"This piece came to me very strongly, as my daughter moved to France earlier this year. I will miss her terribly, but at the same time, I am so happy and excited for her. It is a personal message to my daughter, that regardless of whether we're apart or together, she's always close to me.

The carving of intertwined vines and birds in flight on the dresses of both mother and daughter is a metaphor for the connection, yet freedom, which exists in the best of relationships. I understand this piece from both sides - having been a daughter, and having gone through the experience of raising a daughter to adulthood. I hope both mothers and daughters will connect to the emotions of this piece.

The sentiment 'apart or together, always close to me' applies to any age... a child going away to camp, a teenager leaving for college... the message is the same."

• Artist: Susan Lordi
• Sentiment: Apart or together, always close to me
• Size: 8" H
• Material: Resin