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Patrick Botto was in the prime of his life when he was in in a catastrophic car crash that left him paralysed from the chest down.
The accident pushed him to the brink of despair – but these days he doesn't let it get him down.
In fact, through his condition he’s discovered a remarkable talent he otherwise might never have known he had. Using just his teeth and lips to grip and move a paintbrush between palette and canvas, Patrick (51) creates exquisite art which he sells for a living.
He tells YOU his story.
"In 1993 I was working as a fingerprint expert for the South African Police Service in Pretoria, Gauteng.
On the day of the accident, my colleagues and I were driving back from a work function. Regrettably, we were all a bit tipsy and the car was overloaded. There were seven of us in a five-seater car and I sat in the back seat on one of the guys' lap.
We were traveling on a road in Centurion when the driver didn't notice there were roadworks ahead. He drove into a barrier and then crashed into another car, causing our car to roll.
Unfortunately, one of my colleagues died, the others had minor injuries and I was left paralysed.
I had broken my neck between the fourth and fifth vertebrae, which left me paralysed from the chest down.
When doctors gave me the news, it didn’t bother me that much. I broke my leg when I was 12 so I knew what it was like to be in and out of hospitals for surgery. I always thought I was a cat with nine lives, and I thought I'd be okay.
But after a week, I realised that this was different. I couldn’t even lift my arms. I was on a drip and because I couldn't eat, I had a feeding pipe stuck in my throat.
The first two years were incredibly tough. I had to go for rehabilitation therapy and my family also had to learn how to take care of me.
An occupational therapist taught me how to write, draw and type with my mouth. At first, it was a bit degrading for me to do things with my mouth and I fell into a dark place. I worried that I wouldn't be able to support myself financially or buy a wheelchair-friendly house and car, or have my own family. I could only lie in bed.
A month after the accident I flew to a hospital in Cape Town where my family lived. My mom and sister helped to take care of me and over time I learnt to do everyday tasks with my mouth.
In 1998 I heard through a friend that free art classes were offered at Bellville library. I signed up and attended art classes for the next five years.
Through another friend, I was introduced to the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting in Switzerland. After applying for funding, I received a three-year bursary from them, which allowed me to pay for more art classes.
In the beginning, painting was more like a hobby and something to do to pass time. I never thought that it would one day be my bread and butter.
It took four months to finish my first painting. I painted two orange roses on an A3-sized canvas. It ended up looking like two Lego bricks but I was just so thrilled that I'd finished it.
After realising how much I really loved making art, I started putting more effort into my work.
When I first started painting, I needed someone to put a brush in my mouth, but I've since gained some movement in my wrist. This allows me to pick up a brush and flip it between fingers. I then reach down and clasp it with my mouth while an assistant squeezes some paint on the easel.
I love painting landscapes, animals, flowers and cars. It can take me anything from two days to a month to complete a painting. An A2-size painting can take me about two weeks. It all depends on the size and how much detail is needed.
My paintings sell for anything from R500 to R10 000 and I earn a monthly salary through the association.
On weekdays, I try to paint for at least three to four hours. Because I’m so close to my paintings, my eyes sometimes become strained so I try to take breaks.
I enjoy painting canvasses at malls, schools and businesses. Sometimes, I also donate some of my paintings to charities.
My life has changed in so many ways since the accident. Although I thought I'd never find love again, I met my partner, Jodene Williams, seven years ago. Our son, Rayden (6), is the apple of my eye.
Three years ago, I moved to George and bought a house and a wheelchair-friendly car. I also employ two aides who help me with personal tasks such as bathing and lifting me from the bed.
This November will mark 29 years since the accident. I’m grateful that I was able to reach all my goals."
