Sculptures by Liu Huanzhang mostly portray female bodies and animals in a style which honors the objects' spirit over their details. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Never has he easily cut off edges that seem unneeded to other artists. He takes great interest in the texture, luster and pattern of every kind of material, and he does his best to present these features that complement the structure of each of his works."

Liu's artist friend, Huang Yongyu, says the sculptor changes into "a gentle, attentive mother when working on his stones, wood, mud and jade, and he is patient, persistent and even stubborn.

"Who knows why there is such a profession called sculptor, who'd like to temper his character on stones and wood and create things that look livelier and handsomer than humans," says Huang.

Liu believes a good sculpture doesn't tell a dramatic story but depend on its form. "The work speaks with its radiance, size and volume. I attempt to establish a style that is simple and straightforward but not shallow.