PAINTS WITHOUT ARMS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28929, 24 June 1959, Page 13

PAINTS WITHOUT ARMS

Feat Of Dunedin Polio Victim “The Press” Special Service DUNEDIN, June 23. Mr Jim Driver, of Dunedin, a poliomyelitis victim since birth, occupies his time in a manner unique in this country. Holding a brush in his teeth, he has been painting birds and flower designs on plain nylon throwovers. Although he has completely lost the use of his arms, he has not lost his independence, and painting is only one of the many things he can turn his talents to. Now some of his work is being sold by the Disabled Servicemen's Re-establishment League.

A resident of Broad Bay, Air Driver was stricken as a child He used to paint Christmas cards, but as he has become more skilled he has branched out into the more intricate work of’ painting native birds and flowers. Painting his table throwovers is a long process, for work can only be done at irregular intervals. Rest periods must be frequent because his eyes are so close to the work.

To gain complete authenticity in his colours, Mr Driver often visits the Otago Museum to study the plumage of birds he wishes to paint. The painting of the birds, he finds, takes longer than the less ornate floral motifs. The finished article is all the ' more beautiful because of the unusual style in which the painting is done.

A vice-commodore of the Otago Power Boat Club, Mr Driver races his own foot-controlled boat. He also played a major part in designing a suitable system of controls for his new boat, which was launched this season. With the aid of a mechanical appliance which he works with his feet, he can type his own letters. magazine and press material.