I received the inspiration for my art during the time I lost my freedom in China many years ago when free thoughts were not permissible and were criticized. I found that my only joy was observing the clouds and marveling at the changes of their form and shape. For a brief instant, the wonder of nature stopped my mind and I became free in heaven’s artwork. I came to understand that the creation of art is an expression of the beauty found in nature, where we can find peace and solace in the ordinary world.

People in China have honored me as the “Root Sage,” for most of my work has been expressed through tree roots. I created a new approach that differed from traditional tree root art. This new artistic expression is best described as a cross between western abstract and impressionist art. I spend time in nature to find the tree root that has a story to tell and utilize a minimal amount of carving, sculpting, mending and patching to create my artwork. Like the clouds, I let the work stimulate the imagination of viewers, encouraging them to express their own thoughts and feelings to complete each piece. It is my hope that my sculptures provoke the transformation of viewers, just as it transformed me.

I caught cancer 3 years ago in my Kidney and with the weekly Chemo therapy I am getting weak physically. I have a couple of dreams: finding a home for my "Lady of Peace," "Wound & Yearning" sculpture to a peace related organization and the other is return home. I am willing to give away "Lady of Peace" to a worthy peace organization that are willing to display it publicly. I also like to sell my other works that I being keep in my personal collection to help defer my medical expenses and my trip home.

He had past away in October 2008 after being unconscious for 3 days. Liu Lin, a lady friend took care of him during the last year was with him and I know that he had gone in peace with all the support from friends around him.

Near the end, the Chinese community has rally around him and help him ship all his sculptures back home to China to his relatives. He was planning for some exhibitions and may be find a museum that are willing to take his art in China. He have a good friend that wrote a book on some of his life adventures and how he got into tree root sculpting this Summer. The book has been self published. As he begins to make the final step of going home to China. A serious blood clot developed in the foot, he went to the hospital for an operation and was recuperating in a senior care facility where he past away.

The legacy of DeLi will now live on through the art he created. I hope his relatives can find good home for the art in China. His ash will be brought back home so he can rest.

Thanks to all of you who cared. If you want to find out where his sculptures will be exhibited in the future please contact Ms. Liu Lin e-mail: liulin1953@gmail.com . She only read/speak Chinese.