Crawley-based mouth and foot painting artist gets festive for ‘International Day of Disabled Persons’

The MFPA is a group made up of over 800 artists with disabilities who create stunning artistic designs using just their mouths and feet,which are then made into Christmas cards and products each year. The sales of which afford the artists financial independence, whilst giving representation to and empowering the disabled community.

Crawley artist Jacky Archer was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1985 and although she continued to work, she lost the use of all four limbs in 2002. Stuck at home, Jacky's Occupational Therapist suggested that she attend a day centre, but Jacky was horrified at the thought.

Jacky believed that she had no aptitude for art, in fact, she “gave up art at school at just 13, to the relief of her art teacher”, Jacky said. She has been surprised by her efforts. After much perseverance, she produced a painting of one of her cats that spurred her on.

The gift of a book about the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists inspired Jacky to contact local Student Artist Alan Wells who encouraged her to submit some work to MFPA.

She had her first solo exhibition in the Barbican in April 2010. The event was a great success boosting Jacky's confidence and spurring her on in her artistic endeavours.

Jacky discussed her creative process and the importance of making Christmas cards.

She said: “As a mouth painter with the MFPA, creating festive themed images for potential reproduction in our MFPA Christmas card campaign each year not only enables me to continue to hone my craft and to appreciate the creative outlet art brings but it also helps me to make my own living and to contribute to the wider MFPA artistic community.

“International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December is a day to promote an understanding of disability issues and to amplify the voices of disabled people around the world, through all aspects of society.”

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You can shop Christmas cards and products designed by the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists at: www.mfpa.co.uk.