Mixed Media & Sculpture

Luminescence of Being

Mixed media and multimedia

43¼" x 54¼" x 45½"

2025

"Luminescence of Being" is an abstract illuminated freestanding mixed media and multimedia sculpture in the round that is intended to portray the source of happiness as originating from oneself, as well as its profound effect on others. This sculpture utilizes the multimedia elements of light and sound.

A spherical entity radiates from within, emitting a burst of colorful, pulsating light. Encircling this entity are visceral, undulating forms that extend upward and outward, with some reaching toward viewers. The illuminated core is meant to symbolize our happiness that can be kindled from within, while the gently flowing forms that surround it represent the dispersal of our happiness onto others. Calming music reinforces the tranquil environment, guiding viewers into a moment of peaceful self-reflection, and thus encouraging the illumination of our own state of being and contemplation of what we are grateful for in our lives.

Our paths to achieving happiness may vary, but the pursuit of happiness is a universal human goal. It is a state of being defined not by external circumstances, but rather by our perception, thoughts, and attitude. Each of us can kindle our inner light with contentment, a positive mindset and a sense of purpose. By shining it wherever we go, we can in turn brighten the lives of those around us. Even amidst the darkest of times, if we all were to shine our light onto one another, can you imagine the impact of our collective illumination brightening our world with positivity and hope?

Awaken

Mixed media assemblage with illumination

58 1/2" x 17 1/4" x 21 1/2"

2022–2023

From "Transcendence"

"Awaken", the first piece in "Transcendence", is a tiered, illuminated, monochromatic mixed media sculpture-in-the-round that utilizes an ascending progression from closed to open space, and the emergence of light, to represent one’s personal spiritual journey. A knotted rope, wending its way from the bottom to the top, guides viewers on an ascent through a series of defined realms, each with its own found objects that symbolize personal conflict and struggle. The monochromatic black quality of these assembled found objects is designed to emphasize their form over the functions they once served. For example, a set of decorative metal spheres becomes a gnarled trap from which the rope escapes. Simple file dividers become a maze of impediments through which the rope navigates. As the composition opens, the knots of the rope progressively loosen as it ascends past doorknobs and a lock that allude to barriers that once were. The top tier comprises an enclosure of black metal escutcheons, from which light breaks through the keyholes and cracks. The rope, acting as a lifeline and a vehicle for transcendence, emerges free of its confines, rising into the light and beyond. In our own lives, we can harness our spirituality to deconstruct and transcend our own barriers in our pursuit of purpose and meaning in life. Our faith and indomitable spirit can instill in each of us the strength to survive and overcome physical impediments that tie us to the mundane, in the hope that our light will continue to shine into a new day.

Rise

Mixed media on horizontally-positioned canvas

2023

From "Transcendence"

"Rise", the second work in "Transcendence", is an achromatic, open-form mixed media sculpture-in-the-round that explores our capacity to summon our inner spiritual power. A series of organic white shapes struggle to break free from a cluster of gnarled black forms that emerge from the viscous base. Curving and twisting, the ascending shapes of light—evoked by the reduction of form, the absence of color, the open, interconnected contours, and the directional, flowing negative spaces—reach outward and upward to elude and then overcome the dark forms. Through its abstractness, the darkness can represent anyone’s personal adversities. In contrast, the ethereal quality of the light shapes is designed to portray the essence of spirituality as not externally visible or tangible, but internally visceral. During times of conflict and struggle, we often discover that we may be stronger than we believe. Even amidst the darkest of adversities, our own light can be found and kindled within our sustained faith and hope.

Prevail

Mixed media assemblage with illumination on canvas

52 1/2" x 35 1/4" x 11"

2023

From "Transcendence"

"Prevail", the third and final piece in "Transcendence", is an illuminated, monochromatic three-dimensional work of mixed media on canvas that conveys the potential of spirituality to deconstruct societal barriers. These are represented by several layers of obstructive, intertwining man-made physical barriers: fencing, chain, a brick wall, barbed wire, nails, bars, and glass. The use of monochromatic black is meant to subordinate the individual objects to the larger whole and evoke the feeling of being trapped and confined in a dark, unsettling space. A seemingly impenetrable environment transforms as light breaks through cracks, keyholes, and other openings. A knotted rope guides viewers as it enters the environment from below, maneuvering through the barriers and gradually loosening as it follows their deconstruction, breaking the canvas confines. Societal barriers—such as inequality, discrimination, and violence—are designed to hold people back both physically and spiritually. Through the use of pure form, a universal language, this piece seeks to connect with all viewers, transcend the mundane, and facilitate a spiritual connection. This accessibility is meant to communicate that we are all interrelated as humans in a shared world, thus instilling in us the responsibility to take steps toward uniting on a common level, breaking through and transcending our societal barriers (Rebecca). Prevail aims to convey that a spiritual connection may be the key to illuminating our societal impediments, bringing ourselves closer to unified solutions to our shared issues.

