'A PEACE OF ART' sells for £1000 to help Ukrainians fleeing war
Paul Kneen painted the work in Stamford
A bespoke piece of art painted by a man from Stamford has sold at auction - with all the money going toward helping Ukrainians affected by Russia's invasion.
Titled "A Peace Of Art" - the picture depicts a young girl losing grip of her balloon coloured with the blue and yellow of the Ukrainan flag.
Originally created at a Street Art Festival - it has since become a symbol showing that Stamford stands with Ukraine. It's artist is Paul Kneen - we caught up with him to find out more about the artwork and his inspiration.
Did you have any inkling this work would have such an impact when you were making it?
"Well I wanted to go and paint a piece based on what was going on in the Ukraine, that was my only thing that I wanted to do. It never occurred to me for one second that it would end up getting the press, the positive response and support it has. I was just blown away".
" When I painted the piece in Stamford about a month ago I had no inclination, no idea that it would result in having an auction - I was just really really surprised!"
How does it make you feel to see people rally around this cause, nationally?
"When the war first started, my immediate thought was this could quite easily be us in this situation. And now I'd like to think that people would open their arms and welcome us. So its great to see other people doing it from the UK".
Finally from us Paul, how have you seen the people in you community come together?
"I'm very pleased - and proud really - to see the Stamford community open their arms to people who have been affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
You can see more of Paul's work Peterborough Museum. It's featuring in the 'Urban' collection alongside works from Banksy and Damien Hirst.
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