Brushstrokes of Resilience
“It’s not about the hardships we face—because challenges are an inevitable part of life—but how we choose to respond to them.” This was the powerful message delivered by Grant Sharman, a talented painter, Paralympian, coach, and motivational speaker, during one of the most inspiring talks ever held at Epsom Village.
Grant visited as a representative of the International Board of Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (AMFPA), an internationally recognized society of disabled artists who, due to disabilities affecting their hands, create stunning artwork using only their mouth or feet. His incredible life story left the audience in awe.
At just 15 years old, Grant’s life changed forever when he broke his neck during a rugby match, leaving him quadriplegic and forcing him to give up his dream of becoming a pilot. However, in 1980, he was introduced to painting with a brush in his mouth by Bruce Hopkins, a fellow mouth painter and member of the AMFPA. Grant’s dedication and talent quickly became evident, and within a year, he was awarded a scholarship by the Association. By 1988, he had achieved the prestigious status of Full Member of the AMFPA.
During his talk, Grant shared some of his earliest paintings with the residents of Epsom Village, recalling with humor the frustration he felt when he first started. He then revealed his more recent masterpieces, leaving the audience in awe.
One of the attendees, Lizzie, was particularly moved:
"I always imagined Mouth and Foot painters creating Christmas cards and small paintings for calendars. I never expected to see the breathtaking works of art he has produced over the years. Witnessing the evolution of his paintings—from his first efforts to what he creates today—was beyond belief."
In 2017, Grant Sharman was elected to the World Board of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
"In 1988, I became a full member of the Association, and this has given me financial independence and a greater quality of life. As a member of the AMFPA, I have traveled to many parts of the world, met incredible people, and formed lifelong friendships."
But painting is not his only passion. Despite his accident as a teenager, Grant never let it stop him from pursuing his other dreams. He became the captain and a key teammate of the Wheel Blacks, New Zealand’s national wheelchair rugby team, leading them to bronze medals at the Paralympic Games in 1996 and 2000.
Lizzie shared her thoughts on his story:
"Grant went on to speak about his deep love for sports, especially Rugby Union, and how he both played for and captained the Wheel Blacks. He later took on the role of coach, leading the team to a gold medal victory. For many of us in the audience, it was the first time we had ever held a real gold medal—it was an unforgettable moment."
Even today, Grant remains active in the sporting world. He continues to support Paralympics New Zealand in a consultant role, helping shape the future of adaptive sports.
The residents were so inspired by Grant’s talk that many hope he will return to share more of his incredible experiences, including another of his remarkable sporting achievements—10-meter air rifle shooting. A dedicated athlete, he is a member of the Auckland Parafed Shooting Club (PASC) in Mount Eden and was selected to compete in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. In preparation for the event, he participated in the World Cup, where he proudly won a bronze medal for his team.
Grant's talk left a lasting impression on the residents of Epsom Village, not only for his incredible achievements but also for the warmth, humor, and passion with which he shared his experiences. Building on his message, his journey serves as a powerful reminder that hardships are an unavoidable part of life, but they do not define us—it is how we choose to face them that truly matters.
If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Lyn on 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz
