creative Page

I have a road traffic accident in 1978 which left me paralysed from the neck down. I started mouth painting within the first of my accident, my painting journey began with a small paint by numbers kit which gave me a sense of purpose and inspiration to continue my artistic development. I experimented with other art mediums including watercolour, acrylic and pencil but chose to develop my skills with oil paints. I continued to copy images from cards and calendars and self taught myself to draw and paint. I joined the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 1998 as a student, I have great admiration for my fellow artists and have many friends around the world who together as a co-operative compete in the sales of cards and other stationery and from this gain financial independence and enable them to live independently. My artwork can be seen on many of our cards and stationery which are sold worldwide, I continue my artistic development to gain my independence in the future. I am very passionate about helping others with special needs, I am a Director of a Charity called SPINE. We are all patients and professional colleagues who are linked with the Spinal Injuries Unit at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom. We look after the patient’s welfare while they are in the hospital and when they are discharged. I also assist with running and art group at the Spinal Injuries Unit for patients and outpatients, we meet one afternoon a week. With my many years as an artist and the person with a disability I have lots of knowledge and equipment I have had designed and made to assist me with my everyday living and my artwork, all of which I want to share with other disabled people who may require similar types of equipment to assist them with their needs. I built my website to be able to share all my ideas and my equipment with others, most of which is not available in the marketplace, my artwork is catalogued on there and I hope is an inspiration to others which is updated regularly. I am always looking for adaptations and equipment to enable me to more independent and new adaptations for my artwork. I live independently in my own home with assistance from my personal assistants who live with me in my home 24/7 , who with their support, I can live independently and continue with my many commitments and my artwork. More Info

My Hobbies Reading, listening to music, listening to live music, visiting historical places, visiting the countryside, writing. Films, Internet.

My inspirations I admire all people with disabilities who despite their limitations achieve such a remarkable feats and with that inspire others. My Mouth and Foot Painting Artists colleagues, who have assisted me and inspired me with my artwork. People who make a positive and unselfish effort to help others.

My message for this community I hope people who take the time to read my profile can take positive and meaningful thoughts from it, we all have our own individual special gifts to share with others. Listening and talking with other people with disabilities can make a positive difference and change lives. If at first you have your doubts on your capabilities, please remember every journey starts with the first, positive step.

My creative work

Lone Warrior: This atmospheric sunset was a joy to paint, the sense of depth in this composition I feel is very special. The large colourful sky and the sun setting behind the mountains, with the lone warrior watching over his kingdom. This is a painting I shall be proud to hang on my wall.

Jon Clayton

A must-have book for families of children with disabilities.