MEDIA RELEASE 11 July 2008
Local artist to enter works in EKKA Show
Londonderry mouth painting artist Margaret Greig will enter two paintings in the
MFPA (Mouth and Foot Painting Artists) category at this year's EKKA Show at the
RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane. The show runs from 7 to 16 August.
Both paintings are landscapes, one of which is entitled 'Near Lake George'
depicting the usually empty lake which Margaret managed to capture on a day
when, ironically, it was partially filled.
"I've tried to capture the gum trees surrounding the lake and the beautiful
green tones," said Margaret.
The other is called 'West of Mt Isa' and draws on red and orange tones which are
more typical of inland areas. This is an artwork inspired by a trip she took
several years ago to many areas of country Australia.
Margaret has visited both places, but because she is unable to sit and paint
live for very long she instead takes pictures and paints these scenes at home.
After contracting polio which left her a quadriplegic, Margaret began painting
with a brush held in her mouth in her teens and went on to become a Mouth and
Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) member in 1970.
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 Australia in 1971 and currently has 17 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.
For further information on the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists contact MFPA on
(02) 9698 3933 or visit www.mfpa.com.au.
Released for MFPA by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Anthia Crosby or Nicola Rutzou on (02) 9413
4244.
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