Order of Canada for Limb Different Artist
Renowned London, Ontario, mouth artist Theresa Helen (Susie) Matthias was recently named to the Order of Canada, one of the federal government’s highest honours.
Matthias was born without developed arms and legs, and honoured for her contribution to the arts.
Matthias is a member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists which supports more than 500 artists worldwide by marketing reproductions of its members’ art. “Some say I have a gift to be able to paint or draw, but I think everyone is talented in some way,” said Matthias. “Society’s attitudes have changed. The doors for disabled [people] are being opened a little. We must push for them to be opened wider.”
The mouth painter's creations have taken her around the world — featured in galleries, and on greeting cards and a Canada Post stamp.
Matthias is a survivor of thalidomide, the drug given to pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s for nausea and morning sickness before it was discovered that it caused limb malformations. "I'm stubborn,” she admits. “I don't like to give up. When I was little, I knew I was different from everyone else and had to overcome challenges in my life, but through the encouragement of my family I've been able to be independent." In addition to a successful art career, Matthias has pursued activities like electric wheelchair hockey, swimming and boccia ball.
Matthias is a member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists which supports more than 500 artists worldwide by marketing reproductions of its members’ art. “Some say I have a gift to be able to paint or draw, but I think everyone is talented in some way,” said Matthias. “Society’s attitudes have changed. The doors for disabled [people] are being opened a little. We must push for them to be opened wider.”
The mouth painter's creations have taken her around the world — featured in galleries, and on greeting cards and a Canada Post stamp.
Matthias is a survivor of thalidomide, the drug given to pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s for nausea and morning sickness before it was discovered that it caused limb malformations. "I'm stubborn,” she admits. “I don't like to give up. When I was little, I knew I was different from everyone else and had to overcome challenges in my life, but through the encouragement of my family I've been able to be independent." In addition to a successful art career, Matthias has pursued activities like electric wheelchair hockey, swimming and boccia ball.
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