It’s not often one get’s the privilege of being with a true living legend. On Saturday, after class, Charles and I went to a benefit at the beautiful Villa di Fontani for ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’, a feature documentary film about Tyrus Wong. For some of you that name is certainly familiar as several class members went to Tyrus’ exhibit at the Chinese American Museum (within the El Pueblo Plaza in downtown L.A.) a couple of years ago.
Tyrus did the concept art for the animated feature Bambi which earned him a 2001 Disney Legend Award and his Chinese Brush paintings take your breath away.
The cutest thing he does in fly his handmade kites…swallows, butterflies, panda bears, centipedes and more on the Santa Monica beach. At 98 Tyrus is without equal and an inspiration to everyone.
You’ll be delighted to hear that Tyrus is Lisa See’s uncle. If you are the one in a million who hasn’t read any of her amazing books check out ‘Peony in Love’ as well as ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’. For the best history of Chinese Americans in California, ‘On Gold Mountain’ will totally captivate you and for a really great mystery read ‘Dragon Bones’.
For more information about Tyrus Wong go to http://www.brushstrokesinhollywood.com/
For more information about Lisa See go to