The Twelve Apostles have been immortalised into card, to be sold world-wide thanks to Warrnambool artist Simon Rigg.
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The talented Mouth and Foot painter, who paints by holding the brush in his mouth, has captured the familiar scene that will be available for purchase as part of a mid-year range of gift cards.
Mr Rigg said painting the Great Ocean Road location, near Port Campbell, was a nostalgic experience.
“The rugged cliffs brought back memories of the past when as a child I visited the area regularly to swim, snorkel and just enjoy the beach,” he said.
“Today I understand that the relentless pounding of the surf has reduced them to eight, but in the time I am referring to I am sure there were twelve.
“It is an area I have always liked to paint with the blue of the surf, the white caps of the surf and the deep yellow to brown of the cliffs. It is a great scene to paint and also for a card in the mid-year range which will be bought by international purchasers.
“I hope they like it and get us much pleasure from the scene as I have had in painting it and reviving my memories.”
Simon has been a quadriplegic since 1982 when he fell ten feet to the ground while he was repairing the roof of the shed at the back of his property. He learned to paint while he was in rehabilitation at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne.
He joined the world-wide Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 1990. They are a group of artists with a disability who gain their income through the sale of products illustrated with their paintings and although this started with Christmas cards, today it includes a wide list of products ranging from special occasion cards, jigsaws, tea sets, address books, calendars, Christmas serviettes and place mats, gift tags and wrapping paper.
There are several new products in the range this year including an attractive set of a bone china coffee mugs, greeting and gift tags and wrapping paper.
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 Australia in 1971 and currently has seven members around the country.
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.
