Ingrid Susan Roberts: A homeless artist's journey through art in Durban
A homeless artist's journey of hope and resilience in Durban.
Image: Xolile Mtembu/IOL
In the dreariness and despair of living on the streets, a homeless woman in KwaZulu-Natal is injecting some colour and hope in her life using art.
Ingrid Susan Roberts, a 65-year-old woman originally from Polokwane, Limpopo makes and sells her art, which include paintings in different mediums to support herself on the Durban streets.
Roberts who has big, bright smile, and all the eccentricities of an artist, claims to have been a part of the South African Institute for Medical Research but left the scientific world due to a calling in the arts.
However, due the arts' notorious financial instability, she later found herself in troubled waters when she couldn't afford to finance her life.
"I decided that I wanted to further my art because I was into murals and I had tasted the first cheque from them. It was a struggle. I had hard and good times," Roberts said.
She lived in numerous hotels due to her nomadic lifestyle and eventually found herself in the streets.
Roberts is a mother of two adult sons, a 39 and a 31-year-old. However, she does not know where they are. According to the artist, they are also in the same world, careerwise and are adventurous.
"I wouldn't know where they are; they are so adventurous," she added.
Roberts' pieces normally sell for R700-R800 but being in dire straits financially, she often finds herself having to accept far less just to have a bit of money for food and other necessities.
Ingrid Susan Roberts: A homeless artist's quest for connection and creativity.
Image: Xolile Mtembu/IOL
More importantly, whatever income she generates, she uses to secure shelter in a boarding facility for disadvantaged women.
For drop-off locations and how to get involved, visit the Elevate HER portal on IOL.
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