At the Golden Arc Design Award 2025 Season 3, sculptural artist Shu Chien Liao was awarded the Platinum Prize in the category of Contemporary Sculpture for the work Wind Rises, Water Surges. The award recognizes the artist’s long-standing contribution to sculptural practice and his ability to translate natural forces into abstract form, movement, and philosophical depth.
Drawing inspiration from the moment when wind disturbs the still surface of water, Wind Rises, Water Surges captures the dynamic transition from calm to motion. Through flowing lines and undulating forms, the sculpture reflects not only the interaction between wind and water, but also a broader reflection on time, patience, and momentum. Rooted in nearly four decades of artistic experience, the work embodies a quiet philosophy: strength accumulates in stillness, and transformation begins when the moment is right.
Below is the full interview with the artist.
Q: Please briefly introduce yourself.
Shu Chien: My name is Shu Chien Liao, and I am a sculptural artist with nearly forty years of experience in sculpture. I am a permanent, jury-exempt artist in the Sculpture category of the Taiwan Provincial Art Exhibition and have received numerous major awards both domestically and internationally. My practice has long focused on public art and sculptural creation. My work spans both realism and abstraction, exploring the relationship between form, space, and inner meaning—whether through detailed figurative expression or abstract forms that convey spiritual and emotional energy.
Q: Please share the background information and creative inspiration behind your award-winning work.
Shu Chien: The awarded work, Wind Awakens the Water, is an abstract sculpture inspired by the moment when wind passes over the surface of water. A once-calm surface is stirred into continuous ripples, creating movement and rhythm. Through flowing lines and undulating surfaces, the sculpture captures the energy and dynamism generated by the interaction between wind and water.
The work symbolizes the convergence of sustained effort and timely opportunity. Just as still water gathers strength over time, the arrival of a favorable wind can set life into motion and growth. The form is both gentle and powerful, embodying fluidity and vitality, allowing viewers to sense not only the forces of nature but also the rhythmic pulse of life embedded within the sculpture. It also carries a philosophical dimension, serving as a reminder to accumulate strength in stillness and to move forward with clarity and courage when the moment arrives.
Q: Please describe the design and/or implementation process of the project, as well as its practical impact.
Shu Chien: The creative process began with hand-sculpting the form in oil-based clay, repeatedly refining the flow of lines and the rhythm of the curved surfaces to ensure a strong sense of movement within a static form. Once the prototype was completed, a fiberglass mold was produced, followed by the application of multiple layers of baked paint. This process ensured structural stability while creating a refined, layered surface that enhances the interaction between light and form.
In terms of design, particular attention was given to the relationship between the sculpture and the viewer. The flowing form allows the work to reveal different visual qualities from various perspectives, enhancing accessibility and engagement. Wind Awakens the Water functions not only as a visual object but also as a contemplative presence. Whether placed in public or private spaces, it invites viewers to experience natural rhythms, internal energy, and a sense of balance, offering both inspiration and quiet reflection.
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