Auckland artist Martin Payne, who paints by holding the brush in his mouth, will exhibit his paintings and demonstrate his amazing technique at the Auckland Show this weekend.
He will be one of eight artists, who are all members of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, will demonstrate during thefour day show. The exhibition will display paintings from MFPA artists from around New Zealand.
After suffering a spinal injury in a car accident in 1980 Martin now paints with a brush held in his mouth, and has risen above adversity to produce artwork of a standard to rival any able bodied artist. He has been active in sport for many years including playing wheelchair rugby.
Martin will have two paintings in the exhibition. One is of the Auckland ferry building and the other is of Rocky, a friend's dog on the beach.
"At the Auckland Show I'll be working on a portrait of a painting of a friend mountain climbing," Martin said.
Simon Jackson, MFPA's Asia Pacific Manager says that the MFPA painters have been exhibiting at the Auckland Show for several years and see it as a great opportunity of meet the public.
"We are proud of all of the work of our artists.
"It's fantastic to enter competitions such as the Easter Show Art Awards and give our artists the opportunity to exhibit their work to a wider audience," says Simon.
The Mouth and Foot Painting Artists gain their income through the sale of products illustrated with their paintings and although this started with Christmas cards, today it includes a wide list of products ranging from special occasion cards, jigsaws, tea sets, address books, calendars, Christmas serviettes and place mats, gift tags and wrapping paper.
Founded in 1956 by a group of European artists, the MFPA is a self-help organisation which gives people with disabilities the opportunity to fulfil their creative ambitions while still maintaining financial independence by selectively selling their artworks.
The MFPA was established in New Zealand in 1961 and currently has 22 members around the country.
To become a student member an artist must qualify by painting using a brush held in either their mouth or foot, having lost the use of their hands through an illness or accident. Student members receive scholarships for art supplies and tuition. Once an artist becomes a full member or associate they are guaranteed a salary for life, even if they are unable to continue painting.
