Shirley Patton
Student, Mouth and Foot Painting Artists
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Autobiography
I was born on May 1st, 1947. I lived a full and healthy life for many years. Playing the piano and organ for
many, many years, my early life was filled with music. I graduated from college, earning a degree in English. I
later owned my own business in the field of medical transcription. I was married for 18 years and have one
child, Amanda.
Then, when I was 41 years old, I was diagnosed with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis. My life changed
rather quickly. Soon, I was no longer able to transcribe and found myself on Social Security disability. Over the
past 15 years, my disease has progressed until I am now a total quadriplegic.
I have a friend and fellow church member, Liz Campbell, who is a wonderful artist. One day, I just
mentioned to her that I thought it might be fun to paint with my mouth. I promptly forgot about what I said, but
she didn't. She went to the people of my church and told them about it. They donated money to buy supplies
and also an easel and a table for me to use. I was overwhelmed with their generosity and also almost felt
an obligation to succeed. God was molding my life in a new direction.
I began trying to manipulate pastel pencils with my mouth. It was more difficult than I had thought. First, I
tried to draw a straight line -- -- instead, it was a very crooked line. I then proceeded to circles, boxes,
triangles, etc.
Finally I began drawing pictures that looked like a young child had drawn them. I faithfully practiced every
day with the help of my mother who loaded my mouthpieces with my pencils and sharpened my
pencils. I did find that with daily practice, I was improving slowly.
After about a year, God intervened again. Liz mentioned me to her dentist. He happened to have a
calendar by the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. He told her to ask me to contact these people. I contacted
them, and through a process of submitting pictures I had drawn, medical forms and more of my pictures and
then undergoing an interview, I was accepted as a student with the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in
1996. This has made an amazing difference in the life of someone who is unable to do things for herself. I feel
creative again, useful and take great pride in my work. After years of hard work, it is possible to advance to a
full member in the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. At that level, a person is able to totally support
themselves, even with all the added costs of a disability. I have not yet reached that point. Even so, I now feel
UNIQUELY-abled instead of disabled. Thanks to this wonderful organization, thousands have been helped to
lead a productive life through the years. I hope that by doing my part to publicize the Mouth and Foot Painting
Artists, I can help them to help another ...and another...and another ...and another ...
If you are interested in being on our mailing list (with no obligation), or
if you would perhaps like to explore becoming a Student, please click on MFPA
below and e-mail me.