Mary-Ann Liu's sculptures have a broad appeal, captivating viewers of all ages. Her work includes installations that explore themes related to national monuments and significant sacrifices, as well as pieces that embrace lightheartedness and humour. Liu has created permanent outdoor installations using materials such as bronze, stone, metal, and mosaic that are suitable for the Canadian climate and the rigours of public use.
Currently, Mary-Ann Liu is focused on her artwork, which has evolved into oil painting. Her themes revolve around the fluidity and characteristics of water. Some of her explorations feature a transitional quality that merges painting with sculpture, delving into themes related to water and equine subjects.
As an established contemporary Canadian artist based in Vancouver, BC, Liu holds a significant place in Canadian art history. She was honoured with the creation of Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa in July 2000. Liu is also the creator of the iconic dragon lanterns found in the historic Chinatowns of Vancouver and Chicago, as well as numerous permanent public art installations across Canada.
In February 2025, the Royal Canadian Mint launched a gold coin to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the inauguration of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This coin, designed by Liu, is available to the public as a limited collector's edition through the Royal Canadian Mint's website and its postal distributors. Additionally, a toonie featuring Liu's design will be issued for general circulation in November 2025.
Liu’s expertise as a sculptor, combined with her knowledge of art history, allows her the freedom to employ various styles and approaches adaptable to different contexts. Her goal is to transcend barriers and reach the core of her message, whether it reflects a national sentiment or the essence of a specific location, making her work accessible to individuals of all ages and cultures.
Beyond sculpture, Liu is also an award-winning film production designer and graphic designer. Her work in the broadcast field has reached millions worldwide. Her understanding of artistic principles such as composition and colour, combined with the element of time, makes film design a welcomed challenge. This versatility demonstrates her grasp of visual communication and her ability to convey essential themes across various mediums, including sculpture, film, and others.
Liu graduated with honours from the Emily Carr Institute of Art, majoring in sculpture and minoring in animation. She studied classical figurative modelling under Bill Kootchin and Jack Harman at the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design. She later worked under Jack Harman at Harman Sculpture Foundry, where she learned the art of fine art bronze casting. Liu also pursued further education at Emily Carr, earning a Post-Graduate Certificate in Digital Arts and Interactive Media.
Born in Hong Kong, Liu is fluent in both Cantonese and English. Her passions include equestrian sports, and she is an avid dressage rider. Liu's ongoing pursuit of innovation and excellence drives her to explore a wide range of materials, approaches, and techniques, fueling her creative output in sculpture, painting, and design.
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