Very best day in Austin with Dawn Okoro
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Artist Dawn Okoro. Photo: Shane Gordon, courtesy of Dawn Okoro
We caught up recently with painter Dawn Okoro to ask about her ideal Austin day.
Why it matters: Operating out of her home and studio in northeast Austin, Okoro has a global footprint, with work featured in shows and collections from New York to London.
The latest: Known for vibrant work inspired by fashion and hip-hop, she's working on a large-scale commission for the new Austin Convention Center.
- Her 2018 breakout show was "Punk Noir" at the George Washington Carver Museum.
The backstory: Raised in Lubbock, Okoro first moved to Austin to study at the University of Texas.
- She graduated from law school in Houston and worked as a journalist in Austin before taking up art full-time.
How do you like to start off your day?
"With skateboarding. It gets the blood flowing and the brain moving. My favorite one is in Pflugerville — the Northeast Metro Park."
What about breakfast?
"Ideally, Bird Bird Biscuit — I love biscuits and I'll get a simple one, with eggs."
What's your big activity?
"Listen to music and paint. Usually, I keep my studio to a regular workday, painting into the evening."
What are you listening to while you work?
"Right now, 'Next to You' — Erykah Badu in collaboration with The Alchemist. I've got that on repeat."
And for dinner and an evening activity?
"Ramen Tatsu-ya up on 183 — I get the Mi-So-Hot. Then it's great to go to a show. Often, I find myself at the Hotel Vegas. They've got bands I want to listen to."
Anyone in particular?
"Pleasure Venom. I've worked with them on a couple of album covers."
And, finally, to unwind?
"For me, it's just sit on the couch for a podcast. Lately I've been listening to Rotten Mango."