Shen Lieyi uses rough granite to express the elegance and peace of water in his "Rain" series, which is the challenge of fusing two extremes within one medium. This combination between material and the concept entails a strong visual contrast. In traditional Chinese culture, water symbolizes the principle of yin and softness, while stone symbolizes yang and hardness. One of the rich insights of Daoism is that 'hardness and softness compensate for each other. As the extremity of softness, water moistens all things; its benefits are inexhaustible; its uses are unlimited.
Nevertheless, too extreme a softness can lead to hardness. This quote best expresses how the imagery of "Rain" has arisen. The unification of humanity with nature, or art with life, are goals Shen Lieyi consistently works towards in all his creative acts. Through the "Rain" series, Shen Lieyi hopes to communicate Chan's serene, liberated, and plain state (or Zen in the better-known Japanese pronunciation). Moreover, the artist trusts viewers will sense a hint of this philosophical meditation in his work and that this will bring their exhausted and constricted minds to some sense of ease, comfort, and joy.