How a Durban man turned spices and lipstick into hope for his amputee mother

WHEN Ricollin Moodley's mother needed a life-saving leg amputation, the self-taught artist from Shelly Beach, on the KZN South Coast, turned to his unique talent - creating art with lipstick, spices, and coffee - to support his family through their darkest hour. His resourceful creativity, born from poverty, is now the family's lifeline as they navigate mounting medical bills and search for disability-friendly housing.

Ricollin’s work, which has drawn attention online and in local communities, is now helping him cover his mother’s mounting hospital bills and prepare them for the challenges his family face after her surgery.

“I am a self-taught visual artist, and at the moment my art is not just my passion, but also my family’s main source of support,” said Moodley.

Born in Ladysmith, Moodley described a childhood marked by constant movement and financial insecurity. 

“We did not have a place of our own. We kept moving, trying to find somewhere we could survive. My childhood was shaped by scarcity, but also by resilience,” he said.

Art entered his life during one of his family’s most difficult periods.

In 2017, while he was in Grade 11 and just 16 years old, they had no food, his mother fell seriously ill, and his father’s salary barely covered the rent.

“I was trying to think of what I could do with my hands to help. The only thing that came to mind was drawing, even though I had no art experience and did not take art at school."

He began sketching at a local beach, where he met his first customer. 

“That was when I knew art could feed us.”

Without access to traditional art supplies, Moodley turned to what was around him. 

“I choose to work with materials like lipstick, spices, or tea instead of traditional paints because it came from not having access to art supplies. I searched through bins and found discarded items like lipsticks, used coffee, and thrown-away spices.

“That was when I realised I could paint with anything. That moment changed how I saw art forever. It made me realise that it was not about the tools, it was about creating, regardless,” he said.

Over time, these unconventional materials became central to his artistic identity. 

“They carry stories of survival, poverty, and resourcefulness,” he said.

The family’s situation worsened when his mother’s health declined.

As a diabetic, she developed severe complications that led to infections in her leg. Doctors were ultimately forced to amputate it to save her life.

“This has completely changed our daily lives. There is no way she will be able to manage where we are currently renting, as it is upstairs and not disability-friendly.”

With art sales slowing and his father’s income covering only the rent, Moodley launched a BackaBuddy campaign to help fund his mother’s recovery and secure a safer living space. 

“We do not have the finances to take care of my mum after she comes back from the hospital. We need to find a disability-friendly place to rent and afford her medical supplies and other necessities.

“Even before my mum got sick, we always struggled financially, as my parents worked hard for very little. We were constantly choosing between necessities and going without.”

Despite the hardship, Moodley remains hopeful.

He sells artwork, takes commissions, and collaborates with brands that embrace his unique approach. 

“Staying positive and consistently creating unique art keeps me motivated. I know that one day my art will change my family’s life,” he said.

The public response has been encouraging. 

“People love the idea of painting with lipstick, curry, juice, sand, and even coffee. But the most important part is my story, because it helps people understand where I come from and why I do what I do."

For Moodley, the goal is dignity and security for his mother. 

“I hope my mum can have a safe environment to adjust to this life-changing amputation and not stress about how we will afford food or take care of her needs. I want her to feel supported."

The POST