Willow Tree - Susan Lordi

 https://www.willowtree.com/

Almost 15+ years, since I fell in love with them. A Willow Tree for every age… a Willow Tree for every stage…

Willow Tree® is an intimate line of figurative sculptures that speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire. Artist Susan Lordi hand carves the original of each figure from her studio in Kansas City Missouri. Pieces are cast from her original carvings, and individually painted by hand. Expression is revealed through gestures only… a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, a turn of the body. The simplicity of form and absence of facial features signify Willow Tree. It is Susan's hope that these pieces be meaningful to both giver and receiver.

My sister, my friend Walk with me. And along the way, we'll share... everything

“A sister can save your life. A safety net. You never laugh harder than when you’re laughing with your sisters... or very close dear friends. You share the same history; the inside jokes that no one else would understand in the same way. A sister knows your faults and somehow puts up with them, and loves you in spite of them.“I have two sisters – one nearby and one farther away. When I’m with either one, or both, the walks we take and the talks we have are like one long ongoing conversation... we cover all subjects about anything and everything. By my side, my sisters are with me, in the present moment. This piece is about the rich and sustaining, comfortable constancy of lifelong friends.” —Susan Lordi

For my Redwood sisters - By my side From each other, over the years, we gather strength, through laughter and tears.

"I have two sisters—as far back as I can remember, the three of us have always been very connected. Even if they are far away, I feel like they're always right here, by my side. It's the little, fun, silly moments—thousands of them—that fill me up when I'm with my female friends, be they sisters, girlfriends, cousins... Shared experiences and laughter form a lifelong reservoir of trust that allows us to be vulnerable around each other. And out of vulnerability comes strength. I know I can count on my sisters and girlfriends whenever I need support... or a good dose of humor." 

For my mother: Close to me - Apart or together, always close to me

A mother/daughter figure that expresses the connection, yet freedom, which exists in the best of relationships, near or far.regardless of whether we’re apart or together, she’s always close to me.The sentiment applies to any age… a child going away.

Together - For those who have found their true partner in love and life - You and me every day building on our love

A romantic figure of two people, much in love, who have found their true partner in life. Their stance and embrace depict a couple, moving forward together, in harmony and unity. Love ever endures. 

Me - Butterfly - Resilient, determined, courageous and beautiful... 

You have the qualities to transform your world. "When I think of the monarch butterfly, I am reminded of courage and strength in the face of adversity. A magical metamorphosis...from tiny egg to hungry caterpillar to brilliant chrysalis spotted with gold, the butterfly finally emerges a dazzling beauty. Delicate and fragile, yet determined and resilient, it forges its way for hundreds of miles along a migration route of obstacles and erratic weather patterns, compelled to complete its miraculous journey. I see the monarch butterfly as a true metaphor — for the desire in each of us to be our best, to live resiliently, to thrive, to make a positive difference in the world." 

Dad - My Girls : Looking at you, I see wonder, joy, strength

 Father and child figurines are reminders of important milestones in every father's life. The girls look to his strength and stability, and he looks to them as his greatest source of joy. I think the beauty of a good father/daughter relationship is in its duality.

Mom And Daughters:Comfort

"It’s the comfort you feel when you’re surrounded by those you trust and love—like with your sisters, or a mother and daughters, or very close cousins, or even best friends—the ones you can literally ‘let your hair down’ with. You don’t have to fill the spaces or explain yourself. You can just be together, and that, in and of itself, is healing. “Our healing touch is all about the hair. Hair is a symbol of our identity—who we are, how we see ourselves. Our hair differentiates us, but also connects us. Isn’t the first way we ‘date’ a photograph by the hairstyle? Hair is tactile, sensuous, and the touching and stroking of it can be comforting and healing. These women are connecting with each other in a quiet moment, attuned to each other, in harmony.” 

Family: And this is how it all began? - Well not exactly:

Grandparents: