CAPE TOWN - Quadriplegic Heiron Joseph has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel abroad to showcase his mouth paintings in Switzerland.
But standing in the way of making his dream a reality is lack of funding. Joseph, who is paralysed from the neck down after suffering spinal injuries during a diving accident in Paternoster in 2005, took up mouth painting shortly after the accident as a hobby.
He honed his skill over many years and is now presented with an opportunity to exhibit in Zurich, Switzerland.
Joseph said he has “been living with the daily struggles, both physically and financially, of being a quadriplegic, ever since” but tries to make ends meet by selling his paintings.
He hopes the trip to Switzerland, for which Joseph has to raise R40 000, will springboard his dream of becoming financially independent.
“To be an artist is very difficult as sometimes you have many good months with commissioned works and I am able to sell paintworks, but then other times you can go through a dry spell for many months. My wonderful friend has arranged an art exhibition for me in Zurich, Switzerland, from August 8 until 14 and will sponsor myself and my carer while we are there. This exhibition will take me closer to creating a sustainable income for my future,” said Joseph.
The mouth artist, who has no formal training and no previous art experience, enjoys painting landscapes and portrait pieces.
He said the trip would be a dream come true to showcase his artistry on an international level.
“I have had friends, who live as expats, order pieces from me, but this will give me an opportunity to showcase on an international platform and open myself to new opportunities. I will be showcasing 17 paintings on canvas at the Springbok Cafe of which about nine are Swiss subjects. I will also have Ubuntu artworks that will be showcased.
“During the time that I will be in Switzerland, a number of festivals are scheduled to happen and I will have the opportunity to also showcase and exhibit and sell my artworks there.
“My heart keeps skipping a beat when I think of the opportunity … It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am very excited about,” said Joseph.
Donations have already started coming in from friends who heard about the opportunity presented to Joseph, but more funding is needed to make the dream a reality.
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can contact Joseph by email: [email protected] or make a donation to his Paypal account on [email protected]
Alternatively, donations can be made to:
Bank: Capitec
Account number: 1306940247
Cape Times