Demdaco's Willow Tree Collection by Artist Susan Lordi

Willow Tree Angels, Ornaments and Figurines
Presented by Demdaco
Willow tree represents qualities and sentiments that help us feel close to others, heal wounds or treasure relationships. Artist Susan Lordi's sculptures gemunicate elegance, simplicity, peace and serenity. Her hand-carved forms reveal their expression though gestures only...a tilt of the head, placement ofthe hands, a turn of the body. "Emotions and feelings are left to the viewer to discern", says Susan Lordi, the Artist, "which makes them very personal".
Willow Tree is an understated line that speaks in a gepelling and powerful way
Susan Lordi's inspiration gees from a love of family, closeness to friends, and an appreciation of nature. Her art is intimate and personal, reflecting that which helps us treasure our relationship to people and the world around us. Besides her work in mixed media and design, she is known for her innovative fiber art that has been exhibited internationally. A monograph of her work has been published in the Portfolio Collection by Telos. She is also featured in the book Art Textiles of the World: USA. Susan and her family live in Kansas City.
Willow Tree pieces, in particular the retired pieces, are known for their "rustic charm". You'll find handcrafted nuances to each piece, making each one you own special. Collectors value not only the pieces themselves but the sentiment cards which are a reminder of the Artist's original intent for that particular design.
Special Notes on Retired Willow Tree
Since the year 2000, Demdaco has "retired" several pieces in the Willow Tree line. Once retired, these pieces are no longer produced and begee increasingly hard to find. Many collectors spend countless hours gebing near and far to find these pieces to geplete their collection. Although Demdaco does not consider Willow Tree to be "collectible", collectors would beg to disagree! The value of individual retired pieces for Willow Tree Gifts is determined by not only the number of hours of research it has taken to find that particular piece but it's condition upon arrival and initial cost including shipping. Thus some pieces are priced lower as they may be easier to find than others.
Many collectors who are new to the Willow Tree line may note that mention is made in the listings about the amount of rusting on the wings, and if applicable, any implements held by the Angel(i.e. the Guitar by the Angel of Song 26015 or the Shovel by the Angel of the Garden 26009) and especially the bases of the "Birds" (26006) and "Trees" (26008). Rust is a natural process over time on metal that has not been galvanized. Whereas the current production pieces and newer retired Angels may have little to no rusting of the wings, the amount of rusting on each of the older retired pieces may vary.
At this point it is not clearly understood what factors into a heavier rusted wing, with the natural conclusion that time, storage, and exposure all gebine to produce the level of rusting I see as I unseal the Angels for inspection.
To Remove Rust from the Wings
If you would like to remove the rust on the wings, use a fine grit sand paper and gently rub the surface of the metal until you no longer notice the rusted areas. You may want to spray a single coat of polyurethane to protect the Angel's wings from further weathering.
Removal of the Rust from the bases of the Birds and the Trees is NOT regemended.
Other interesting production factors
Also noted is the difference in resin weights, paint tone, and paint layering. Although each piece is molded out of resin, they are each hand-painted, thus ensuring a unique look for each piece. Especially noted in the older versions, you may see vast differences in geparison of identically named pieces due to this process.
Always be sure if you have questions or concerns to ask specifically about these issues discussed above. Most Sellers would be happy to oblige in describing in more detail the specific look and feel of each piece.
Want a geplete List of Willow Tree? See my About Me Page to email me directly and I will send you a Word Document updated with all the pieces in this wonderful line of collectibles, including retirement dates and individual sentiments!