In early March 2022, like most of us, I was very shocked to see painful images of war and destruction. As a way to show support, I offered a small oil painting ‘In search of hope’ to the highest bidder by 13/3/22 with all proceeds  evenly split between the Disaster Emergency Committee and the UN Refugee Agency, in aid of the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. 

I was very pleased that I received two top bids of £500. Rather than these two people bid against each other for the same painting, I decided to make a second painting: In search of hope II. I was therefore able to offer two paintings each for £500. I’m pleased to say that together, this raised a total of £1,125 including gift aid for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.  

I want to thank you all for your generous bids and support. This would not have been possible without your participation. When I initiated the auction, all I had in mind was to be able to raise a small amount of money for the people of Ukraine but on hearing from one of the winning bidders, I also became aware of how such experiences can extend across lifetimes. Reading her family story of displacement, loss, grief and desperation over a century ago highlighted that history is made up of individual stories which have longstanding impacts. Hearing about her grandparents and their children’s lives and imagining what suffering they would have gone through after war and for her now as their descendant to be able to support people going through that same pain, was very inspiring! I was humbled to learn that the paining In search of  hope I  had  been placed alongside her  family treasures and memories. A full circle!

In search of hope I, Oil on canvas, 12 cm x 18 cm

In search of hope II, Oil on canvas, 12 cm x 18 cm