James Talbot, owner, and artist of Casa Neverlandia, has seen Austin change from a world of “sex, drugs and rock and roll” to a city of big business. Since he moved here, Talbot and other local artists have worked to create art and to keep Austin weird, but today, Talbot feels the city has different priorities.
After graduating from Rice University with a bachelor's in architecture, Talbot moved to Austin and bought what would eventually be known as “Casa Neverlandia.” Through decades of renovations and additions, he has transformed the 1917 home into the fine art studio and art house it is today.
Talbot stands outside his house on Milton Street, two blocks from South Congress Avenue. His house has become a standing art piece located in a rapidly gentrifying area of Austin.
A recently renovated home stands directly across the street from Casa Neverlandia. Construction and development in recent years have changed the landscape of many historic Austin neighborhoods such as this one.
Talbot works in his backyard art studio. His studio, built in the early 1990s, is where he creates most of his art pieces.
Talbot works on his latest project, a hand beaded tapestry of a rainbow moth. TA tapestry such as this can take hundreds of hours of work to complete one.
Above his small beading workstation hangs pictures of friends, inspirations, and muses that inspire him to create his art.
Talbot leaving his back studio. The exterior of the house is decorated homemade wind chimes, and bells.
Talbot goes through his portfolio showcasing his past work, which catalogues each piece of art he’s made since the 1970’s.
Talbot holds a bead next to an art piece located in his home gallery, which showcases his pieces of art for sale.
Talbot shows his past works of art for sale in his at-home gallery.
Talbot in his bedroom and office, two rooms original to his house built in 1906. “This was the original bedroom, that for 17 years, I slept in this loft,” Talbot said.
His loft, which still holds his old mattress and is still above his office desk. It is one of the original features of his house.
Talbot adding to his art piece for his girlfriend of 6 years. He adds a ring every Christmas, Valentines, and Birthday they spend together.
Talbot works on an art piece besides his tools and materials in the living room.
Talbot tests a compass in his kitchen. The kitchen, accentuated with bright colors and decorations, was designed early in his time at Casa Neverlandia.
A group of people gather in his yard for a tour of his house. His front porch was expanded from its original design and now incorporates arches and mosaic tile work, one of his specialties.
Talbot introduces his living room to a group of six tourists on Nov. 20. His tours cover the history of his house, its creative architecture and the inspirations behind its design.
A tour attendee looks at the staircase leading to his third-floor bedroom. Talbot added the “bali-inspired” second and third floors 17 years after moving into the house.
Talbot stands on the “Bridge of Doom,” which connects his bedroom to his backyard tower. His tower was one of the first major additions to the property in 1988.
An attendee walks across the bridge on a tour of the house on Nov. 20, 2022.
Talbot showcases his view of the Downtown Austin from his home built, 35 foot tall tower. He created the tower to view the ever-changing skyline.
