Sharman Grant William

At the age of 15, Grant's life changed dramatically when he broke his neck during a rugby match, resulting in quadriplegia and forcing him to give up his dream of becoming a pilot. After leaving hospital, he secured a job with the Auckland Area Health Board as a patient advocate and counsellor.

In 1980, Grant was introduced to mouth painting by Bruce Hopkins, a mouth painter and member of the VDMFK, who sadly passed away in 1985. Grant’s talent quickly developed and within a year, he was awarded a scholarship from the Association. Just seven years later, he became a Full Member of the VDMFK.

Grant’s artistic work focuses primarily on flowers and landscapes, reflecting his deep appreciation for nature and strong artistic intuition. His paintings have been exhibited at competitions and shows throughout New Zealand and internationally, earning him numerous awards and honours. His story and achievements have also attracted significant media attention.

In 1991, Grant held his first solo exhibition. In addition to his artistic career, he regularly conducts workshops and speaks at schools and organisations, sharing his experiences of life in a wheelchair and offering insight into the challenges and triumphs of living with a disability.