Streets of San Francisco

Lauren D'Amato's Preservation of Culture

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.