CLOCKWORK MOON SERIES
ClockwoRk Moon (every time a child is born, a new mother is born too)
80cm x 80cm
Ink and incense-burned drawing on Korean paper, embroidery hoops, light, 2017
Commissioned by Singapore Art Museum, 2017.
This artwork focuses on those who have experienced family traumas in their childhoods, but moved forward to create their own family. The past is constantly present in these individuals. The nature of a post traumatic brain is that change is difficult to cope with and fears from the past live on in the mind, meaning that life can feel overwhelming. Speaking with this community, Nicola was inspired by the case of a lady in Singapore who has 13 children and has struggled with extreme poverty for most of her life. She feels that each time a new child is born, a new mother is born as well - a new part of one’s self is discovered. This beautiful sentiment had connections to many in this community who feel that they are constantly moving forward through time, stretching the distance between their past and present, but also forever scarred by their childhoods. As a girl this individual did not believe she would become an adult but would probably die first: Battling with her own suicidal thoughts, plus violence and threats from those who should have been caring for her, she still does not have the ability to envision the future - like many with a trauma-based background, she feels that she can plan one day at a time, but has always struggled with a desire to try to control time. She noticed in later life that it’s OK to let go and let life happen - and when you do, life unfolds in a blessed way. Today her heart is full with a vibrant family and 13 new beginnings.