Kerrin Tilley to display paintings in upcoming Opotiki Art Society exhibition

MEDIA RELEASE 22 November 2007

Kerrin Tilley to display paintings in upcoming Opotiki Art Society exhibition
Opotiki artist Kerrin Tilley will display four of his artworks, painted with a brush held in his mouth, at an art exhibition to be held in King Street Hall from 7 to 15 December. The exhibition will feature over 40 paintings by Opotiki Art Society members.

Kerrin began painting with a brush held in his mouth in 1988 after suffering a neck injury while playing rugby. He has been a member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) and an Opotiki Society member since 1992, and is now an associate MFPA member.

"I like that the Opotiki Art Society is always trying different things," Kerrin said.

"We are currently being tutored by an experienced tutor who has a vast knowledge of art history and the different styles of art. Her workshops have been really interesting and challenging," he said.

Kerrin's artworks to be displayed at the upcoming King Street Hall exhibition reflect his commitment to expand his painting portfolio.

"One of the paintings, 'David and Goliath', was completed during a recent Surrealist workshop. We were given a limited number of objects we could paint so I chose a pair of pliers and a wine bottle to represent David and Goliath. The course was really interesting and made me think outside the square," Kerrin said.

"Another painting, entitled 'Bruce', is of a crew mate from a friend's recent sailing trip from America to Tahiti. This painting was also a challenge because I normally focus on landscapes rather than portraits," he said.

The opening night for the exhibition will be held on Thursday, 6 December from 5 to 7 pm. The exhibition will be open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

As a member of the MFPA, Kerrin has been able to financially support himself through his painting and be involved in community exhibitions as well as larger exhibitions around the country such as the Royal Auckland Easter Show.

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 by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations (www.drpr.com.au)
For further information please call Aleks Czerwinski or Anthia Crosby on (0011 61 2) 9413 4244.

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