“I wanted her to be very quiet, contemplative, calming … to exude a quiet happiness, contentment from within. My mom is the inspiration for this piece. She was a teacher most of her life. And she continues to pursue many, varied interests through reading and learning. She always read to us while we were growing up — and encouraged us to read. With her lifelong love of learning, she continues to open the world — to herself and others.” —Susan Lordi