Rosemeadow mouth painting artist's talent shines in national Christmas card range

MEDIA RELEASE 17 October 2007

Rosemeadow mouth painting artist's talent shines in national Christmas card range
Jim Hodkinson from Rosemeadow has once again had one of his Christmas artworks, painted with a brush held in the mouth, selected for inclusion in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) Christmas card range.

The painting, a traditional Christmas image of candles, holly and ivy, has been reproduced on matching gift tags and wrapping paper that are posted to households nationally.

"Christmas is still very traditional so I mainly use bright primary colours and stick to simple images such as candlelight," Jim said.

"I focus on painting Christmas themes throughout the whole year because they really seem to work for me - my paintings are often chosen for the MFPA Christmas card ranges," he said.

A member of the MFPA since 1992, Jim began painting with a brush held in his mouth after a diving accident left him quadriplegic.

One night shortly after his accident, his friends left some watercolour pencils and sheets of paper at his house. Out of curiosity, Jim placed a pencil in his mouth and began to draw.

"I liked to draw before my accident so I guess you could say I've always had a bit of an artistic streak. It was interesting to draw again after my accident," Jim said.

"After progressing to painting with a brush held in my mouth I was very keen to learn more about colour. I began to read all the art books I could find at local libraries and went on to complete an art course at TAFE," he said.

Jim's main focus has been on creating paintings to submit to the MFPA for potential inclusion in the annual mid-year and Christmas card ranges. He has been successful in his endeavours with many paintings being selected for the card ranges over the years.

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 Aleks Czerwinski or Anthia Crosby on (02) 9413 4244.

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