentic and real. There was no marketing meeting that shaped this place.
What do you hope never changes about Austin, even as the city grows?
I was born here. My father was born here. My grandfather arrived 100 years ago to go to UT and never left. That’s a trope that’s been happening since the beginning. Austin is a place where you can make your dreams happen — if the city chooses you or if you choose the city. That has changed my entire life.
I’ve heard people say, ‘Oh, you should have been here before.’ I think that thought process needs to change. The fear is that we’ve got people coming in so fast now, in such large groups, all for different reasons, and they’re not having an epiphany anymore. They weren’t called. They are here because their company brought them here. That’s fine, but it takes longer to inculcate these people into our ways and into this consensual hallucination we call Austin. For me, that hallucination is culture–making. It’s what I do, what my wife does and what most of my friends do. We’re creating culture here, and not in a content–creator, computer driven way. If I can help it, I won’t own a computer. There’s something special about this place — some speculate it’s in the water supply — that we need to hold on to and protect.
Voyles’s Austin Favorites
Favorite taco: The Democrat at Torchy’s Tacos, preferably the original location when it was a trailer on South First Street. It was only four blocks from my house.
Favorite music venue: That’s tough. I would say The Continental Club because it’s a block from my house. I admire the history it represents. Antone’s would be a quick follow up.
Favorite art gallery: I would say Preacher Gallery, partly because I’ve shown there myself, and I go to all their shows. I would also follow up with Wally Workman Gallery or Yard Dog Art Gallery.
Favorite park or trail: I used to go to Barton Springs as a kid. I used to do the hike and bike trail, especially between 29th St. and Pease Park, when I was a kid. Now I just don’t have time. I love that we still have those things, though.
Favorite spot for date night: Justine’s Brasserie
Favorite coffee shop: I like to make my own coffee.
Favorite festival or annual event: South by Southwest, but not the official stuff. I prefer all the free shows and events that line South Congress Avenue.