Heart of Gold was inspired by a young cancer patient, Scott Kristopher Innes, at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

“Scott's boundless and positive energy reflected on those around him, and as a result, good things continue to radiate from his spirit. His courageous spirit and kind smile showed me how one little heart of gold can continue to bring so much love, joy and comfort to others. It is my hope that this figure expresses the pure and honest affection between a child and those who love and care for him.”

“I really like the simplicity and truth of this sentiment, Above all, kindness. Kindness is a virtue that gives us so much reward, and one we aspire to. The animal that the child holds can be metaphorical (who better to teach us about kindness than animals?) or the figure can simply represent a loving relationship with a pet.”

Hope lifts us up!

Celebrate your day!

Celebrate your day!

The Roses in my Garden™ collection of six children represents boys and girls of different ages and personalities. Titles of individual pieces signify universal attributes that we wish for all our children. Children can be grouped with other parent/child figures to create a unique family sculpture. Or individual children can be displayed in the Willow Tree Reliquary.

“Roses are a universal symbol of love. Like children, they require extra care, patience and hard work from the gardener. But when they bloom, their outstanding combination of intense fragrance, color and beautiful form is worth all the effort.”

The Roses in my Garden™ collection of six children represents boys and girls of different ages and personalities. Titles of individual pieces signify universal attributes that we wish for all our children. Children can be grouped with other parent/child figures to create a unique family sculpture. Or individual children can be displayed in the Willow Tree Reliquary.

“Roses are a universal symbol of love. Like children, they require extra care, patience and hard work from the gardener. But when they bloom, their outstanding combination of intense fragrance, color and beautiful form is worth all the effort.”

Bringing forth a garden of love and beauty

I love the idea of lighting a candle for someone, or for a wish, or a thought … keeping it alive, carrying it forward. So this angel is sheltering and protecting a small candle with a little gold-leafed flame. It’s important that the flame is small — sometimes it’s just a little flicker or a fleeting sign that can give you hope. Sometimes for me, focusing on seemingly insignificant things — events or happenings that I might ordinarily take for granted — it’s those things, those little miracles, which can give hope. I wanted Angel of Hope to be a positive piece. Kind of like the little spark that keeps us going.”

For those who share the spirit of friendship

Love, pure and simple

This piece is all about memories – how warm, comforting memories help us to heal when we’re missing someone. If you look closely at the carved icons on her dress, each recalls a memory by appealing to our senses…touch, scent, taste, sound, sight. We keep these personal memories safe within us, connecting us to those we love.”

“I sculpted the first Angel of Courage in 2001 to celebrate the triumphant spirit, inspiration and courage we call upon to face challenges in our lives — whether they be our health or the well-being of our loved ones.  In response to an overwhelming request for this sentiment, I re-sculpted Courage in 2006. I hope this figure can be a reminder of people in our lives who inspire us with their strength and courage every day.”

An abundance of health and happiness

“This piece was directly inspired by the model. A young girl who struck this pose that just captivated me. It was a gesture where her whole body communicated — not just her arms and her head, but her shoulders, back, and the way she shifted her weight — her whole being emanated happiness from within. So I tried to capture some of that — the happiness or inner contentment that comes from knowing you are truly loved. I wanted to give her an aura, so I made a lacy pierced metal crown, tiara, halo — whatever you want to call it — I think it makes her uniquely angelic.”

Warm comfort between friends

Angel of Freedom holds a wire butterfly in her outstretched hands as a metaphor of freedom and independence, courage and confidence. This piece has a very open interpretation, and can fit a lot of different occasions. For graduates, for new careers, for a personality with a free spirit, for someone who loves nature and butterflies, in recognition of service to our country… in memory of a loved one.”

“Angel of Light could be a birthday or congratulations piece, or a friendship piece. She could also be a holiday piece, or part of a Christmas Nativity display.”

Everyone knows somebody that lights up a room when she or he walks in. You’re always happy to see that person — it’s somebody who captures the essence of life — who’s fun to be around — who brings energy and light. Like when the sun comes out! When I’m outside on a cloudy day and feel the sun on my skin, it makes me want to turn my face up to embrace it — just like a sunflower. My sister Karen who helps me on Willow Tree was the inspiration for this piece; she raises my spirits. This piece is for those people who enrich your life every day.”

I like working with patterning and pierced metal. The wreath has always been a symbol of hospitality and welcome, and this wreath is kind of decorative—it's light and lacy and feminine. The sentiment is light-hearted... It's a little endearment; a way to say thank you, or let someone know she's special."

This piece is all about the apple. I wanted it to symbolize many things ... to stand out, be large, delicious, shiny. Obviously, it’s a symbol for teacher appreciation — but the apple is also just a beautiful fruit! A metaphor for good health, for wisdom, for someone chosen for something big ... for a special person who always gives the best of her or himself, and makes a difference in the lives of others. I like that this piece is so open — I’ll be interested to read how others interpret it.”

The pineapple is a familiar symbol of gracious hospitality. Accents of gold emphasize an extra-special welcome... comfort among friends.

We often offer wishes for much happiness to those we care for and about; friendly intentions given with joy and hopefulness. Good Cheer reflects a sentiment of positive enthusiasm with its big bouquet of sunny yellow roses—symbolizing friendship, optimism and well-being. It's the color of choice for friends who have achieved a goal, need a little lift or wholehearted acknowledgement, or for those who simply brighten our day!