James Surls Studio in Splendora by Alton DuLaney

James Surls Studio in Splendora by Alton DuLaney

Portrait of James Surls (Artist Unknown) photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

The Contemporary Art Museum in Houston recently hosted a reading by Pete Gershon from his upcoming book titled "Pow Wow: Contemporary Artists in Houston 1972-1985." Gershon discusses at length the burgeoning contemporary art scene in Houston during the 1970's and 1980's and the artist that contributed to that movement.

Pete Gershon speaking at the CAM Houston, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015

It was fascinating to hear the tales of a bygone era in the Houston art-world, and especially to hear Gershon repeatedly mention the importance of famed Texas artist James Surls, who as Gershon describes, "the chainsaw-wielding Surls established the Lawndale Annex as a largely unsupervised outpost of the University of Houston’s Art Department. Inside this dirty, cavernous warehouse, a new generation of Houston artists found itself and flourished." Fascinating for me, because for all those years Surls was based in the sleepy little town of Splendora, some 30 miles north of the Houston Art's District (which was not even called that yet!). 

Splendora is also my home town. And I grew up just a few miles from Surls' fabled studio, and spent my teenage years working there as an intern. 

Splendora Gallery Award photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Under the tutelage of James Surls, we started the Splendora Gallery, a short lived art space that exposed the locals to art and vice versa. Above, an original award sponsored by Splendora Gallery.

After the CAM talk, James invited me out to meet him at his studio, to talk of things that went and things to come.

The James Surls Studio photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Nestled in the piney woods of Splendora, is Surls 13,000 square feet studio. Surls lived and worked in Splendora from 1977-1997, when he and his family relocated to Colorado. The studio, under the watchful eye of a caretaker, has sat silently amongst the trees for almost 20 years. Returning to the space recently, after all that time, was almost like visiting a time capsule.

The Surls Studio interior photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Once upon a time this space hosted events, performances, exhibits, and birthed some incredible art projects and ideas, including a whole volume of Surls work.

James Surls "Splendora Years" photo by Alton DuLaney

There is even a great book published of the era, called "Splendora Years" which contains images of the work he produced there in the Splendora Studio.

The Surls Studio interior photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Years later, the studio sits practically empty, ready for its second act. Fortunately, years later, several of Surls' seven daughters are ready to breath new life into the space. And fortunate for me, I too am back in Splendora and ready to fan the creative flames.

James Surls studio detail, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Lurking in every corner, there is an ancient memory, a piece of a sculpture or a remnant of a performance, just sitting there quietly gathering dust, as the sun peers through over-sized windows. Above, one of Surls' famous flower petals.

A James Surls sculpture in the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

While Surls' career has spanned decades, his style has remained distinguishable, with elements like home, wood, trees, eyes, axes, needles, and flowers always appearing in his work.

A James Surls sculpture in the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Stacked in corners and suspended from the rafters, a history of his work stands the test of time, silent sentinels watching over his kingdom.

A James Surls sculpture in the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Looking like alien trees, or ancient tools of torture, Surls' work seamlessly flows between the natural world and the art world, incorporating elements of both.

The Surls Studio, back porch, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

On the back porch, where long conference tables once entertained Texas art royalty, a modern-day American Gothic unfolds without the slightest hint of irony or pretense, now graced only by an ambitious spider or an ornery dirt-dobber.

A James Surls sculpture reclaimed by nature, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Scattered amid the pine trees, one might come across the remains of a long-lost sculpture, like this one, actively being reclaimed by nature. Famously, this sculpture was once set on fire, by another artist who did not approve of Surls' rise in fame and regard.

A James Surls sculpture at the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

The Surls compound covers hundreds of acres of thick woods. Around the studio grounds, art camouflages in with its surroundings. This metal spiral looks as if it could have grown right where it sits.

A James Surls sculpture in front of the studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Some pieces, as part of series, are immediately recognizable, and still hold their magic, though they have suffered the ravages of time.

The James Surls original studio, photo taken by Alton DuLaney October 2015 in Splendora

Even the original studio, a mere tin building, still stands, and now houses the grounds-keeper.

Now, all these years later, the studio is ready to be reborn as a cultural gathering point and artistic incubator. Surls and his daughters, are now working to create a lasting legacy for the artist and his work and his family. In many ways it is an exciting time to live in Splendora, and as always, it is great to call such an accomplished artist, a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend!

James Surls in Splendora photographed by Alton DuLaney October 2015