Limited-edition prints of beautiful painting on sale to boost St Michael's
Graham Bloy’s Fields of Gold painting is a Thank You to St Michael’s for the care given to his friend
Limited-edition prints of a beautiful painting are being sold by a Hospice supporter to raise funds for St Michael’s in memory of a dear friend.
Artist and musician Graham Bloy says selling ‘Fields of Gold’ is his way of saying ‘thank you’ to St Michael’s for the “best end-of-life care imaginable” given to Gill – a friend and neighbour of Graham and his partner, Jo.
“We saw for ourselves the compassionate home-from-home support they offer free-of-charge to people in Herefordshire and beyond, and we wanted to lend our support to them by fundraising,” said Graham.
Fields of Gold was painted a couple of years whilst Graham was coming to terms with his own health problems – a brain haemorrhage caused by a rare and inoperable brain condition. Then, within a year, the NHS service he had been part of for many years, was closed due to funding shortages, and he was faced with redundancy. Graham is now retired and is determined to turn these challenges into something more positive.
One of the most difficult symptoms of the haemorrhage for him, had been the complete loss of motivation and interest in those things he had previously felt most passionate about, such as painting and making music.
However, “It was my lovely partner, Jo, who somehow managed to coax me into painting again, as a kind of self-therapy” added Graham.
“It’s hard to imagine now, but being able to finish this painting was a huge turning point in my recovery, as very slowly, my love of creativity began to return. It was a route out of the darkest of times, and into the most precious treasure gold – starting to feel well, appreciating life and finding joy again. It’s made me completely reassess what really matters in life.”
He said the painting’s title came from a line in the popular Sting song, ‘Fields of Gold’:
“But I swear in the days still left
We’ll walk in Fields of Gold.”
“I’ve always loved this song, but this line in particular resonated with me at the time, as its message is about making the most of our precious time and cherishing every moment.”
Each giclee print is hand-finished by Jo with painted gold highlights, that shine when the light catches them, just as in the imagined sun-drenched field of barley and wildflowers depicted in the painting.
These signed limited-edition prints come professionally framed and ready to hang on your wall. Graham says, fifty percent of profits from sales will go directly to support St Michael’s essential work.