Artist bio

Lena Fernandez was born in Belize. But, she grew up in the United States from the age of 2. She is now residing in her native country since 2001. In addition, she teaches full-time at Georgetown Technical High School to students at the Freshman and Sophomore levels. While in Belize, she has done some cultural paintings depicting the Garifuna people's customs and practices. In relation to this, she really loves doing art. However, with a busy work schedule, it is difficult to spend as much time on art projects as she wishes. Moreover, her dream is to strive farther and get deeper into her passion, which is art. She has always had a talent for art from the time she was a child. Her career and appreciation for art began in elementary school. Teachers would always comment about her artistic ability on report cards. Moreover, at the age of 12, her artworks were displayed at the Balboa Museum for several weeks. She was also given awards for her contributions to her elementary school in which she was often chosen to do art projects such as a large mural painting (along with other selected students) and drawings of Martin Luther King to celebrate his life and honor his achievements. Her artwork would always be displayed in a showcase in the Hall Monitor's office. Basically, throughout the years, she has done paintings (as mentioned above) that were sold to tourists, business owners and local citizens.

Title

Come To Our Rescue & Save Us

Medium/Genre

Mixed Media

Artist Statement

A drawing of a Guardian Angel that resembles Jesus with wings that are filled with beautifully colored feathers. The background contains a lovely sky blue painting including painted clouds with an outline using a black ink pen to show contour and a marker for the imagery of birds flying. It gives a sense of serenity with a similar appearance of how heaven should look like. A golden 'halo' is above the Angel's head designed using color sticks and a permanent marker to give an image of a sparkling glow or shine. Plus, glitter was added to give it that texture. In addition, the Angel is holding a lit and burning candle that is melting. Furthermore, underneath the candle is a holy cross and below it has the words: "Peace, Love, Unity, Joy & Happiness." Moreso, the border at the top part of the artwork has 8 colored Teddy Bear frames that are stick on to make it more attractive. Furthermore, it adds a further touch for decorations. Lastly, the bottom piece of the Bristol board consists of drawings which are broken up into three parts: (1) Symbols in the prevention of the Corona virus {COVID-19}; (2) The measures that have to be taken during this Pandemic and if it is not adhered to, what consequences it will lead to; and (3) The controversial issue of civil rights being violated in this recent era of 2020, which contains the symbol of "Black Lives Matter" with the last words of George Floyd before he was brutally killed by the police officer: "I Can't Breathe," and the other emblems that are representing the need for unity in America.

How it fits into contest

I chose Psalm 91:1-6 which is a related verse that I found among the choices in which the contest offers. The verse states: (1) Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. (2) I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (3) Surely he will save you from the Fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. (4) He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampant. (5) You will not fear the terror of the night nor the arrow that flies by day. (6) Nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Credits

My sister, Tanys did not physically contribute since she resides far from me in a different country. Relatively speaking, she lives in the United States, and I live in Belize. However, I had told her about the contest when I first discovered it back in April of this year. We video chat often and I had discussed my ideas about the artwork with her. She gave me some suggestions. For example, placing the words: "Peace, Love, Unity and Joy." So I decided to add 'Happiness after 'Joy.' My other family members supported me in my journey as well. Specifically, my son, Javari gave me the inspiration and motivation by encouraging me to get the artwork done and telling how great it looked.

How to Purchase this Artwork

This artwork is original. It is available for viewing since the picture has been uploaded through this Engage Arr contest app for the jurors to critique. The price would be $200. It is mixed media with a combination of paints, coloring pencil, glitter, feather material, permanent marker and other stick on items add more creative designs to the artwork.

If someone would like to order certain artwork, you can contact me at: Facebook, Messenger under Lena Fernandez or by email: lfernandez330@gmail.com.

Other Goods & Services Available from this Artist

I have taught art in the past at the other high school where I first worked. At this time, if anyone is looking for this type of service, just contact me on Facebook as zi previously mentioned.

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