|
Artists (without hands) at work
By Elizabeth T. Marcelo
Manilla Bulletin December 2nd 2006
Most of us would agree that it is hard to earn a living. But perhaps, it is the disabled person who can best describe the hardships of earning money to support himself and his family.
With limited opportunities available to them because of their physical limitations, disabled people usually end up being dependent to government assistance and donations. Their lifestyles are often put into restrictions because of their physical situation.
In 1956, a group of handicapped individuals, led by German mouth painter Arnulf Erich Stegmann, established the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (AMFPA).
AMFPA is a worldwide organization with almost 500 members over 40 countries. The association accepts “specially-abled” or handicapped members who have the talent and skill to paint using either their mouth or their foot. With its motto “self help, not charity,” the association aims to give its members the opportunity to become financially independent while at the same time offering them creative fulfillment.
The paintings created by its members are reproduced as cards, calendars, gift tags, puzzles and invitations, among others.
The association also organizes art exhibits and provides monthly stipends for its members.
Along with other Asian countries like Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand, AMFPA opened its affiliate in the Philippines in 1956.
During its first year, AMFPA Philippines used to operate without a local artist. Back then, the association just sold artworks of foreign members.
It was in 1986 that they met Amado Dulnuan, the first Filipino artist who later became AMFPA member. Amado was discovered by AMFPA after he had conducted a one man exhibit at the Heirloom Art Gallery. Born without arms, Amado, the youngest among seven siblings, learned to draw and paint using his foot when he was a kid.
“When I was in elementary at the National Orthopedic School, drawing became my passions, and, at the age of eight, I started to paint,” Amado recalled.
After finishing high school, Amado was granted a scholarship by the Wheelchair and Disabled Association of the Philippines (WDAP) and was able to take up fine arts at UP Diliman.
“Since I was born with no arms, I got no choice but to do almost everything with the use of my feet. I do not let my physical situation deter me from doing what I really love, which is painting,” said 49-year-old Amado.
He also added that what inspire him to continue painting are his wife and two daughters.
Amado specializes in oil and water color. The usual theme of his paintings are landscapes, semi-abstract, flowers and Christmas. His works have received recognitions both here and abroad, including the ABS-CBN award for arts, and a first place recognition in a London art competition.
The newest member of AMFPA, on the other hand, is mouth painter John Roland Feruelo.
Encouraged by his family and a friend who is member of AMFPA USA, John joined the association only this year.
John has been a quadriplegic for 17 years now. This was after a diving accident that happened to him in 1989, at the age of 24. The accident caused a cervical cord injury that had left him paralyzed from his neck down.
“At first I found it hard to accept what happened. I struggled to continue living for many years. I thought all my dreams were shattered,” he narrated.
Prior to his accident, John worked as a government employee. It was only after the accident that he found interest in painting, although he admitted that he loved to draw when he was a kid.
“After the accident, there were not many careers left to me. With hope still in my heart, I realized that mouth painting was the only skill and talent I would be able to develop in hope of providing a living for myself and my family. Over the years, I worked on improving my craft. I underwent training at the Tahanang Walang Hagdan and also attended art exhibitions conducted by other organizations, to learn some techniques and new ideas,” John said.
His hard work paid off. After he had been admitted to AMFPA this year, he joined an art exhibit held last October, together with his fellow mouth and foot painters.
“The exhibit was a great experience. I was able to show seven of my works. I made new friends and contacts, and also sold some of my artworks. It has given me a new lease in life and a greater confidence to continue learning and improving my skill,” said 41-year-old John.
With his wife as his main inspiration, John continues to paint using oil, acrylic and watercolor. Most of his themes are floral, wildlife, landscape and Christmas.
AMFPA Philippines currently have six members who continue to prove that art knows no boundaries.
These are mouth painters Rogelio Francisco, Jovy Sasutona, Bernard Pesigan and foot painter Jason de los Reyes.
The association used to have eight members but mouth painters Benjie Baylon and Victor Largoza, passed away.
In a phone interview, AMFPA Phil. Managing director, Betty Tee, said that next year, the association aims to mount more exhibits.
“Although AMFPA is a worldwide association, many are still unaware of its existence, especially here in our country. By conducting more exhibits, we hope to introduce the works of these talented artists in a larger crowd,” Betty said.
With the advent of instant messaging through mobile phones and internet, giving cards has become a remote practice especially among the younger generation.
Betty laments that the poor sales of their art items, particularly the greeting cards, is their main problem this year.
“We really hope to gain the support of the public. Please patronize our local artists not only because they are handicapped, but because they really have great talents that can match up to the physically-abled artists here and abroad,” Betty said.
For those who are interested to purchase art items, AMFPA office is located G/F Rich Stone Surgicare Bldg. 886 G. Araneta Ave. Quezon City. You can also call them at 711-4033.
|
