about us

Willow Tree® is a collection of hand-sculpted figures that speak in quiet, meaningful ways—to heal, comfort, protect, and inspire. Each piece begins in the Kansas City studio of artist Susan Lordi, who carves the original form by hand. From these originals, each figure is cast and individually painted, expressing emotion through gesture alone: a tilt of the head, the placement of hands, a turn of the body. The simplicity of form and absence of facial features are signature to Willow Tree—allowing each person to find their own meaning in the sculpture.

Susan describes herself as a maker. Her process is intuitive; she “sketches” in clay, carving each piece with a one-of-a-kind approach. Over the years, her work has evolved to include delicate pierced metal, pressed gold leaf, and hand-etched surfaces—each piece revealing her unique touch and perspective.

Inspired by time spent outdoors—especially restoring a tall-grass prairie near her home—Susan draws from the cycles of nature and her own experiences to create forms that feel universal. Through simple, graceful gestures, Willow Tree sculptures express love, closeness, hope, and the many emotions of a life fully lived—making them deeply personal for both the giver and the receiver.