Grant Sharman - Local mouth-painting artist to exhibit at the Queensland EKKA show, Australia

MEDIA RELEASE 20 July 2009

Local mouth-painting artist to exhibit at the Queensland EKKA show, Australia
Mouth-painting artist Grant Sharman from the Franklin District will once again be sending his paintings across to Australian shores for the annual Royal Queensland Show (EKKA) from 6 to 15 August at the RNA showgrounds in Brisbane.

Grant is entering four acrylic paintings into the EKKA art competition, 'P51 Mustang', 'Mosquito Fighter/Bomber', 'Corsair Fighter' and 'Kittyhawk Fighter'.

"All four paintings I am entering this year are of World War II fighters. I have always loved flying and particularly military aircraft from World War II. I think young boys with the same passion for flying will particularly love these paintings", said Grant.

Grant became a quadriplegic at the age of 15 after a breaking his neck while playing rugby.

Grant's parents had emigrated from England to New Zealand in the late 1950s and enrolled their only son at King's College, Auckland in 1975. Here he found the only sport he really enjoyed playing was Rugby.

On 6 July 1977, Grant was playing in an inter-house game when he was thrown out of the ruck.

"My head got wedged between two players and then the ruck collapsed. It was as though the world had collapsed around me", said Grant.

Grant had broken his neck playing the sport he loved, rendering him a quadriplegic.

However it was his meeting with renowned mouth painting artist the late Bruce Hopkins that lead him to find a completely new interest in the art of mouth painting. Grant picked up the skill quickly and has been an active member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) since 1988.

"I think I am an incredibly lucky person. Of course there are times when I get a bit low, when things don't go right, but then I think about how fortunate I am and I snap out of it. Painting has brought so much enjoyment to my life", said Grant.

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 20 members.

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 (09) 827 6746.

Released for Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Gemma Crowley or Nicola Rutzou on 0011 61 2 9413 4244.

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