Man Without Arms Paints With His Mouth And Feet

Huang Guofu, aged 41, lost both of his arms at the age of four after suffering electric shocks. Born in Tongnan, Chongqing, China, he developed an interest in painting at the age of 12. He started small but dreamed big, painting pictures he saw in his textbooks by using his feet.

Huang left school at the age of 18 to raise money to combat the illness that later claimed his father’s life. He became a traveling artist, creating works on the streets of many cities and selling them to passersby.

In 1999, Huang found true love in a city in Sichuan Province in the person of Hu Guohui. They married in 2000 and she became a staunch supporter of her husband’s achievements, skill and determination to succeed at all costs.

In 2002, the couple moved back to Huang’s hometown in Chongqing and Hu became her husband’s aide. When he wanted to draw outdoor scenes, she carried his supplies and traveled with him.

As if all of this isn’t amazing enough, Huang is now vice-curator of the newly established Chongqing Talents Museum, and is planning to paint a mural depicting scenes of old Chongqing.

He is conducting his research for this project via a computer, which he accesses by biting on a chopstick and using his right foot to clamp a pen that touches the keyboard.

“I am searching materials and pictures of old Chongqing, and preparing the materials for my upcoming creations,” said Huang.

The museum now features several foot-and-mouth painters.

“When life closes one door to you, it must have opened another at the same time. I want to let the younger generation know that there are no real obstacles in life…, says Huang.”

For this courageous man and his art it would appear that this is so and who needs hands anyway?