Altina Schinasi, born on August 4, 1907, was a remarkable American artist and inventor whose innovative spirit left an indelible mark on various fields. Her creative pursuits spanned sculpting, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and design, making her a true polymath of her time. One of her most iconic contributions was the design of the “Harlequin eyeglass frame,” famously known as cat-eye glasses. Beyond this, her artistic endeavors reached diverse realms, showcasing her unique vision and unrelenting dedication to pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Altina Schinasi was born into the Schinasi family at the Schinasi Mansion on Manhattan’s Upper West Side on August 4, 1907. Her upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education and artistic exposure. After her tutelage at home, Altina’s educational journey took her to institutions such as the Horace Mann School and Dana Hall School in Wellesley, Massachusetts. It was during her time in Paris, where she studied painting with her cousin René Bensussan, that Altina’s passion for art truly blossomed. Her experiences abroad ignited a spark that would guide her creative pursuits for years to come.
Window Dresser Extraordinaire
Altina Schinasi’s artistic journey took an unexpected turn when she joined Peter Copeland’s team, contributing to the design of captivating displays for Fifth Avenue stores. Her path crossed with the surrealist master Salvador Dalí, as they collaborated on the intricate design of Bonwit Teller’s windows. This period not only exposed Altina to innovative artistic perspectives but also allowed her to demonstrate her innate ability to combine aesthetics and storytelling.
The Harlequin Glasses Revolution
Schinasi’s ingenious creativity found its zenith with the invention of the Harlequin eyeglass frame, a creation that would redefine fashion and glamour in the late 1930s. Dissatisfied with the uninspiring eyeglass frames available, Altina embarked on a quest to infuse whimsy, mystery, and romance into eyewear. Drawing inspiration from the Harlequin mask, she sculpted frames that were both functional and enchantingly stylish. This groundbreaking innovation earned her the prestigious Lord & Taylor Annual American Design Award in 1939, propelling her into the spotlight of the fashion world.
California Dreaming and Creative Expansion
In the 1940s, Altina Schinasi ventured westward to Los Angeles, where she continued her artistic exploration and commitment. Her move marked a turning point as she immersed herself in her artwork, studying under Howard Warshaw at the Jepson School of Art. The serene California landscape provided fertile ground for Altina’s artistic evolution. Her involvement as an art therapist and muralist at the experimental mental health center Synanon showcased her dedication to the healing power of art.
A Cinematic Journey and Social Engagement
Schinasi’s multifaceted artistic journey took another intriguing turn as she ventured into the realm of filmmaking. Her documentary “George Grosz’ Interregnum” celebrated the anti-Nazi works of her former teacher George Grosz. The film, narrated by Lotte Lenya, gained recognition and accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and a First Prize win at the Venice Film Festival. This foray into filmmaking highlighted Altina’s ability to tell compelling stories through various mediums.
Championing Civil Rights and Unfinished Visions
Altina Schinasi’s unwavering commitment to social issues led her to the heart of the civil rights movement. Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, she acquired film rights and collaborated with notable figures to create a screenplay. Despite her best efforts, the film remained unrealized due to funding constraints, a testament to her determination to use her creativity for societal change.
Sculpting Stories in Stone and Fiberglass
Altina’s artistic prowess extended beyond eyeglass frames and filmmaking. Her “characters,” whimsical chairs and benches that seamlessly blended form and function, showcased her innovative approach to sculpting. Working with materials like Styrofoam, plaster, and fiberglass, Altina brought life to inanimate objects, infusing them with her distinct artistic spirit.
A Lasting Legacy
Altina Schinasi’s artistic legacy lives on, a testament to her groundbreaking contributions to multiple disciplines. Her move to Santa Fe, New Mexico, with her husband Celestino Miranda, marked the culmination of a rich and diverse creative journey. Altina’s story, one of innovation, perseverance, and unbridled artistic passion, continues to inspire and captivate, as evidenced by the 2014 documentary “Altina.”
In the annals of history, Altina Schinasi’s name shines brightly as an exemplar of boundless creativity, an artist who fearlessly pushed artistic and societal boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art, design, and beyond.
