A national canvas for Kevin

Ahipara mouth-painting artist Ahipara mouth-painting artist Kevin Griffiths has once again had his work reproduced by Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA).

His floral design paintings have been used for MFPA's new placemats and coasters, while a work entitled "Trout Fishing" will adorn one of its cards that will be distributed mid-year.

Painting with a brush held in his mouth, Kevin, an associate member of MFPA, had risen above adversity to produce artwork of a standard to rival that of any able-bodied artist, a spokesman said last week.

Paralysed from the neck down after hitting his head in a pool at the age of 13, his life took a dramatic turn, but he would never admit to becoming depressed about his situation, and continued to make the most of the life he had been given.

"I've had a great life. I've done a lot in the time I've been in the chair, and I like to share this with others who are in a similar situation," he said.

He continued his education after he broke his neck, and became interested in various forms of art, which inspired him to travel extensively around the world.

That interest in art motivated him to try mouth-painting, and in 1990 he received the Bruce Hopkins Memorial Award. He was awarded MFPA student membership two years later.

Founded in 1956 by a group of European artists, MFPA is a self-help organisation that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to fulfil their creative ambitions while maintaining financial independence by selectively selling their artworks.

The organisation was established in New Zealand in 1961, and currently has 20 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 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.