Wicklow artist Mary Duffy on art, identity and changing the conversation this Christmas - 'People who like my paintings don't care how I paint them'

""Before I could walk, they put a paintbrush between my toes," said Wicklow artist, Mary Duffy."

""When I was born without arms, they kind of thought, that's about all she could do, probably.""

"It was a slightly uneasy beginning to a conversation with the award-winning painter of over 40 years."

"But it had followed a slightly uneasy text message sent to arrange the discussion about her remarkable life, in which she had said she was driving and would call later."

Mary Duffy was born without arms and developed the ability to paint using her feet after caregivers placed a paintbrush between her toes before she could walk. Early expectations from others underestimated her capabilities, but she pursued art and built a long, successful career. She has been an award-winning painter for over forty years, producing work that reflects skill and perseverance. Practical independence and ongoing activity mark her life; she manages communications and travel while maintaining her artistic practice. Her experience illustrates adaptive technique, resilience, and a sustained professional presence in the visual arts.

Read at Independent