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A Matakana artist who paints using his mouth to hold a brush has had one of his paintings selected for this year’s range of Christmas cards and gifts by international group Mouth and Foot Paintings Artists (MFPA).
Martin Payne’s painting ‘Garden’ is featured on a wall calendar and a jigsaw puzzle currently being sold by MFPA throughout New Zealand and Australia.
Payne said inspiration for the artwork came from his love of all things horticultural, and he was delighted to see the design being used on more than one item.
“I really enjoy gardens and once had a garden that I was quite proud of. This one is a garden I enjoyed visiting in Australia and it won’t be my last painting of this type,” he said.
“I love the fact it’s been made into a jigsaw puzzle as well. That’s something that hasn’t happened to any of my paintings before.”
Payne started painting after he suffered a spinal injury in a car accident in 1980 while working as a contract shearer. He learnt to paint holding a brush in his mouth and became a member of the MFPA.
He has also been active in sport for many years, including playing wheelchair rugby.
Founded in 1956 by a group of European artists, MFPA is a self-help organisation that gives people with disabilities the opportunity to fulfil creative ambitions while maintaining financial independence by selectively selling their artworks.
The MFPA was established in New Zealand in 1961 and currently has 25 members around the country.
Info and sales: https://www.mfpa.co.nz
