In 2004 I had a motorcycle accident resulting in c5/c6 tetraplegia but before my Accident I was dairy farming, and doing all genres of art and building old motorcycles cars.
I came to be an artist with MFPA through rediscovering my love of art with the great Murray Cohen. Post accident, while in rehabilitation, Murray showed me mouth painting and that creating art was still a possibility. So I started painting again and won the Alex Craig (a former Member of the MFPA), for Most Promising Artist Award as well the Highly Commended Award at the Bruce Hopkins (also a former Member of the MFPA), Art Awards. Then I met a fellow tetraplegic friend who said I should apply for a scholarship with the Mouth & Foot Painting Artists (MFPA).
My hobbies include making kit-set models with modified tools and assistance from friends, I enjoy doing computer assisted design for automotive and architectural products and I like to spend time enjoying nature in the bush, on the beach or on top of hills. I go trail riding and camping with friends and I like to do target shooting, both small bore indoor and long range outdoor, ether in competition or for relaxation. I’m on the Parafed/Sport Taranaki committee part time as a volunteer.
I have one older sister and a younger brother and sister. My mother and siblings all live in New Plymouth and my Father resides in Hamilton.
My future goals are to be able to keep painting, to teach art classes and to take disabled people, either physically or intellectually disabled, on nature camps and activities teaching them meditation and relaxation for better health and wellbeing. I also want hold exhibitions as auction fundraisers.
© Chris Waretini 2024
