The pin-striping and sign-painting work of Lauren D’Amato has distinguished countless corners and cars of San Francisco. We met five years ago at the Juxtapoz Clubhouse in Denver, when, overnight, several artists flipped a warehouse into an art extravaganza. Corrugated metal her backdrop, D’Amato was outside diligently working her wonders on the custom signage. Since then, innumerable artists have cited D’Amato as an influence, and her practice has pivoted. As rowboats, buildings, and Chevy Impalas proudly grandstand all over San Francisco, emblazoned by her hand, she’s retreated to the hills above the Golden Gate Bridge to refine her mission.
Kristin Farr: Beyond your middle name, do roses have a personal significance for you?
Lauren D’Amato: Completely. I am actually the namesake of two different women on each side of my family named Rose. I believe there are real eternal ties to the image of the Rose. It has been carried as a visual symbol for physical adornment and showmanship, from traditions of Charros, embroidery, and pottery, to contemporary lowriding, pinstriping, and tattooing. Being a pinstriper is such an intimate way to participate in these traditions, and I find the role I play is really helping others make these unique visual statements of individualism and resilience. To call something a Rose is to say that it stands out above the rest, and for me to paint them for others on their prized possessions in these traditional techniques is also a physical way for me to share pride and participate in my own lineages.
Describe your background as a sign painter and how it’s in your genes.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Winter 2024-Ausgabe von JUXTAPOZ.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Winter 2024-Ausgabe von JUXTAPOZ.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
George Condo - The Artificial Realist
In the comfort of his bedroom, New Hampshire-born artist George Condo contemplated his place and personal perspective on art criticism and history.
Ever Velasquez – The Chingona of Chinatown
Today, Velasquez manages the gallery that’s become ground zero for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ exhibitions and artist representation in Los Angeles. We sat down for a punk rock lunch at Toi in West Hollywood and chatted about her strong influence in the Los Angeles art scene.
Mike Lee - The Privilege of Innocence
“Go west, young man!” An iconic phrase that drove America’s westward expansion—a call to citizens and immigrants alike, to embrace Manifest Destiny and seek new lands, prosperity, and freedom.
Art and Science in Bloom
Laguna College of Art + Design Teams with UCI School of Medicine
Women Dressing Women
The Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute celebrates women designers
Shepard Fairey - The Iconic Icon
As I enter Shepard Fairey’s Los Angeles studio on a sunny October afternoon, a considerably large painting of Andy Warhol sits on an easel, eyes focused and looming directly over the shoulder of Fairey as he adds watercolor touches to a series of works on paper.
April Bey - A Trip To Atlantica
Drawing from her own experiences in Bahamian and American cultures, April Bey’s work as both an artist and educator critically explores themes of race, identity, supremacy, and colonialism.
A Guide for Quitting Your Job and Crossing Europe
Copenhagen, Paris, and Sweet Sweet Sarajevo
Sarah Lee - At Moonlight
When was the last time you sat in stillness? Turned off your phone? Closed your eyes and allowed your brain to neutralize and excavate an instinct deep inside, opening the senses to risk and exposure? Likely not recently.
Lola Gil - Through Her Looking Glass
It's not surprising that a very young Lola Gil spent unhurried hours among her grandmother's collection of small, humble figures and objects.