Background Artist

The Life and Work of Tyrus Wong

De: Karen Fang

Narrado por: Caroline McLaughlin

You might not know the name Tyrus Wong, but you probably know many of the images he shaped, including scenes from the beloved Disney classic Bambi. Yet when he came to this country as a child, Tyrus was an illegal immigrant locked up in an offshore detention center. How did he go on to a long and prosperous career drawing animation cels, storyboards, and greeting cards that shaped the American imagination?

Background Artist shares the inspiring story of Tyrus Wong's remarkable 106-year life and showcases his wide array of creative work, from the paintings and fine art prints he made working for Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration to the unique handmade kites he designed in his retirement to fly on the Santa Monica Beach. It tells how he came to the United States as a 10-year-old boy in 1920, at a time when the Chinese Exclusion Act barred him from legal citizenship. Yet it also shows how Tyrus found American communities that welcomed him and nurtured his artistic talent.

Covering everything from his work as a studio sketch artist for Warner Bros. to the best-selling Christmas cards he designed for Hallmark and other greeting card companies, this book celebrates a multi-talented Asian-American artist and pioneer.

©2024 Karen Fang (KBI Always Look Up, LLC) (P)2024 KBI Always Look Up, LLC

An amazing life, expertly written and narrated

Karen Fang’s biography of Disney and Warner Brothers artist Tyrus Wong is an amazing story: moving but not sentimental, she conveys his journey to the US from China as a child during the years of Chinese exclusion and his achievements as a visual artist who excelled in many mediums. Although he is probably best remembered as the artist who made huge contributions to the style of Disney’s Bambi, he was so much more: a longtime concept artist for Hollywood, a renowned Christmas card designer, a husband and father, and ultimately a citizen. The audiobook, expertly narrated by Caroline McLaughlin, was gripping - even though I almost never read nonfiction! McLaughlin’s voice is smooth and authoritative, and she handles the many Chinese names and words with ease and charm. Highly recommended!