Born in a rich farm family of the southern county in Sichuan, Shiy De-jinn recognized his artistic talent at a young age. He could easily grasp the spirit of flowers, birds, landscape, and embroidery. After moving to Taiwan, he was also content with the tranquil farm life and often depicted the simple and rustic landscape of the countryside. His “The Goose Seller” was selected to participate in the 4th San Paulo Biennale in 1956. We may see his pure and honest personality from the subjects he chose in his paintings.

Later in the 1970s, Shiy turned to explore Chinese ink wash, but still, he used taro leaves and ducks, two common objects in Taiwan’s rural villages, as the subjects of his painting. The use of color in “Ducks in the Pond” is vibrant and full. Two swimming ducks are naturally placed beneath lively taro leaves, showing the artist’s concern for the land as well as his passionate and truthful personality.