Neighbor Lauren is a renter who lives (for now — gulp!) in the “iPad House,” the secret home on Perhalta near US101 that has been hidden behind a giant billboard since the dawn of freeway history:

She is also a photographer, and a painter, and a dog-owner, and in a glamorous new show that’s opening downtown tonight, she brings all these threads together:

I’m Lauren Elizabeth, an artist hailing from Alemanistan. I live in the secret iPad house, which is sadly up for sale (my partner and I rent, so the prognosis is not good). Naturally this has me very sad, because now that Bernal is the hottest place in the world, I fear we will have a hard time staying in the neighborhood, let alone San Francisco (we have four dogs – enough said).

Sob story aside, this has motivated me to take lots of photos of bernal houses on my walks, so I can remember the greatest place I’ve ever lived if the time comes to leave. These photos later translated into paintings, which will be on display at Hotel Rex (562 Sutter). The opening reception is Thursday, May 1 from 630 – 8pm. Also, 15% of the proceeds will benefit NorCal Family Dog Rescue.

Here’s my Artist Statement:

Home

A house is a painting. an extension of one’s self. It represents memories of the past, dreams of the future, and place in the present. It is what we make it.

A home is where the painting hangs. The space in our soul that gives it meaning and purpose. The vessel that holds our most beloved memories. We are the creators.

And at the creator’s feet, canine. reflection. The one animal humans have learned to simply walk with. They expand our world to create something greater than ourselves. They know no boundaries, and they claim without shame. Here I am! And there I was! With a dog, the world is our home.

Much love to Family Dog Rescue, and their mantra “a dog makes a house a home.” These paintings were created with my two family dogs at my side, and the inspiration came from our many walks together.

Let us each explore and create our most colorful worlds. preferably with a dog at our feet.

PHOTOS: Lauren Elizabeth, except for Secret iPad House, by Telstar Logistics