Automotive Design Legend at 98 Channels Creativity into Humanitarian Mission
At 98 years old, Roman Baranyk continues to make a profound impact on the world, transitioning from his celebrated career as a Big Three automotive designer to creating meaningful art that supports victims of the war in Ukraine. The Windsor resident, whose illustrious career spanned decades with Chrysler and General Motors, now dedicates his artistic talents to raising funds for prosthetics and rehabilitation for those affected by the conflict.
From Automotive Stylist to Contemporary Artist
Baranyk's professional journey began at Chrysler Corporation, where he spent two decades as a stylist designer. His notable work includes illustrating a 1955 Chrysler concept car under the direction of design legend Virgil Exner, a piece that now resides in The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Michigan. This collaboration helped define the iconic tailfin era of automotive design.
Later in his career, Baranyk moved into advertising illustration at General Motors Corporation from 1976 to 1989, further cementing his reputation in the automotive industry. After leaving the corporate world during the presidency of George H. W. Bush, he redirected his creative energies toward fine art, working from his home studio in Warren, Michigan.
Artistic Evolution and Humanitarian Focus
Born in Chortkiv, Ukraine, Baranyk's path took him through Britain and Canada before settling in North America. He studied at the Ontario College of Art in Toronto and Wayne State University in Detroit, developing the skills that would serve both his automotive and artistic careers. For years, he lived in Windsor, where he met and married his wife Myrosia at the Saints Vladimir and Olga Ukrainian Catholic Church before emigrating to Michigan.
Today, Baranyk's contemporary paintings are displayed at the Ukrainian American Archives & Museum in Hamtramck, just six miles from the Windsor tunnel he frequently traveled. His current series, Mother of God (Bohomatir) in Camouflage, reimagines traditional iconography with modern relevance, drawing inspiration from Ukraine's historic Oranta Mosaic at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.
Proceeds Support Prosthetics for War Victims
The funds generated from Baranyk's art sales directly support the Protez Foundation in Oakdale, Minnesota, a nonprofit organization providing limbs and rehabilitation for children, soldiers, and other war victims in Ukraine. "I wanted to give to the amputees, our heroes, hope for a more normal life," Baranyk explained to The Detroit News.
Despite his advanced age, Baranyk maintains an active creative practice. "I consider myself a contemporary painter. I work in my studio almost every day, creating, thinking and dreaming about future projects," he said. "I have a studio with a skylight and good lighting for night painting, and I am surrounded by my finished art and works in progress."
Legacy of Creativity and Compassion
Baranyk's artwork has found appreciation among collectors who value both its aesthetic qualities and humanitarian purpose. His pieces illustrate what he describes as "a passion for humanity," blending his technical expertise with deep emotional resonance. The artist's connection to both the automotive heritage of Windsor and Detroit and his Ukrainian roots creates a unique perspective that informs his creative output.
As Baranyk approaches his centennial year, he continues to demonstrate how creativity can serve humanitarian causes, proving that artistic expression knows no age limits when driven by compassion and purpose. His journey from automotive design legend to philanthropic artist serves as an inspiring example of how professional expertise can be redirected toward meaningful social impact.
