How it started
It began with a sense of longing.
Auraup did not begin as a business idea. It started by building an ecosystem around my father.My father was a self-taught artist. He worked his entire life in charcoal, ink, pens, and pencils; making hundreds of pieces of art, poetry, letters that were unseen until he was gone. He created to create, not seeking recognition.
After his passing, I was lost. Growing up apart from my father created a longing and a plan to build a future with him and my sister. I knew from a young age that I wanted to support his endeavors; his view on the world consistently inspired me. So after a few years of that longing and grief, I learned I could still support him through his artwork, his story, and give him the recognition he deserves.
Jonathan T. Raup
Jonathan.
My father lived in California for half of his life — Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, communities that held him and let him make things while going back home to New Jersey from time to time. He was curious about people, always connecting with others with his heart on his sleeve.His work is not decorative. It is alive in the way that something made with sustained attention always is; it carries his view of the world.
He gave his work away freely because it was a piece of him.
Limited prints are visible to the public, if you would like to explore more of the collection, join the mailing list for the next exhibit.
Not spam. Just the archive, as it grows.