Albany artist Bev Doig raises $1000 for Red Cross Ukraine effort by selling limited-edition prints

An Albany artist has raised $1000 for the Ukraine crisis by selling limited-edition art from the heart.

Retired teacher Bev Doig created a run of 20 hand-printed linocut prints with all proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross’ Ukraine crisis appeal.

After seeing other artists holding similar online fundraisers, Ms Doig decided to do the same.

She said she had no personal connection to the war in Ukraine but had been affected by the news of the invasion and wanted to use her skills to help.

“I guess in these days to see that happening to people who are living, probably a similar life to yourself ... that’s what brings it home,” she said.

“It’s pretty awful.”

Ms Doig’s print depicts two sunflowers in a blue vase inspired by traditional Ukrainian folk art.

“It’s their national flower, and uses the yellow and blue of the flag,” she said.

“The vase that I carved out has actually got little motifs that are representative of their folk art over there, this was the symbol for protection.”

She offered the prints online for $45 each, and they sold out in a week.

Her project raised $1000 for the Red Cross, which included several buyers donating the postage cost.

“It was a tiny, tiny drop, but many drops create puddles,” Ms Doig said.