By Susan Aurinko
Inspiring Figures, (photo Kaarina Koskenalusta)
While the rest of the world is deciding on New Years resolutions they may not keep, I like to think of a word that will define the new year for me in my own life. To say the world is a bit of a mess right now is an understatement, but I’ve come to realize that what I personally do does matter, even though in the larger scheme of things it may be unimportant. In the past, I’ve adopted words like generosity, kindness, compassion, and while practicing those things continues long after the years whose word they are, I decided that for me, the most important thing I can do in 2025 is to live with inspiration, and thus, that’s my word for this year. Many things inspire me, and I hope to inspire others. I believe that without inspiration, there is no creativity, and creativity means everything to me as an artist. I’d like to share some of the things that are currently inspiring me as we launch into 2025.
I’ve been fortunate to have been asked to create special scarves for two organizations that have come to mean a great deal to me. The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation is dedicated to fostering awareness, understanding and research for early-onset Bipolar Disorder. For the Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation, I created a scarf based on a painting by bipolar artist Victoria Loeb, using the Foundation’s black and white symbolic ribbon in the design. I was fortunate to be at the Foundation’s recent Insights VII event in Palm Beach which was held through the generosity of the Surovek Gallery and Lyon Family Foundation, where one of my bespoke scarves was gifted to each guest in a lovely box at the end of the evening. One scarf had been beautifully framed and had pride of place near the speaker’s podium. I could not have been prouder, as the work done by the Foundation is incredibly important. Watch for Classic Chicago’s coverage of the event. https://www.ryanlichtsangbipolarfoundation.org/
The other group I’ve been honored to work with is the Bronzeville-Black Metropolis National Heritage Area, which works to preserve the Black Metropolis Historic District, a Chicago landmark that consists of eight historic buildings, one monument, and the homes of Civil Rights activists, entrepreneurs, cultural and scientific icons, and a Civil War Union Army Camp. At the group’s benefit on February 27, three scarves I’ve created based on art by the late Miami outsider artist Purvis Young will premiere at the Zolla Lieberman Gallery. www.zollalieberman.com They will also be on my website for purchase, and 20% of the profits will be donated to the BBMNHA. I’ve also created a fun pencil case with Young’s work for those who don’t wear scarves (is there anyone who doesn’t?) The gallery will be showing Young’s work for sale, and based on the fact that one of his paintings sold at auction for over $400,000 last year, you may want to think about adding one or two to your art collection while you can. The scarves will be available at the benefit, as well as on the LensFlair Editions website. Benefit tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/purvis-young-raymond-thomas-art-exhibition-and-program-tickets-1146358772949?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
I guess when it comes down to it, I’m inspired by doing good and by people who do good. I’ve been inspired (there’s that word again) my whole life by my mother and
grandmother, who taught me well. I’m also blessed with friends who feel the same.
Robin Malpass wears Purvis Young scarf with Richard Hunt sculpture
Another inspiration is my new “assistant,” Louis Jean-Luc! He’s just four and a half months old but brightens every minute of each day with his antics and is in the studio
with me much of the time amusing and inspiring me. He’s also modeled for me, as you can see from the photo below! Next month I’ll share with you how my penchant and passion for reflections has translated into many of the scarves in the line, but until then, be inspired and inspire others!
Susan Aurinko
@susanaurinko (Instagram)
www.aurinkophoto.com
www.lensflaireditions.com
