Artist Daniel Phillips' fascination with trains, tunnels and travel is the driving inspiration for his artworks, some of which are now on loan to the Transport Ministry.
Phillips' work, Two people are standing in front of the train number 8022 - which is on sale for $1500 - is one of more than 40 works held by Arts Access Aotearoa's Outside-In Gallery that are being offered to government agencies and private sector offices for six-month loans with an option to buy.
The programme was launched yesterday.
"I love trains, tunnels and planes," says Phillips, 34, who has autism. He has been a full-time artist at Petone's Arthouse for more than 10 years.
As well as transport-themed works, he does landscapes, portraits and his own interpretations of works by artists including Picasso and Colin McCahon.
But when asked who is favourite artist is, his answer is immediate and unequivocal: "Me!".
Arthouse, which was created in 1996 by IHC, provides free materials, space to work and tutoring for about 20 artists, as well as opportunities to market their work.
Coordinator Liz Sutherland said: "By promoting Daniel's work, the Ministry of Transport is also highlighting the work of other artists with intellectual disabilities, and the community spaces and galleries that support them."
Ministry general manager Claire Johnstone said she encouraged other organisations to borrow work from the Outside-In Gallery.
She said Phillips' painting had raised awareness among staff about "outsider" artists.
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