“A daughter named Amy Fidler”

A bowknot is a symbol of strength, binding ties, loyalty, and beauty. Candace Tavormina told a loving story about the strength her oldest daughter, Amy, gives her and the rest of their family. Through all adversities the family has faced, Amy is always at the forefront to help and be the presence of strength for the family when others had none. For this reason, the bow on my piece represents Amy—she holds the family together, and helps maintain their bond through her strength, caring, and love. 

The wrapping paper covered in colorful circles are a tribute to the fun events and memories for their family. When Amy’s younger sister, Angela, was born with a mental disability, Amy helped take care of her at a young age, and was “her sister’s keeper.” Today, Angela has the intelligence level of a 6 or 7-year-old. I wanted to bring this into the piece through the circles on the wrapping—to remember times with family as care-free and fun with the help of a strong sister, Amy.

- Tess Segura, Artist