Transcendence

Presentation video

06:28

2023

I am deeply interested in spirituality as a means of reaching viewers on an apophatic and visceral level. I have become increasingly inspired to direct my artistic goals and practices toward facilitating spiritual contemplation and reflection among viewers, guiding them—beyond the initial viewing experience—to broaden their awareness and understanding of ourselves, others, and our world. Art, whether evoking a sense of comfort and peace or feelings of unease and being challenged, is a way into the soul and a vehicle through which we can ignite a spark of personal transformation that empowers each of us to connect with others on a common spiritual level. It is more crucial now than ever that we turn to ourselves and one another to acknowledge our differences, transcend our conflicts, and embrace our interconnectedness in pursuit of global solidarity and unity. Our capacity to tap into the power of our spirituality, individually and collectively, may be the key to addressing the reality we share and initiating a positive, meaningful impact on our world. Such insights and aspirations compelled me to create "Transcendence", a trilogy of works that explores different capacities of spirituality.

Reaching for Inclusion

Mixed media relief on canvas (triptych)

114" x 27" x 3"

2019

Dedicated to my loving brother, Chris Fernandez, and to all of the people who open their hearts to individuals with autism.

Human life begins as a single cell. This one cell holds the potential of transforming into a unique human being, much like how a tiny seed can grow into a majestic tree. Deep within our twisted roots, our DNA carries the instructions for our distinctive traits and characteristics, each with a unique sequence.

Imagine a world without diversity, where everyone is the same. Imagine a world without resilient redwoods, delicate wisteria, giving apple trees, humble elm, and whispering willows. Imagine a world of people without differences.

Sometime in your life, you will meet someone with autism. You may already know or love someone with autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that lasts throughout a person's lifetime, characterized by issues associated with social interaction, communication, behavior, and learning.

Inclusion is the deliberate act of welcoming diversity and creating a environment where all different kinds of people can thrive and succeed. Diversity is what we have. Inclusion is what we do. I encourage you to open up your mind and heart to people with autism, plant seeds of understanding, acceptance, and love, and cultivate inclusion.

Journey to Self-Realization

Mixed media assemblage with illumination on kinetic wood base

2019

Everyone has their own life journey to embark on, their own story to tell. Journey to Self-Realization is an artistic expression of my life experiences and my continued journey of understanding myself, the world, and my place in it.

The ocean is the beginning of life on Earth. I began my journey here with my own birth. As I left my childhood and moved forward through life, I began the first step towards self-discovery and finding the pieces of who I am.

There are times in our lives when we may find ourselves in a place where we feel alone, helpless, and lost. I’ve been in this place before, a place shrouded in darkness, where you must face your fears and find your own way through. With self-acceptance, I pulled myself out and lifted myself up, gaining the strength to ascend beyond my struggles.

Often in life, we can be our own worst enemy as we battle our own inner emotions, feelings, and thoughts. By understanding how to tame my emotions, I learned to work with them, not against them, to achieve self-empowerment and inner peace.

Time is relative. Time can seem to go by quickly, and also slowly. Time can be our foe, and also our friend. Even when we stand still, time is always moving, melting away, pushing us forward through life.

In my continuing journey, I learned that every moment is precious and should not be wasted. By focusing on the present and acknowledging the past, we can embrace our struggles and fears, as they enable us to understand ourselves and empower us to continue striving to be better people in the future, wherever our individual journeys may take us throughout our lives.

I believe that life is a continuous journey to self-realization. We’re always in search of the purpose to our own existence, which is not necessarily the meaning of life, but the fulfillment of our own potential. By gaining a better understanding of our true selves and embracing our weaknesses and our strengths, we can all strive to become the best people we can possibly be to contribute to a better world for everyone.