10 things you need to know about legendary artist Tyrus Wong, 'Bambi' illustrator

Google Doodle paid homage to legendary artists Tyrus Wong on his 108th birth anniversary.

Sophie Diao who created the doodle said about her tribute, "Tyrus Wong’s work has inspired me since I first learned about him as a first-year animation student at CalArts. I specifically love how he infused Western illustration with Eastern painting sensibilities; it motivates me to think about ways to channel my own Chinese heritage in the stories and artwork I make.

"Today’s Doodle was heavily inspired by Tyrus’ paintings of forests, which are atmospheric, blurry, and magical. They feel like distant memories that have been committed to paper. I tried to imbue the Doodle with this dreamy feeling too.

"The more research I did on his life, the more impressed I was by the playful and curious way he lived. I feel like I really got to know him from all the videos and interviews in which he lit up when talking about his creative process. Now that the project is over, I’ll miss being immersed in his world, but I hope to carry forward the inspiration I found."

Wong's daughters Kim, Tai-Ling, and Kay said: 

Our Dad was always creating art. Growing up, we benefited from his rich imagination and creativity— from his design of our family’s home and garden to the handmade holiday gifts he created for us even when he was in his 90s. One year he recycled a medicine bottle and made it into a whimsical pig; another year a Pringles container was transformed into a dachshund complete with pipe cleaner glasses and a peanut shell for a nose. Each gift contained foil-wrapped Kisses and a red envelope with Christmas money.

Dad and Mom always enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Our home was often filled with lots of laughter and kind-hearted camaraderie. We saw this as his way of sharing his sense of humour and love of life with others, all throughout his 106 years.

Through his work ethic, appreciation of nature’s beauty, and joy in creating art, Dad was a role model for us. We miss him very much and to this day, whenever we see something humorous, clever, or beautiful, we think of him and wish we could share it with him.

Thank you to the Google Doodle team for this celebration of our late father, Tyrus. He would have been honoured and greatly appreciative to receive this tribute.

Wong's creations have become part of millions of lives and continue to inspire millions every day. But not a lot is known about this creator.

Let's a take a look at the artist who made Bambi and gave every kid a treasure trove of memories.

1. Wong was born on October 25, 1910, in Taishan County in Guangdong province of China. After immigrating to the United States of America Wong settled in Los Angeles with his father.

2. Wong's style was inspired by the landscape paintings made during the Song dynasty. His work in early ages earned him a scholarship in the Otis Art Institute.

3. Biggest accolade of his life so far came in 1932 when his work was displayed alongside the works of Picasso, Matisse, and Paul Klee at the Art Institute of Chicago.

4. Wong joined Walt Disney Studios in 1938. Walt Disney visited a restaurant in LA's Chinatown where he saw a mural painted by Wong and hired the artist.

5. Bambi became the most notable work of his stint there. But surprisingly he is only credited as one of the many background artists.

6. Disney fired Wong in 1941 in the wake of a bitter strike -- even though he chose to not join the work. Wong went to work for Warner Bros Studios as a production illustrator and stayed there for 26 years.

7. 1955's Rebel Without A Cause, 1965's The Great Race and 1969's The Wild Bunch are a few notable works of Wong during his days at Warner Bros

8. In 2001, Disney corrected the credit for Bambi and named him a Disney Legend.

9. Wong spent last years of his life making whimsical kites and flying these fantastic creations on the beach of Santa Monica.

10. Wong passed away in 2016 at the age of 106.