Iris Devadason has always loved to paint.  Time for art was limited, though, while raising two children and holding down a full time career as a professor of English.   Now retired, she has devoted her time to her art.  Undisturbed by other distractions, Iris is finding great joy in focusing on her painting.  She has also found a cause she can support with her art — CURE Clubfoot Karnataka.

Santosh George had Iris as a professor in school.  Now the Regional Manager for Asia of CURE Clubfoot Worldwide, Santosh approached Iris about partnering with CURE Clubfoot to raise both awareness of the many children suffering from the condition as well as funds to help cover their treatment.  Iris was glad to be a part of the work CURE was doing. “I learned that these children are neglected and go through a lot of mental agony, as they don’t receive proper medical treatment and attention. So, I decided to do something for them through my paintings,” said Iris.

The artist has found inspiration in the lives of famous artists who suffered from clubfoot, notably the English poet, Lord Byron, and the French painter, Henri Toulouse-Lautrec.  Iris found even greater inspiration in the stories of clubfoot children who have been treated by CURE — children who have gone from anguish to healing.  She has produced a collection of works that reflect that story.  Capturing both disappointment and hope, sorrow and joy, the paintings of Iris help the observer understand the tortured existence of clubfoot children before treatment, as well as their incredible experience of finding healing.

Iris has titled her exhibit “Walk in Beauty,” and it first went on display in December of 2010.  A second showing took place in April of this year.  Money raised by the sale of the paintings goes to treatment and care of  children through CURE Clubfoot Karnataka.

Iris’ work has already begun to have an impact.  The opening of one of her exhibitions drew the attention of the State Commissioner for Disability, K.V. Rajanna, who praised both Iris and CURE for taking the initiative to treat children with clubfoot. Her exhibits have also been supported by the state government and the Rotary club.

Learn more about Iris Devadason’s works at http://iris-devadason.fineartamerica.com/.

Reference: “Lending a Hand,” The Hindu, 11 December 2010