“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.” —Susan Lordi