A disabled homeless Capetonian artist has started a blog showcasing her work, telling her story and sharing her hope for humanity.
Her name is Chuma Somdaka, which means ‘dirty blossom’ in isiXhosa.
She is a 31 year old South African woman from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape who is disabled, from an amputation above the knee, and at the moment she is also homeless. Somdaka currently sleeps in the Company Gardens in Cape Town, where she also does most of her drawing and sketching.
“I have a passion for visual arts and design, and would some day like to be able to study for a degree in the field. Today, I am only thankful that I’m able, through drawing and painting, to have money to use towards my needs. You can find me sitting on the Government Avenue with my art displayed.”
The Cape Town Public Library also has some the artists pictures displayed on their board. She loves the library, and spends a lot of time there during the days, where she either reads or sketches.
I dream of success, and of having my art exhibited in one of the Cape Town galleries.
Somdaka was gang raped when she was 18 by neighbourhood boys that she grew up with. They invited her for drinks late one evening… one of them had just came from the bush and was now a ‘man’.
“As I refused to be a victim of their evil acts, that was the beginning of my spirituality.”
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Visual art is a gift the inspirational South African has come to learn more about, as she draws and sketches portraits of street people who are happy and willing to have her sketch and exhibit them for sale in the gardens.
“It helps me clear the bad energy around me and centre myself. It also enables me to have self control in my day to day lifestyle, by allowing me to create something out of nothing.”
Seeing her art bring joy or insight to an indivdual is what she says is priceless and gives her joy.
“I have forgiven my past but I will never forget it, and I am still looking forward to healing properly. I am now able to share a part of my life that I was ashamed of, that I was running from, and that made me want to die.”
Somdaka has a hope for herself, her art and humanity and cannot wait to share the love. To see more of her incredible artwork or follow her very interesting blog, click here.
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Hello. Just completed 1st phase of documenting creatives with disabilities. Kindly follow A Journey to the south Tour on Facebook. Will need to list Somdaka’s profile for linkages