Fields of dreams

Unlike many of Shi's previous works, those exhibited at the Beijing event are more market-oriented and accessible to consumers.

By incorporating design features that make the pieces better suited to mass production and easier to package and transport, while not sacrificing artistic merit, Shi hopes to maximize the economic, social and ecological benefits of bamboo, and create more momentum for the bamboo industry as a whole.

The pieces include a tea set and a clock made of bamboo.

The clock made of two branches of bamboo features a novel design that uses a cicada wing as its second hand.

Titled A Promising Material, Shi's collection of bamboo pieces in the exhibition is a perfect manifestation of the International Horticultural Exhibition 2019's slogan, "Live Green, Live Better".

Throughout his decadeslong career, Shi has switched paths a number of times, working first as a jewelry designer.