By Mallory Lucille Rose
In late 2010, I stumbled upon the photography of San Francisco resident Austin Kamps through a friend. I had just graduated with a BFA in Drawing from Laguna College of Art + Design in Laguna Beach, CA, and was looking for colorful ways to expand my creativity. Austin’s house portraits launched me on an exciting new avenue of painting. As I began communicating more with Austin over the next few months, we both became interested in collaborating our mediums. With a few hundred miles between us, we somehow managed to make everything work. Austin kindly shared the apartment photos he’d shot in San Francisco, and I painted and publicized the pieces his work inspired in me on my site. Maybe it was the houses, or maybe it was his charm, but our relationship grew closer personally and artistically over the next year. Needless to say, I soon found myself living back in Northern California, where I’m originally from, and spending all my time collaborating and enjoying Austin’s creativity and company.
Two years later and we’re still continuously curating this collection — which we’ve now officially hashtagged #definitelyahouse. It’s exciting to see the growth of this concept and the enjoyment it brings to others who love this city. The Candy Land array of houses throughout San Francisco never ceases to amaze me. I find myself constantly daydreaming of ways to decorate, and live vicariously in, pink, purple, and sea foam green houses. I even daydream about snacking in these houses, which is what the food notes are that you’ll see on the paintings. I’ve also been the cause of several almost fender-benders because of my sheer excitement for homes in just about every neighborhood. The idea of these houses — their colors, shapes, decor, and small touches of goofy or gaudy design — always makes smile, and makes me happy that I’m existing in this city.
Here’s a sample collection of photography, Instagram snapshots, and watercolor images taken over the past few years by Austin and myself. You can follow their locations on this Google map. Thanks San Francisco, we love you!
