Very best Austin day with artist Todd Sanders
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Illustration: Axios Visuals. Photo: David Hume Kennerly via Roadhouse Relics
We caught up recently with neon artist Todd Sanders to ask about his ideal Austin day.
Why it matters: His commercial and fine art work evokes a bygone period of classic cars and rock-and-roll in Austin.
What he's saying: "Neon is part of Austin's identity, in a way that it's not part of Dallas' and Houston's," he tells Axios, mentioning Sandy's Frozen Custard — "it's the name, the signage shape, what they sell, perfect design" — El Patio, on Guadalupe, Matt's El Rancho, and the Continental Club.
- "I'm inspired by those pieces and incorporate them into my work."
Background: Sanders, 58, dropped out of Sam Houston State University to move to Austin in 1992 and eventually opened his own studio and gallery — Roadhouse Relics — on South First Street. He now lives west of town, off Cuernavaca, with his wife and teenage son.
- His commercial work includes signs for Bouldin Creek Cafe and Lamberts. He now focuses on fine art, much of it on commission. "I liken it to a tattoo. The work reflects the client as well as the artist," he says.
- His animated work "Fireflies in a Mason Jar" was created for the wedding of fellow Texan Miranda Lambert to Blake Shelton. Sanders estimates he has now made more than 100 of those.
What's next: Sanders is showing his work at Let There Be Neon, a Brooklyn Gallery, in November.
Q&A with Todd Sanders
Tell me how you start your ideal day.
Usually I get up before anyone else and make lunch for my son. My favorite thing is driving my son to high school — he's in ninth grade — and then I get to work and eventually pop over to La Patisserie to grab a coffee, check out the weird macaron flavors they have that day, and grab a cinnamon pecan muffin.
What are you doing for lunch?
Probably a picnic lunch on the State Capitol grounds with my wife. I love the reuben from Vinaigrette.
How about an afternoon activity?
Strolling Congress for a bit. Heritage Boots is a big favorite of mine, and I like getting my Stetson blocked at Maufrais.
What are you having for dinner?
Chuy's. The Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom enchiladas and their queso. The tortillas are fantastic.
How do you like to unwind?
Catch Mike Barfield at the Continental Club and then cruise Congress with my wife in our '57 Chevy and soak in the neon.