I had recently participated in a group art exhibition organised by some friends whom I’d met at a printmaking class from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA).

We agreed that the exhibtion theme would be titled, Cherish- as there are many aspects of our lives that we could draw inspiration from.

The idea seemed good at first. But as weeks passed by, I began to experience quite a creative struggle getting down to producing the artwork due to several commitments and also, the actual theme itself.

I’ve a lot of cherished memories, but the one that kept me up at night was I guess, the one that I knew I had to revisit.

Bedtime stories that my mom used to read me.

As a child, bedtime was usually the most fun part of the day as she would read me tales from Aesop’s Fables, the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and even Nursery Rhymes.

It’s funny how such a wonderful memory that brought me great joy had also triggered an equal measure of sadness- all of a sudden. It’s almost 7 years since she’s gone to be with the Lord.

But the struggle soon turned into a very enjoyable and cathartic experience once I had resolved to start doing the project.

I think Cherish was one of the most rewarding exhibitions that I’ve had in many years. We didn’t have a massive turn-out like at previous shows, but it was certainly a good number. And my family got to see the artwork.

These works have certainly helped me to express a deep sense of love and appreciation for my mom and the stories she used to tell me.

Then again, it’s dedicated to those special individuals- who after a long, hard day at work would go the extra mile to colour a child’s world!

Viva la Bedtime Story and Viva la Mamma! <3

+c