Text by Yin Xing

Once a symbol of the industrial age, the metal screw seemed cold and merciless, a connotation vividly depicted in Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times. But now, in the information age, screws have taken on a whole new meaning in the hands of four young Chinese designers, who brought them to life in the form of LSF & LSM, two innovative sculptures. Their names are abbreviations for Chinese Luo Shi Fu and Luo Shi Mu, which loosely translate to "Sir Screw" and "Madam Screw," respectively.

In 2007, Diao Yong was tidying up his room, when he came across a box of scrap screws. Rather than waste the screws by tossing them out, Diao decided to put them to use in some creative endeavor. At a party, Diao announced his plan to create a new art piece, and surprisingly enough, the idea was accepted with enthusiasm by three of the attendees, Liu Yaoyuan, Gao Yuan, and Tang Liang. All four of the young people had creative backgrounds in complementary fields: Liu Yaoyuan studied sculpting, Gao Yuan majored in graphic design, Tang Liang ran a design firm, and Diao himself was a corporate creative executive.

The four young designers developed an instant rapport, making it easy to form a team and use their spare time to find innovation in discarded screws. But there is also a stark contrast in their personalities which enhances the strength of the team. Tang Liang is the outgoing joker, Liu Yaoyuan talks briefly, but to the point, Gao Yuan speaks carefully, and Diao tends to be the silent partner. "Although we have quite different personalities, we get along surprisingly well together," explains Tang. "When we meet, everyone is comfortable presenting ideas for discussion. We also spend free time together, not just meeting for our creative work. Since this is a part-time creation, we don't have any pressure and often little direction as to where it will go," Tang continues. "We just piece together whatever we have at hand."

Their first work was a product of the group's experiments, jokes, and arguments. An old bulb socket was used for the body, screws for the limbs and head, forming a good-looking guy dubbed "LSF." Instantly proud of the results of their labor, Gao Yuan soon declared, "We should give him a partner," and the group instantly found new motivation to continue their work.

"Someone asked us why we only created one partner for LSF. The reason is simple: At the time, we only had two useless bulb sockets on hand. If we had more, we would have produced either a family, or a group like on the TV series Friends," explains Tang Liang. "We didn't define the relationship between LSF and LSM. They can be husband and wife, lovers, brother and sister, or just friends. Most people prefer them to be a couple."

After a suggestion from Tang, a pair of models ten times larger than the originals was constructed. The new LSF is 2 meters tall, and LSM is 1.8 meters. All of the details from the original creations were meticulously preserved, except that the sculptures were given blue and pink coats instead of their original metallic hue. "They look tender with a colorful outfit," asserts Gao Yuan. The enlarged LSF and LSM have become popular icons in some of Beijing's most prominent cultural communities such as Sanlitun, Zhongguancun, and Wangfujing, as an homage to Chinese innovation and creativity.

Over time, LSF and LSM became so well-known that some cartoonists even began drawing characters based on them. Directors have proposed using them in music videos, and producers have suggested using them in films. Inspired by such wide public acclaim for the couple, Gao Yuan has her own ideas: "The screw is the most common piece of the industrial era, and now tends to be neglected most easily. In the post-industrial period, people are moved to see the mechanic icon brought to life in a way that finally relates to them." When asked if they ever expected LSF and LSM to be so successful, Liu Yaoyuan exclaimed, "LSF and LSM are just like our kids. When creation started, we definitely had some expectations, but didn't push them. We just hope they can grow up happily and healthily."

Following LSF and LSM, the four designers created a series of screw models of the pair's previous and future lives, in addition to completely new themes like frog soldiers and firemen. As for the future of the LSF and LSM brand, they don't yet have specific plans. "We're not looking to put them into mass production, but we would certainly consider it if we see interest from manufacturers. Really, if we want to continue, we would need some sort of financial backing or investment. It has become a dilemma," laments Diao. "The most interesting part of creation is that you never know what your next work will be. We don't have any drafts or blueprints. Continuously piling screws onto an ever-changing model brought us great satisfaction. I worry our creation will lose its original meaning if we think too much about profits."

Today, marketing the LSF and LSM brand is still just a hobby for the group. "The four of us are engaged in only a loose cooperative relationship," Gao Yuan explains. "Usually, we each do our own business separately. When we have time and a new idea, we'll get together. If reporters ask for an interview or investors show interest, whoever has the time will make the effort. Perhaps this kind of relaxed philosophy is what makes the LSF and LSM brand so popular and successful. As for the future, for us I think it is spiritual entertainment. The process is more important than the result."