One of the most defining features of Willow Tree Figurines is of course the lack of facial features and thus expressions on the sculptures faces. This means that each figurines body language is of great importance to each piece and what it represents.

The poses the figurines are crafted into are very purposeful to be definitive of the relationship or emotion it is attempting to portray, of course this will vary from person to person but the general idea is universal. For example the figurine “Angel of Mine” portrays a mother lovingly holding her baby under her chin, which will mean something different for a child and a mother, but to both it will represent a pure and great love.

Many, if not all of the sculptures poses are as simple as this one but I’ll repeat what I said in my first post: it’s all about simplicity. This simple act of cradling a baby close to your chest, nestling its head under your cheek is a very strong example of body language because it so inherently portrays love in such a pure form.

Not every piece is meant to portray a relationship though, there are several that show single figurines that are representative of different emotions. One example is “Free Spirit” in which the figurine has been carved in what looks to be the midst of swaying around carelessly. Holding one hand in the other beneath its cheek, elbows poised in the air, the pose suggests such freeness, happiness and love of life. This is another very simple pose that portrays such a huge emotion in quite a particular way.

One more variation that can be found in some Willow Tree figurines are pieces that involve animals or objects. Although a lot can be said within just a simple pose, with the use of an animal or object so much more can be implied through the symbolism.

A quote from Susan Lordi, creator of Willow Tree:

“I like to use animals or objects from nature, which can be metaphors for human experiences…rosemary for remembrance, a bird for healing, flowers for beauty.  These items can mean different things to different viewers.  I try to give each piece another level of meaning that’s not always obvious — that the viewer can sense or imagine.”

With the piece called “Happiness” the figurine has her arms wide open, face looking up, hair flowing back in the wind and sitting on her open arms are some bluebirds ready to take flight. This piece screams “FREEDOM!” louder than Braveheart with the aid of the symbolism of the birds.

There are so many examples of symbolism throughout the pieces to enjoy and interpret, leave a comment and tell me some of your favorite uses of it!