Starry Night Nativity challenged me to tell a story and engage the viewer in a small space. All the figures are carved in bas relief within an 8" box that opens up as a triptych and reveals a starry night encircling an intimate scene. My use of deep gradated blues and sparkly gold is a jewel-like reference to historical objects of art... I embellished the surfaces with gold dots ?symbolizing light, or energy, hope inner strength... Gold connotes preciousness and enduring value, and I wanted this to be a special piece, that would be kept for a long time, or possibly handed down within families. The outside doors reflect nature and the cycles of life?regeneration, renewal, rebirth. These themes influence everything I make." ?Susan Lordi Starry Night Nativity can be displayed year round, with as much visual interest when doors are closed as when opened. The piece can be hung on a wall, or sit on a mantel or table. Hinged doors open flat or at an angle. DETAILS .8.5?h x 8?w x 2?d resin box triptych with hinged 1/4?d doors that open to 16?w. Applied gold leaf. 5.5 lbs. Can be hung on wall with two keyhole hangers or free standing .Custom-designed, protective Signature Collection Box includes enclosure card for gift-giving .Dust with soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid water or cleaning solvents OUR STORY Willow Tree sculptural art forms beautifully express love, closeness, healing, courage, hope? all the emotions of a life well lived. 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. ARTIST Susan Lordi Susan Lordi's artistic process is rather intuitive; she "sketches" in clay as she conceives, sculpts and carves each piece, always with a focus on gesture that speaks to the universal. By stripping down the essence of emotion to pure form, she opens the interpretation of each piece to the giver and the receiver. This one-of-a-kind approach to product creation makes her pieces truly individual... her hand, and her unique perspective, is evident in each sculpture.