In the late 1930s, Tyrus Wong was a young artist working at the Disney studio tasked with an entry-level job of finishing off the work of animators. When he heard that Disney was planning to create a film from the new novel, Bambi, A Life in the Woods, he jumped at the opportunity and painted some visual concepts. Wong’s refreshing new style caught the eyes of Walt Disney who personally directed that Wong be promoted. Inspired by the lush mountain and forest scenes of Sung dynasty paintings, Wong set out to define the enchanted tone of the entire film. Though not properly credited for his achievements, his work and style is still revered by many. To this day we are still enchanted by the misty scenery and lyrical brushstrokes of Bambi.

When he retired from painting, he began his new venture into kite making. Remembering what his father taught him as a child, Wong would spend hours in his studio meticulously building masterful kites. He would trek out to the Santa Monica Pier with his wife every fourth Saturday of the month to fly them. These kites were a symbol of Wong’s personality, lively and carefree. It is this demeanor that he chose to live his full life of 106 years.