Foot painter’s exhibition proves popular in Penghu

2015-01-15

An exhibition of paintings produced by a 12-year-old foot painter is underway in Taiwan’s outlying Penghu County, attracting hundreds of visitors eager to experience the inspirational creativity of the young talent.

Featuring 40 crayon, ink and watercolor pieces by Lin Yu-su, the 16-day show runs until Jan. 25 at Wenxin Art Gallery. Operated by Penghu County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, the facility is breaking new ground by presenting the works of its youngest-ever spotlighted artist.

Lin, who was born without arms, also suffers from a severe curvature of the spine. This makes every stroke of the brush a painful ordeal and draws out the painting process to at least two weeks for a single creation.

According to the sixth-grader, he started painting at 5 years of age as a way of managing pain. “If others can work with their hands, then I can work with my feet,” he said.

Penghu County Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu said Lin is a role model and deserves to be celebrated for his bravery in overcoming physical challenges. “He is an angel encouraging and inspiring all schoolchildren in Penghu.”

Chen, who made the remarks at the opening of the exhibition, was moved by a short film played at the event depicting how Lin paints, writes and performs everyday activities like bathing, cleaning and getting dressed. “It is impossible not to have a more optimistic outlook after watching the way this brave youngster leads his life,” he said.

Equally impressed was Penghu County Council Speaker Liu Chen Chao-ling. She urged the bureau to publish a book containing Lin’s works and distribute copies to elementary schools countywide.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=226249&CtNode=413)