"Radiant Hope" Sold At Auction - April, 2019

This important piece was commissioned by Tiffany and Jamie Benincasa and the CParker Gallery in Greenwich, Connecticut, to be put up for auction as a part of an American Red Cross Fund Raising event.  During the event held in 2019, Radiant Hope was sold at auction to aid the American Red Cross in its natural disaster relief efforts.
There was an extended period of time before the canvas was ever touched in which I was analyzing, thinking, planning, contemplating and imagining how to symbolize the American Red Cross. Everything about Radiant Hope is steeped in layers of symbolism.  After a lengthy incubation period, while gazing at an amazing sunrise and enjoying my morning coffee, inspiration came.   I went to my easel, picked up my palette knife and began painting alla prima, using canary diamond dust and oil paint.  Although clearly an abstract expressionist painting, Radiant Hope embodies the spirit and mission of the American Red Cross.
The organization provides efficient mobilization and organizational expertise that enables it to be among the first responders to communities in crisis.  However, it is their extensive network of volunteers and partners world-wide that truly makes the American Red Cross special.  When disaster strikes, natural or man-made, the brave workers who serve in the American Red Cross leave the safety and security of their homes and loved ones to be beacons of hope for those in need.  With resolve that is hard as diamonds and hearts of gold, these selfless individuals travel into danger zones, often filled with turbulence and chaos in the early hours following the disaster.  The American Red Cross provides humanitarian support, shelter and sustenance to the victims during those critical hours and days that follow.
 The diamond dust found throughout the painting symbolizes the strength and resolve of the Red Cross volunteers. The disaster victims are symbolized by small silhouetted figures in the lower section of the painting.  What remains of a structure is visible in the chaos found in the painting, as well as a storm ravaged vessel with shredded sails.  In the upper right quadrant, viewers can visualize the dove of peace who emerged during the creation of this painting.  The American Red Cross is the embodiment of Radiant Hope.
- Kay Griffith