A Scunthorpe-based mouth and foot painting artist has had two of his paintings chosen to be sold as Christmas cards this year.
Jon Clayton’s designs, called ‘Christmas Tree Delivery’ and ‘The Nativity’, will be sold in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA) collection, a major honour for MFPA artists.
The MFPA is a partnership of over 800 artists with disabilities who create stunning artistic designs using just their mouths and feet. Christmas cards and products are made by the MFPA each year, the sales of which afford the artists financial independence, whilst giving representation to and empowering the disabled community.
You can shop Jon’s cards as well as other Christmas cards and products designed by the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists at: www.mfpa.co.uk
After lunch on 23 June 1978 Jon Clayton was returning to his work as an apprentice mechanic when he was involved in a motorbike accident. Jon broke his neck in the accident, rendering him paralysed in all four limbs. He spent a year in the Spinal Unit of Wakefield Hospital where the Occupational Therapists suggested that he try painting but, put off by early attempts, Jon gave up on the idea.
However, a Christmas gift of a ‘painting-by-numbers’ set gave him another chance to try mouth painting again. This simple painting was an important turning point, and from it he continued to experiment with other mediums and taught himself to draw and paint using his mouth.
He was given a book about the lives and art works of a very special group of artists who belong to the MFPA. After reading this book and comparing their work to his own, he put the book away. Some years later, by chance, Jon came upon an article in a magazine about the MFPA and he was encouraged to submit some paintings to the Association for evaluation, and was accepted as a student member in 1998.
Jon paints in his purpose-built studio in the garden of his home. With his specialised art equipment he likes to paint landscapes and is inspired to design and paint pictures with people and animals.
