Ricollin Moodley with his mother, Evelyn Moodley.
Image: Supplied
When Ricollin Moodley’s mother required a life-saving leg amputation, the self-taught artist from Shelly Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast turned to his unique talent—creating artwork using lipstick, spices, and coffee—to support his family through their most difficult time.
What began as a resourceful act born from poverty has now become the family's lifeline, as they face mounting medical bills and seek disability-friendly accommodation, POST has reported.
Moodley’s distinctive work, which has garnered attention both online and in local communities, is helping to cover his mother’s escalating hospital expenses and prepare the family for the new challenges that have emerged following 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 recalled a childhood marked by instability and financial hardship.
“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 challenging periods. In 2017, while in Grade 11 at the age of 16, the family was without food, his mother was gravely ill, and his father’s income barely covered the rent.
Ricollin with his paintings.
Image: Supplied
“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 experience and had never taken 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.”
Lacking access to conventional art materials, Moodley turned to whatever he could find.
“I chose to work with materials like lipstick, spices, or tea instead of traditional paints because I didn’t have access to proper supplies. I searched through bins and found discarded items—lipsticks, used coffee grounds, and thrown-away spices.
Tyla painted with lipstick.
Image: Supplied
“That was when I realised I could paint with anything. That moment changed how I saw art forever. It taught me that it’s not about the tools—it’s about creating, no matter what,” he said.
Over time, these unconventional materials became integral to his artistic identity.
“They carry stories of survival, poverty, and resilience,” he explained.
The family’s situation worsened as his mother’s health deteriorated. A diabetic, she developed severe complications that led to an infection in her leg. Doctors were ultimately forced to amputate the limb to save her life.
Black Coffee painted with coffee.
Image: Supplied
“This has completely changed our daily lives. She can no longer manage in the home we’re 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 raise funds for his mother’s recovery and to secure suitable accommodation.
“We do not have the finances to take care of my mum after she returns from hospital. We need to find a disability-friendly place to rent and be able to afford her medical supplies and other essentials.
Steph Curry painted with curry.
Image: Supplied
“Even before my mum got sick, we always struggled financially. My parents worked hard for very little. We were constantly forced to choose between basic needs, often going without.”
Despite these challenges, Moodley remains optimistic. He sells artwork, accepts commissions, and collaborates with brands that embrace his innovative techniques.
“Staying positive and 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 overwhelmingly supportive.
“People love the idea of painting with lipstick, curry, juice, sand—even coffee. But the most important part is my story. It helps people understand where I come from and why I do what I do.”
For Moodley, the ultimate goal is to ensure his mother’s dignity and comfort.
“I hope my mum can live in a safe environment where she can adjust to this life-changing amputation without worrying about how we will afford food or meet her needs. I want her to feel supported.”
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