3797 – People of the Sunflower

3797 – People of the Sunflower

Acrylic on Canvas, 16 x 20 inches, framed

SOLD

In March 2022, my friend and fellow artist, Janice Feist, created a powerful painting depicting the vicious attack on Ukraine and auctioned it to raise money to support the Ukrainian people.

Inspired by her, my painting, People of the Sunflower (acrylic on canvas, 16 x 20 inches, unframed), depicts fields of sunflowers in the Ukraine stretching to a horizon darkened by the invasion of Russian troops. The colours used also represent the national flag, the wide blue skies of the nation and the golden fields of wheat. However, for the painting, the yellow also symbolizes the sunflower (their National flower) and the brave people themselves holding firm to protect their homeland. At the treeline, around the midpoint of the painting, a thin red area stands for the Russian invaders attempting to crush the Ukrainian resistance. To go with the painting, I wrote the poem included below.

In a time of darkness and loss for the people of Ukraine, I wanted to present an image of light and hope. I auctioned the painting online with monies raised going to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.

People of the Sunflower (Populus Helianthus) soniashnyk (Sunflower in Ukrainian)

Brave faces turn to the sun

stand strong, unmoved

against attack.

Seeds of loyalty and pride

planted in their hearts

draw them together.

Roots hold firm

in rich, fertile soil

defying all adversaries.

This is the soul of Ukraine

This is the power of its people

This is their fight for freedom

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