A TALENTED young artist, whose passion for art has helped him to overcome confidence issues exacerbated by a lifelong disability, is showcasing his work in a North-East pub.

Joey Atkinson, 22, who lives in Bishop Auckland with his parents and was born with Moebius Syndrome, which means his face is partially paralysed.

The condition has meant Mr Atkinson has battled with his confidence all of his life, but a natural flair for art has provided comfort and the opportunity to escape his shyness.

Now, thanks to Newcastle’s Charts pub, Mr Atkinson is moving forward after the venue offered to feature his work on its walls, so he can establish himself and hopefully make money from his talent.

Mr Atkinson, who hopes to one day become a full-time artist, said: “I have loved art for as long as I can remember, and when I studied it at college, I was able to learn new techniques to help digitise my work and make something with a unique style.

“I’ve carried on with my art since college, and I usually create about two or three pieces a week.

“It ranges from recognisable buildings and landmarks to people and more abstract art.

“Anything can inspire me, random things.”

Each piece of work is limited edition, so the pieces that are for sale at Charts will provide an unusual addition to the home of anyone who buys the work.

“It’s great for me to do this, really great. Art has helped with my confidence a lot. It’s helped me cope with my disabilities and having my work displayed and up for sale is the next stage.

“Putting my work out there is a big step for me as I have never really marketed myself. It’s weird to see my work up and on display.”

Mr Atkinson specialises in digital art, which sees him hand-draw people and buildings, then use Photoshop to create contemporary, colourful artwork with a distinctive style of its own.

His talent runs in the family as his great grandmother, grandfather and mother were also born with art in their blood.

Mr Atkinson’s maternal grandmother, Christine, was the person who first suggested his work was displayed at Charts.

She said: “Joey is a fantastic artist and I encourage him, because I think he really deserves this opportunity.

“He has a born gift, and it’s exciting to see him have an opportunity to share his talent. I think this will really help his confidence and hopefully people enjoy his work too.”

The Quayside venue is displaying seven pieces of the young artist’s work on its gallery walls, providing Mr Atkinson with the chance to showcase his abilities and sell his pieces.

They are available for sale for £100 per piece.

Paul Callaghan, the well-known regional businessman who owns Pub Culture, the group that runs Charts, said: “Pub Culture venues are places that celebrate artists of all kinds.

“What is exciting is that they can provide a platform to showcase talent that might otherwise not have its moment in the spotlight, and Joey is one of those artists who just needs a break, a chance to shine.

“His work is incredible, and the way that he has used his love of art to overcome confidence issues owed to his disability is a credit to him.

“He is a supremely talented person, and I hope these seven pieces of art are the first of many more pieces we will showcase, and sell, in Charts.”

Mr Atkinson’s work, along with that of artists and photographers from across the North-East and beyond, is available to buy from Charts.

The website www.pubcultureart.com also provides an online gallery of work that is displayed on the venue’s walls.

For more information on Charts, visit: www.pubculture.com/charts