Lorena B. Fernandez

Feeling inspired after attending a wonderful lunch with the Houston chapter of NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners). Listening to Councilwoman Alejandra Salinas speak about leadership, visibility, representation, and service deeply resonated with me as a Latina woman, artist, and expressive arts therapist.
Her presence as both a Latina and LGBTQ leader reminded me how important visibility truly is , not only for ourselves, but for the generations coming after us.
The experience also helped me reflect on the work I feel called to continue developing: bringing the healing power of the arts into mental health, personal growth, leadership, and team development spaces.
Over the years, I have witnessed the transformative impact of expressive arts in many settings, from working with high-acuity mental health clients navigating depression, anxiety, trauma, and grief, to facilitating groups focused on connection, creativity, communication, and emotional well-being.
Again and again, I see that people benefit when they are given safe spaces to create, reflect, connect, and express themselves beyond words.
I am so glad to continue expanding this work through workshops, speaking, collaborations, and group experiences that support emotional wellness, creativity, resilience, and authentic human connection in both community and professional environments.
Thank you NAWBO Houston for creating spaces where women can gather, grow, and imagine new possibilities. 😃🌺

This painting came to life in a moment when I felt completely exhausted. As I began, I kept thinking, I can’t do this today. I have no energy. And yet, something unexpected emerged.
The background appeared first, vibrant, and full of movement. It felt complete on its own, and I hesitated, not wanting to disturb it with a figure. But almost immediately, a figure found its way in. 😂
As I continued painting, I experienced a sense of joy and my energy coming back, shaping the figure while also allowing it to be shaped by the background. It became a dialogue, a collaboration. It reminded me of how life unfolds: an ongoing interaction between who we are and the environments we inhabit.
There are no clear outlines here. Everything is fluid, blurred, and interwoven. It’s not always possible to distinguish where the person ends and the world begins, or where one influences the other and vice versa. And perhaps that’s the idea this piece holds.

This painting measures 60 x 36 inches and is available worldwide.