WHEN Keith Jansz broke his neck in a car crash in June 1995, just weeks after running the London Marathon, he was told he would never walk again.

As he adjusted to his new life without the use of his arms or legs he turned to mouth-painting to pass the time and soon discovered he had a natural talent.

Almost 20 years on from the life-changing accident, Mr Jansz now produces up to 70 paintings a year, and earlier this month he travelled to Birimgham to promote a roadshow which will encourage other people with disabilities to take up art.

And next year he is set to have an exhibition of his own at Oxford Town Hall.

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Mr Jansz, from Finmere, near Bicester, said: “Taking up painting following my accident was a seminal moment.

“It gave me a direction and something to focus on.

“The spark was lit and it grew into a flame of painting and passion that has consumed me for the past 18 years and still does.

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  • One of his works, called Painting In Burano

“I have reached the standard of a professional artist and I pay my taxes and am proud to do that.

“I also support a number of charities which support artists with disabilities.”

Mr Jansz, 53, lives with his wife Cindy, who he has been married to for 25 years, and their dogs Henry and Horsha.

He paints by holding the brush in his mouth with the help of an extended aluminium shaft.

Earlier this month he helped launch the roadshow Art for Everyone: Creativity Despite Disability in Birmingham.

It aims to inspire people with disabilities to get involved with Mouth and Foot Painting Artists, an organisation which trains and supports disabled artists.

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He said: “Art was a huge part of my recovery, it consumes you from the beginning, it has been all consuming and that is the lovely bit.

“I suffered from depression at the beginning and it enabled me to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“It is great for other people to get involved with, too. It opens up new avenues.”

Mr Jansz’s works will go on display at Oxford Town Hall in June next year.

 

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