Thumbing through a “Best of Austin” back issue (1992 – Vol. XII, No. 5), I
happened upon two lovely photographs: one of a bunch of women gleefully
frolicking in the fountain outside of the LBJ Library at UT, the other of a
bunch of women thrusting margarita glasses high, whizzing past a streaky night
sky in a fine convertible. I saw these works originally in 1992, and at that
time they triggered peals of my own delight, as they so accurately captured the
spirit of Austin, Texas – my new home. On July 14, 1995, the big-hearted,
gifted photographer responsible for freezing those images, Lisa Davis, 32, took
her life at her parents’ house in Houston. Her life in town began as a student at the University of Texas at Austin where
she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Photojournalism in 1986. As an Associated
Press regular, she also freelanced for Rolling Stone, OUT
Magazine, The New York Times, The Advocate, The Texas
Triangle, and here at The Austin Chronicle. She leaves behind a
remarkable photographic legacy.
Our beloved compa�era was also a stalwart in so many of Austin’s
circles, including the gay community, women’s community, and musicians’
community. Most recently, she was known as a show promoter and activist. Her
multi-media “extravaganzas” were sometimes curiously harebrained schemes but
always stoked a powerful mix of politics, music, irony, and Austin culture. She
dragged many of us kicking and screaming into these events until we found
ourselves having the time of our lives.
Lisa Davis lived and loved hard. Her love and support for local music
was inspiring. The local underground rock scene will recall her notorious on-
and off-stage antics, eating fire and encouraging people to disrobe in joyous,
rock & roll abandon. She even gained national notoriety as the first woman
to stage dive at the Michigan Women’s Music Festival.
Ultimately, as life regenerates itself, the question remains: Why – as time
has proven again and again – is it that one individual has the power to change
the world, yet human frailties often stand in the way of healing one’s self?
According to one dear friend, one of Lisa’s answers to senseless questions like
that was, “The moon is blue…” Now, a lot of us are, too.
Friends may wish to attend the memorial service at Umlauf Sculpture Gardens,
Saturday, July 22, 6:30pm, with a potluck reception to follow. In lieu of
flowers, please make a donation in Lisa’s memory to: Out Youth-Austin, 425
Woodward, Austin, TX 78704. For Out Youth information, call: 326-1234.
This fall, a commemorative gathering, musical performance, and photography
show are currently being planned by close friends in Austin. If you are
interested in attending and/or participating, please leave a message and phone
number at 512/454-5766, ext. 200. n
This article appears in July 21 • 1995 and July 21 • 1995 (Cover).