As we reach higher levels of progress since the pandemic began and enjoy a much different summer than last year’s, we must hold close to our hearts the sacrifices of our healthcare workers and the mountains they’ve overcome to stop the spread of this virus. In the interview below, take a moment to see how self-taught artist and Orlando Health employee Nelson Cárdenas paid tribute to the healthcare workers in our community.

Nonahood News: How did Healthcare Heroes come to fruition?

Nelson Cárdenas: The Healthcare Heroes project began at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Bernzomatic, a company that I have worked with on previous projects, wanted videos that demonstrated the technique I use and artwork that paid tribute to, and recognized, healthcare workers. The interest was sparked by their public relations agency in New York, experiencing the worst of the pandemic at the time. There was a desire to use these videos on their social media platforms to honor healthcare workers. 

I suggested creating portraits of actual healthcare workers, who were in the trenches battling the pandemic in various areas of the hospital. Bernzomatic loved the idea and asked me to create three portraits, which I completed in 10 days. They were impressed with how fast I completed the series and requested another three pieces. When the series was finalized, Bernzomatic asked me what I wanted to do with the portraits. I explained that, being a healthcare worker myself at a hospital, I would love to donate the artwork to Orlando Health, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, where I work as a cook. The six pieces were hung on a fence at the entrance to the hospital’s emergency department to serve as inspiration for staff and visitors.

An additional seven pieces were created this year following a request and donation for supplies from Dole. The 13 portraits of hospital staff who provide direct care to COVID-19 patients now hang in the atrium of the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. I recommend that the public go view these portraits of an infectious disease physician, chaplain, respiratory therapist, patient food attendant, housekeepers, and nurses now through Aug. 15.

NHN: What inspired you to create this art exhibition? 

NC: My inspiration for this series of 13 paintings were the people I painted. Also, I was driven by capturing the feelings they displayed in their eyes – especially given that, during the height of the pandemic, we were all wearing masks and the eyes were mostly what you saw. Their eyes told a story of struggles, triumphs, and a variety of other emotions.

NHN: How long have you been an artist? And how long have you been a part of the Orlando Health family?

NC: I have been a self-taught artist for close to 30 years, and I have been working at Orlando Health, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, for seven years.

NHN: Approximately how long did it take until the completion of Healthcare Heroes?

NC: The first series of six paintings was completed in three weeks in 2020. The second series began in 2021, and the seven paintings took seven weeks to complete. 

NHN: Tell us a little bit about the style and technique in which the portraits were created.

NC: The technique I use is called pyrography, and it utilizes fire. I paint an impression of the image with a blowtorch, like creating an initial underpainting on a canvas, just my style is with fire on wood. I enhance the work with oil paint to create detail, tones, depth and color. 

NHN: How were the 13 portraits selected?

NC: The first six portraits were friends and coworkers that volunteered to be painted. The second set of seven are all team members at the Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, who work in various areas that are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients. 

NHN: How do these portraits showcase the type of individuals who work at Orlando Health?

NC: The portraits represent a group of individuals with different skills, training and talents. They range from an infectious disease physician to a patient food delivery assistant; a registered nurse in the emergency department to a housekeeper in the intensive care unit. All of these heroes have different roles, but they each play an equally significant part in caring for COVID-19 patients. For the past 15 months, they have worked even closer together and tirelessly to help the community and all those in need.

NHN: What does it mean to you and the rest of the staff at Orlando Health to see the Healthcare Heroes portraits unveiled?

NC: When the portraits were unveiled for the first time, the first series of six gave me motivation to continue. The second series of seven symbolized a light at the end of the tunnel, and everyone’s reaction was a celebration of hope. I feel privileged and honored to have been given the opportunity to create these portraits. I see myself as a visual messenger telling a story with my artwork of how dramatically our lives changed because of the pandemic. My work represents a symbol of hope after a period of confusion, endurance, struggle, leading to a new normal. Ultimately, I’m optimistic that a lesson was learned and that something as simple as hugging our loved ones should not be taken for granted.

President of Orlando Health, Dr. P. Phillips Hospital, Thibaut van Marcke: I am very proud of Nelson. The last 15 months, especially earlier on, proved to be challenging for our patients, their families, and the team here at the hospital. With the tribute Nelson has created and this meaningful collaboration with the Orange County Regional History Center, our community can feel some joy.