Catalogue Note:
The cuts are calligraphic in nature, akin to painting with ink; the cuts must be clear for the patterns to be smooth. This work, “Playmate,” is clearly sculpted by a professional: the cutting edges are clean, the patterns and textures varied. The thinner lines are like silk, while the thick ones parallel axe cuts. The figures are quite realistic and extremely detailed. The artist applied the local spirits of dogs, in which we found the introverted emotions. At the same time, Shi has successfully brought the traditional craft skills into a higher gradation through adding the personal life experiences and the abundance of emotions that reveals a plebeian-like feelings.