Lin Gang sculpts "Meng Wa", the well-known image in the "Chinese Dream" public service campaign. [Photo/Xinhua]

A painted sculpture -- Meng Wa -- first appeared in the "Chinese Dream" public service advertisement campaign in 2013, and has since become widely known by people all over China.

Lin Gang, the obscure artist who designed and made the "Meng Wa" figurine, has kept creating new clay figurines through which he tries to convey the real life of Chinese people. He observes various lives in villages and cities and carries forward the spirit of the Chinese craftsman.

Meng Wa was inspired by a real village girl named Er Ni who lives at Xinglong Town, Hebei province. Lin Gang visited the town in the 1980s and lived in a local family to observe peasants' lives. Er Ni was just four or five years old at that time.

Lin Gang recalled that one day he was making a mud figure in the yard and the girl sat on a bed, watching. This left Lin with a deep impression and 20 years later, when the "Chinese Dream" was proposed and was to figure in national advertisements, he thought of her at once.

Meng Wa was inspired by a real village girl named "Er Ni" who lives at Xinglong Town, Hebei province. [Photo/enorth.com.cn]

Lin said, "It is not that artists can always produce new works as soon as they finish visiting a place. Sometimes, it takes more time and experience, and a classic art piece may be created at any time."

Besides Meng Wa, Lin Gang has also produced many outstanding art pieces such as the "Beautiful Angel" during the anti SARS period. He has also won awards for other works including "Harvest Season" and "Spring Rains", which are collected in China Folk Art Collection.

Lin said the figurines are made out of mud, which means that as their creator he has to get close to the land where laborers live and work. He always goes to villages, mines and military units to gain experience, collect creation materials and find inspiration.

He stressed that a piece of good art work should be able to convey ideas. Only by the artist's observing and experiencing people's lives can a clay piece reflect people's spirit world.

Lin is now working on a series of works about changes in Chinese villages and how villagers' lives are becoming prosperous. He wishes to express his understanding and inspiration after 35 years' art creation.

The Chinese Dream publicity series speaks of the traditional Chinese virtues and wishes of the nation, including being kind and diligent, frugal and devoted, and urges people to unite to build China into a stronger and a more prosperous country.