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Self help ' not charity
A calendar made for VDMFK by a disabled painter
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A calendar made for VDMFK by a disabled painter.
If art work is outstanding should buyers be concerned whether the creator is a man or women, young or old, able or disabled?
Had Shakespeare written his plays with a quill between his toes would we admire his works more, or subject them to softer criticism?
VDMFK tackles these ethical issues by reminding members that high artistic standards must be maintained because: 'In general, [critics] do not take into consideration the fact that most works by mouth and foot painters have been created under severe physical restraints and difficulties.'
The VDMFK, which started in 1957, describes itself as a 'democratic collective' and a 'for-profit' business. Its motto is 'self help ' not charity'.
Its marketing strategy is to mail unsolicited cards and calendars just before Christmas hoping recipients will buy. Although some complain this is junk mail and throw away the cards, the major threat is the Internet.
Surface mail is rapidly declining; the era of a card in an envelope delivered by a post person will soon be history. Earlier this year VDMFK urged its members to 'assert themselves' in the market to help 'enlarge our client base' through exhibitions and workshops.
' Duncan Graham
