February needs Sunflowers
‘Sunflowers’ 80×80cm, Acrylic and Acrylic Ink on canvas
It’s been a long time since anything other than my face was exposed to the sunshine and I think anyone living in the UK will agree that it can’t come soon enough. Grey skies, rain, a chill wind and a lack of Vitamin D have made the last few months challenging. However, I am reminded how lucky we are to experience the grey months with the comfort of heat, nourishment and shelter, which sadly many in the world right now don’t have. For my blessings I feel immense gratitude. It is hard to keep your head in a place where you are bringing positive light to the world through art and creativity, and the plight of so many weighs heavily on those of us that have not lost our sensitivity and a human need to reach out and help.
I was offered the opportunity to do just that by my friend Vic Brown, as a member of Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid, who was helping with the organisation of a fund raiser at Clonter Opera house. The headline act was Rory Bremner, politic satirist and impressionist. My job? Paint some ‘Sunflowers’ to be part of the fund raising activities on the night! Excellent! There is nothing like sunshine yellow to lift the mood.
This piece is especially close to my heart. Sunflowers have always been a beacon of hope for me, but in Ukraine, they carry even deeper meaning—they’ve become a powerful symbol of peace, resistance, and national pride, especially in the face of recent conflict. My inspiration for this painting is rooted not only in the beauty of nature, but also in the strength and resilience I’ve witnessed through my dear friend and fellow artist, Kateryna Bielekova, who lives in Ukraine. Hearing her stories and seeing her unwavering creativity in the midst of such hardship has moved me beyond words. This painting is dedicated to her, and to everyone who continues to find light in the darkest of times.
I’m thrilled to say that the raffle raised just under £3,000 on the night, with every penny going directly to Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid to support their ongoing humanitarian work.
As part of my ongoing commitment to the charity, I’ve also released Limited Edition prints of “Sunflowers.” 20% of all sales will be donated to Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid, and you can purchase your print HERE
