Ray Kimber was
born on the Isle of Wight in 1929 and has lived there for most of his life. He
was diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis when he was 30 years old and since
then he has been confined to a wheelchair. Ray spent some years learning to paint
but as his hands weakened he found it increasingly difficult to hold a brush.
He eventually became so dissatisfied with his work that he stopped painting altogether.
However,
his passion didn't die and a friend at the Cheshire 成人快手 where Ray lives got in
touch with the Association of Mouth and Foot Painters (MFPA). This international
association supports artists who paint by holding a brush in their feet or mouths.
They encouraged Ray to take up his artwork again. | Ray
Kimber's artwork |
In
1995 Ray was awarded a student scholarship by the MFPA. This, together with tuition
from Island artist, Colin Riches, has enabled him to develop his drawing and painting
skills using his mouth. His
work has since been exhibited at venues in the UK, Spain and the USA. Ray
paints watercolour studies of flowers and landscapes which aim to evoke a sense
of light, space and quiet reflection.
Ray says of his work, 鈥淎lthough I am severely restricted in most things in life
- I can move my head a small amount but nothing else - I do feel a wonderful sense
of achievement when I鈥檓 holding a brush in my mouth and I鈥檓 making a worthwhile
picture. It鈥檚 as though I鈥檓 having a conversation with my subject 鈥 it brings
me a great sense of peace.鈥
Ray
Kimber exhibition Quay
Arts Caf茅 Wed 5 Jan 鈥 Sat 12 Feb 2005 Information 01983 822490 |
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