In response to requests for a small-scale nativity, Susan created this intimate rendering, measuring 7.5" tall. This one-piece sculpture, painted with richly layered colors, is ideal for those with limited display space, or who wish to display a nativity year-round. The expressive gestures of Mary and Joseph reveal their humanity, and portray their overwhelming emotion of love and protection for their newborn child. Mary is turned in toward Joseph, sheltered by his right arm. Joseph?s staff and cloak form a protective shield around his new family. Joseph?s left hand, positioned above the head of baby Jesus, shadows the curve of Mary?s wrist. This is a historically symbolic gesture of blessing and protection. ?This is a story from the past? but the overwhelming emotions of holding a new baby, starting a new family, and wanting to protect them forevermore are present today in every culture and every age. My hope is that the gestures of Mary and Joseph will represent these powerful feelings of love and protection.? ?Susan Lordi The Holy Family collection is ideal for those looking for a smaller nativity option. 7.5?h hand-painted resin figure Packaging box includes enclosure card for gift-giving Dust with soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid water or cleaning solvents This four-piece set of animals was designed to specifically fit the small, intimate scale of The Holy Family. ?The Sheltering Animals are proportional in scale to The Holy Family? smaller versions of other animals I?ve carved, with a few little tweaks in the details. I like that the gestures of their heads and ears express watchful attentiveness. My favorite is the goat ? he shows his personality in his stance!? ?Susan Lordi The Holy Family collection is ideal for those looking for a smaller nativity option. The 7.5?h figure is complemented by a backdrop of pierced curved metal, suggestive of twinkling stars. Four animals give watch, warmth and protection. (The Holy Fa mily figure and Shelter backdrop sold separately) Created for Willow Tree The Holy Family collection. Four animals, tallest is 3?h. Includes donkey, goat and two sheep Packaging box includes enclosure card for gift-giving Dust with soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid water or cleaning solvents This pierced-metal backdrop was created to complement The Holy Family, though it can be used as a beautiful backdrop for other angels or figures as well. ?The repetitive swirling concentric mark-making is suggestive of twinkling stars at night. The roof is an intertwined, organic structure that suggests a bower of twigs or branches. Since the surface patterning is complex with tiny elements, I wanted to pare down the form to the simplest possible. It?s basically a single sheet of pierced metal, curved to allow it to stand and represent a shelter for The Holy Family and animals.? ?Susan Lordi 9.5?h. Formed of thin, pierced metal and painted by hand Packaged in protective Willow Tree box Dust with soft cloth or soft brush. Avoid water or cleaning solvents 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. 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.