Nightwatch is proud be supported by Nicky Nicholls, a local artist who is donating the profits from the sale of some of her art to our charity. Her own life story is extraordinary. Read on.
Nicky lived through a dreadfully abusive childhood which left her with no confidence or self-belief and a deep seating mistrust of people and society. In fact she was terrified of people and became isolated and a wanderer from her teens. Addicted to alcohol, she spent the next 36 years wandering aimlessly from town to town, visiting many institutions along the way. She had no aspirations, only to be safe in her dark and dismal world. Some people tried to help her during this time but gave up when her alcoholism could not be tamed.
Finally, in the early 1980’s, Nicky got the help she so desperately needed. Arriving at a detox unit in the back of a Police van, she gradually she began to understand her alcoholism through Alcoholics Anonymous and became determined to stop drinking. It was not easy and it was only when she was allocated a homeless refuge and attended AA meetings regularly with a Sponsor that she finally stopped and has been sober since. After intensive psychotherapy to help her deal with her traumatic and troubled life she was moved to sheltered accommodation and for the first time in her life was safe and clean.
During art therapy sessions in hospital she discovered an ability to draw and paint. She was shocked that people also liked what she produced! Nicky has sold her paintings worldwide and has won Koestler Awards for both her art and music. She mostly paints with her fingers and has a particular interest in native American subjects which adorn the walls of her flat. Her art also hangs in Hever Castle and Southwark Cathedral. All profits she makes are donated to charity including Great Ormond Street children’s hospital and Croydon Nightwatch.
Nicky writes: …”I am so lucky and realise that we should never give into alcoholism or other mind-altering substances, or abuse. Life is a precious gift and I was determined to live my dream. With the support of my carers and the unconditional love of my lovely friends, I look forward to each new day with hope. It is never easy, but I remind myself how far I have come. Thank you to all of you in my life, it is a pure joy to help others and to give back”…
Nicky has been chosen to represent Croydon in the Nationwide BID exhibition in August. Her art will be on show in the Croydon Visitor’s Centre, 1-3 Station Approach, Croydon from 4th August 2014 for 1 month.
Early next year, Nicky will also be exhibiting her art in Southwark Cathedral. Dates to be confirmed – watch this space!
