PORTRAIT

ONLINE EXHIBITION PRESENTATION

PORTRAIT Home
Leslie Elsasser - Introduction
Christian Cortes

Beginning
Crimi Arrieta - Relative of US Army Veteran
Patricia Colbert - US Army
Gail Cross - US Air Force
Dr. Charlie Ferrer - US Army
Janine Hargrett - US Army
Valerie Larson - US Air Force
Kevin Lipton - US Army
Dolores Matteo - US Army
Karidad Ramis-Hartman - US Army
Roger St. Julian - US Army
Monika Sutton - Spouse of US Army Veteran
Viana L.M. Tavares-Fischer - US Army

Advanced
Manfredo Bobadilla - US Army
Agustin Collazo Jr. - US Marine Corps / US Navy
Amanda Dodd - US Army
Evan Fountain - US Air Force
Derek Hopkins - US Air Force
Mikko Maki - US Marine Corps
Alicia Morales - US Army
Chris Smith - Spouse of US Army Veteran
Kimberlee Nicole Smith - US Army
RaeAnne Swanson - US Air Force

 

VIANA L.M. TAVARES-FISCHER - US Army

A Reflection of Me in My Mother’s Image

As I gaze in the mirror, I see what my mother saw in me—the beauty, grace, and elegance of a phenomenal woman. As a young child everyone would call me little May, as my Mom’s name is Mahalia. I was a mirror image of her. Not only am I her twin, but I am also soft spoken, and I transformed into a beautiful butterfly which represents the spirit within her. 

My Mother would always say, “Look your best in public, even if you aren’t feeling well.” She said those words as if I was a reflection of her. Her fashion aesthetics were beyond reproach, no one could talk, walk, or express themself the way she did. This yellow scarf, blue dress and red lipstick represent her love of colors. 

My mother had many accolades to her credit. It is undeniable that the spirit in her was instilled in me. Every journey I have taken in my life mirrors my mom. I taught and graduated with three degrees, just like my mother did. She loved and cherished her family and made many sacrifices, I also cherish mine. She was blessed with 91 wonderful years and I saw in her eyes the extraordinary woman she was, how she lived, loved and smiled. 

A beautiful butterfly she will always be even as she transitioned into God’s Kingdom. Her spirit lives on through me. I have learned to cherish the foundation of what my mother stood for in her lifetime. I understand there are no guarantees in life and to count every second. These precious memories are the image of us in the mirror. 

VIANA L.M. TAVARES-FISCHER
US ARMY 

 

 

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For more information:
Email Leslie Elsasser at lelsasse@usf.edu

Breaking Barriers is a program by USF Contemporary Art Museum in collaboration with the USF School of Art & Art History, is supported by the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, USF Office of Veterans Success, Community Arts Impact Grant of the Hillsborough Arts Council, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, Love IV Lawrence, USFCAM ACE (Art for Community Engagement) Fund Patrons, and the Florida Department of State, Florida Arts & Culture.