"Guardian Wings", My mom Sue Fernandez's Latest Work, Displayed at St. Martin's Episcopal Church for Gentle Evening Prayer Service, Designed for Neurodiverse Parishioners
Yesterday, my and my mom’s parish, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in our hometown of Bridgewater, NJ, held its inaugural Gentle Evening Prayer Service, specifically a Service of Prayer and Adoration Before the Blessed Sacrament, designed for parishioners who are neurodiverse but open to everyone. The service was followed by a potluck dinner for all attendees.
I could not be prouder of my creatively gifted mom, Sue Fernandez, who debuted her new mixed media art piece, “Guardian Wings”, to accompany this special occasion in the church. Like me, she is a mixed media artist; imagination, ambition, style, and technique have directly inspired my own work. Her own recognition as a working artist in her own right, not merely an assistant of my artistic endeavors, is long overdue.
This is a significant piece for her, as she dedicated it to her loving son—and my amazing brother—Chris, and all people who open their hearts to the neurodiverse community. I am grateful that my mom and I could share this moment with Chris and my Grandma E, who came with us. My Uncle Michael, my mom’s brother, was also kind enough to travel a far distance from his home, to see her work at the Mass last week as well, for which it was additionally displayed. Our dear family friend, Tami Lane, took some time out of her busy schedule to do the same. The support of our family and friends is always appreciated, as is that of the church to welcome our ongoing series of art installations for the parish community. 🙏🏻⛪️🖼️ 🪽🦋🌸🌼
My mom and I look forward to sharing our art to complement additional services in the church. In the comments, I’m sharing my mom’s description of “Guardian Wings”.
Guardian Wings celebrates the beauty, individuality, and inherent worth of people who are neurodivergent. Ascending toward the heavens, the guardian angel wings symbolize a divine presence sent down from God to protect, guide, and embrace those whose minds and ways of experiencing the world are wonderfully unique. The butterflies represent neurodivergent individuals—each one different, yet equally beautiful and deserving of acceptance.
The flowers woven throughout the piece symbolize growth, beauty, hope, and the unfolding of each person’s unique potential. Their diverse colors and forms reflect the individuality and richness of the neurodivergent community, reminding us that every person has their own way of blossoming. The vibrant flowers below evoke the joy and beauty of embracing one’s authentic self, while the white flowers ascending along the wings suggest purity, peace, spiritual connection, and the loving presence of God.
The wings surrounding the butterflies convey the message that no one is alone. They symbolize protection, compassion, and the reassurance that neurodivergent people are seen, valued, and loved exactly as they are. Rather than needing to change to fit into the world around them, they are encouraged to embrace their individuality and recognize the special qualities that define them.
At its heart, Guardian Wings is a celebration of acceptance, belonging, and the beauty of being different—a reminder that every person deserves to feel protected, understood, included, and free to spread their wings and blossom into who they are meant to be.
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