Butterfly

A gift for gradutates or to celebrate special accomplishments...to encourage, support and acknowledge individual strength. "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." - Susan Lordi. The figure includes a gift tag with sentiment 'Resilient, determined, courageous and beautiful... You have the qualities to transform your world'.

Approx. Dimensions: 16.5cmH 14.5cmW 6.5cmD

Willow Tree

Artist Susan Lordi hand carves the original of each Willow Tree sculpture. Using family and friends as models, Susan tries to capture a moment in time, or express a feeling. Pieces are cast from her original carvings, and then individually painted by hand. Softly washed colours, carved and metal accents, and representative icons of nature mark Susan’s work.

Her figures continue to evolve as she identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures. These art forms beautifully express love, closeness, healing, courage, hope…all the emotions of a life well lived.

The name Willow Tree was chosen to symbolise all that is gestural and beckoning. The figures are columnar in design, like a tree, and often carry natural objects or animals as metaphors for human virtues or qualities…rosemary for remembrance, a bird for healing, flowers for beauty. The sculptures are rendered so as to suggest elegance, simplicity, peace and serenity. Forms reveal their expressions through body gestures only…a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, a turn of the body.

Emotions are left to the viewer to discern, which makes them personal and powerful. ‘Willow Tree is not necessarily a likeness, it’s a way of conveying emotion…a reminder of someone we want to keep close, or a memory that we want to touch, or see.

I hope that people can recognise subtle expressions or gestures of those they love, and from that, be able to select pieces that are uniquely meaningful for them.’ Susan Lordi