Brazilian Mouth Painter Launches His Autobiography to Share His Story

One day, you can move your torso, legs, and arms. The next, an accident leaves you quadriplegic and you are dependent on a wheelchair to get around. What would you do to keep on living under these circumstances? Marcelo Cunha was forced to answer that question in 1991 when an accident drastically changed his life. Since then, he’s become a prolific and accomplished mouth painter.

On August 10, Cunha launched the second edition of his autobiography, where he shares his journey of faith, overcoming, and resilience. The book Acceptance Is Needed offers a message of hope for everyone who faces challenges in their lives, editors said. The launch of Cunha’s autobiography took place at Rio de Janeiro Central Adventist Church. For Cunha, it was a great dream come true. “I had a deep desire to update my book. Now it features an easier-to-read and more attractive language. Reading will be an opportunity to share my personal experience and break taboos and prejudices,” he said.

Cunha, who has been painting with his mouth for more than 30 years after becoming a quadriplegic, is a true example of determination and talent, those who know him said. “With approximately 280 works in his portfolio, Cunha has transformed his adversity into an extraordinary form of artistic expression,” they said.

His Beginnings

Cunha had an accident in a waterfall when he was 21 years old. When he found himself without physical freedom, he questioned God about the meaning of his life.

One day he came across a news report, where he watched a young man painting with his mouth. The report inspired him, and he felt that making a living from art was a calling coming from God.

Cunha also found in a biblical passage another answer from God. “I believe that having a purpose is what gives meaning to our life. In Ecclesiastes 9:10 I found mine,” he said. “That verse states that you must put all your heart to do what comes your way.”

Following that piece of advice, Cunha puts all his effort in every brushstroke, and many find the results surprising. “If I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it!” said one of those present at the book launch, referring to the richness of the details on the canvases.

Working on the New Volume

His motor disability did not prevent Cunha from rewriting the book alone. Using his computer, he typed letter by letter with the help of an optical mouse. At times, he used a voice program. “I typed long hours. It took approximately two years and a lot of research to come up with a second edition that manages to share what God means in my life,” he said.

The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.