Unique figurine with darker skin and natural hairstyle, wearing dress etched entirely in African textile patterns, raises her arms in uplifting gesture. A gift to offer support during a friend’s or family member’s healing process; a daily reminder of one’s courage and strengt

About this Piece
“With this figure, I’m celebrating pride in one’s heritage – how knowing the past gives confidence in the present, and a sense of who we are. Heritage can be expressed by customs or language, or as in this figure, textile patterning. The etchings that cover her are inspired by traditional African woven Kente cloth, mud cloth, and iconic Kuba cloth markings. African textiles have such vibrancy! And are tied to dance and rhythm and movement. “She’s expressing who she is and celebrating the color of her skin. Her skin shines through and contrasts with the lively patterns. Her exuberant stance is a physical representation of what I hope she feels within.

This piece is the opposite of being invisible. She’s standing up and standing tall, centered in courageous joy. “As a healing piece, her gesture reflects the uplifting support of those who love and encourage her... who give her the strength to advocate for herself in the healing process. To face obstacles and aggressions with courageous joy, to be seen and be heard, is perhaps a shared healing made more powerful by connectiveness and community.” – Susan Lordi

• Name: Courageous Joy (Darker Skin & Hair)
• Materials: Resin
• Measurements: 17.8cm H x 5.1cm W x 5.1cm D 
• Sentiment: Courage to be seen, to be heard, to be healed
• Willow Tree is an intimate line of figurative sculptures that speak in quiet ways to heal, comfort, protect and inspire
• Arrives in a gift box, ready for gift giving with an enclosure card

Care Instructions

• Dust with soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid water or cleaning solvents.

About Willow Tree
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