Willow Tree

"For me, the art of dance is not literal. I love to take in the experience through all my senses, and feel the emotion on another level. Dance can pick you up and sweep you away... it can be sometimes uplifting, sometimes poignant; but it always strives to speak the truth. The clarity and poetic purpose of movement in dance choreography is what inspired the gestures of this piece. I covered the surfaces with intricately carved symbols and icons. I like that the painted effect gives the illusion of sheer lace. The wings are more ethereal than other Willow Tree; they’re minimal, more free-form, almost disappearing… The carvings on Song of Joys are celestial... sun, moon, stars... alluding to rhythmic cycles and seasons. I hope that these pieces can be enjoyed singly or together, with the Nativity or on their own.”—Susan Lordi

SKU:26463

"When my son was young, I remember how he craved physical playtime with his Dad—wrestling on the floor, big bear hugs, being silly, running, climbing, jumping; it didn't matter, just that they were together, laughing, spending time in the moment. Years later, I realized all of that physical interaction was a powerful way for dad and son to communicate—and how it formed a strong base of trust and love for a lifetime." –Susan Lordi

As a Christmas gift, wedding gift or self-purchase, the Willow Tree Nativity collection continues on as a family tradition.

SKU:26105

A gift of support and encouragement as a reminder that beauty radiates from within. For one gaining confidence, overcoming adversity or becoming independent. For those who practice self-compassion and prioritize wellness. Available in two skin tones; this piece has lighter skin and hair.

Dance of Life and Song of Joy are designed for the classic Nativity display…or enjoyed on their own. Singly or together, they make wonderful wedding gifts, new baby gifts, spiritual milestone commemoratives, and holiday décor pieces.

SKU:26462

“I love the idea of bringing music to the Nativity… and I wanted to portray an instrument that’s traditionally been used for that purpose. My son is immersed in the preservation of indigenous music in the regions of Italy and Sicily, from where my grandparents immigrated. He’s re-introduced an authentic musical tradition to our family by learning about and playing the zampogna, the Italian bagpipe (pronounced zam-pone-ya). The bagpipe is an ancient pastoral instrument played by shepherds and farmers for thousands of years, and is used in many cultures to celebrate the nativity. In present day Italy, the Zampognaro (shepherd with bagpipe) plays the Novena, the nine days leading up to Christmas… a celebration and announcement of the birth of Christ. The music is festive and vibrant, accompanied by singing and dancing. It’s a time of reunion and company – heralding the arrival of the holidays. It’s the Italian version of caroling – people gather, singing songs passed down through the generations. The zampogna is a humble shepherd’s instrument, yet it produces a rich texture of melody and rhythm. I like the thought of this joyful, symphonic music surrounding the nativity scene.” —Susan Lordi

SKU:27183

This four-piece set of animals was designed to specifically fit the small, intimate scale of The Holy Family. “The Sheltering Animals are proportional in scale to The Holy Family… smaller versions of other animals I’ve carved, with a few little tweaks in the details. I like that the gestures of their heads and ears express watchful attentiveness. My favorite is the goat – he shows his personality in his stance!” –Susan Lordi

SKU:27160

“I’m the fourth generation of three sisters. I remember hearing the stories of how my great-grandmother and her sisters, young Italian immigrants, would dress each other’s hair each morning—brushing, braiding, pinning it up—before they started their day working in a factory sewing pockets on men’s workpants. As I grew up, I watched my mom and her sisters care for each other in close, affectionate ways. And with my own two sisters… we often find ourselves curled up on a couch, arms, legs overlapping, where just being together is the activity. It’s a comfort level achieved by quietly talking, laughing, playing with each other’s hair, being close to each other. “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.” –Susan Lordi

SKU:28041

“I remember when my husband and daughter or son played, laughed and tumbled together on the rug... or when all the grandkids piled onto my dad’s back for horse rides... those moments of spontaneous play, of cuddling, tickling, being present together, became the foundation for their close relationships throughout the years. Children and adults form bonds through creative play that involve laughter, imagination, physical climbing and tumbling... When making this sculpt, I wanted the adult figure to convey a sense of protection—a safe space—in which a child learns unconditional love.”

SKU:27922

A gift to represent a spouse, father, adult son, brother or other person who is special in your life. Grouped with other family figures, this piece celebrates the loving relationships that develop between spouses and families. Works well in Family Groupings. Position two (or three or more) figures, turned toward one another, so that they appear to be interacting, like families do. A gift of Willow Tree communicates beyond words.

SKU:28042

“I wanted to capture the time in your life when there’s a lot of excitement, happiness, yet a big unknown. This piece connects the concepts of Home and Family — you are creating your own family—your own home. There’s been a shift in your life cycle. It’s about establishing roots in a way that centers and grounds you as a couple. It can be scary, but also has you in awe. Together, you’re creating a sense of place—building something—permanence and belonging. To each other and to the someone else that you haven’t met yet, but that you already love. I wanted the title to have a hidden layer of discovery ... I like the twist of taking a noun and using it as an adjective to explain a feeling one might have, but can’t always verbally express.” —Susan Lordi

SKU:26252

"Everyone knows somebody that lights up a room when she or he walks in. You’re always happy to see that person — it’s somebody who captures the essence of life — who’s fun to be around — who brings energy and light. Like when the sun comes out! When I’m outside on a cloudy day and feel the sun on my skin, it makes me want to turn my face up to embrace it — just like a sunflower. My sister Karen who helps me on Willow Tree was the inspiration for this piece; she raises my spirits. This piece is for those people who enrich your life every day.” —Susan Lordi

SKU:26249

The Roses in my Garden™ collection of six children represents boys and girls of different ages and personalities. Titles of individual pieces signify universal attributes that we wish for all our children. Children can be grouped with other parent/child figures to create a unique family sculpture. “Roses are a universal symbol of love. Like children, they require extra care, patience and hard work from the gardener. But when they bloom, their outstanding combination of intense fragrance, color and beautiful form is worth all the effort.” —Susan Lordi

SKU:26226

A gift to celebrate friendships, or for those who love flowers!

SKU:26147