Local mouth painting artist to demonstrate amazing talent at the Royal Easter Show

MEDIA RELEASE 31 March 2009

Local mouth painting artist to demonstrate amazing talent at the Royal Easter Show
Whenuapai mouth painting Artist Martin Payne will be demonstrating his unique painting technique at this year's Auckland Royal Easter Show on Thursday, 6 April 2009 from 10 am to 1 pm.

This is the third year that Martin has demonstrated his mouth painting technique at the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) exhibition at the show.

"The MFPA artist demonstrations have always been a crowd favourite. It is definitely a personal highlight. I enjoy having the opportunity to talk to people about the inspiration behind my paintings and my unique mouth painting technique. I love seeing people inspired by my art work", said Martin.

Martin has entered two paintings into the MFPA section at this year's Auckland Easter Show, 'Watchmen' and 'A place to wait'. 'Watchmen' is an impressive depiction of a point at the popular local surfing destination, Keri Keri beach. 'A place to wait' captures the peaceful serenity of the ocean.

"Landscapes are the main focus of my artwork. New Zealand is a country of endless natural beauty. There are many beautiful sites around my local area and I enjoy the challenge of transferring these landscapes onto canvas. Mouth painting has truly added a new dimension to my life", said Martin.

Martin became a quadriplegic after a car accident in 1980 at the age of 17. He joined the association in January 2007.

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 (02) 9413 4244.

10 January: New software simplifies compliance process
09 December: BPA - the difference between a good or bad bottle for your baby
25 November: Local brand supports V8 supercar event at Homebush
24 November: Safety culture company, PaQS joins transport industry group
17 November: Hamilton artist Peter Van Der Hulst paints his way into Christmas
16 November: Veolia Environmental Services takes behavioural approach to safety training
15 November: Ahipara mouth artist Kevin Griffiths paints his way into Christmas
15 November: Moruya mouth artist Margaret Greig paints her way into Christmas

More Media Releases >>