It was last month that Tyrus Wong, centenarian animator, artist and kite man, turned 101. Yesterday, 26 November he was out again at the beach, flying his kites with a large attendance of family, friends and the usual amazed passersby.
In addition, two Disney photographers preparing for a significant article for the Disney magazine, DISNEY twenty-three, the quarterly publication of D23, the Disney fan club. Their February issue will feature Tyrus, one of their most fabled animators (Bambi) but concentrating this time on his kites.
A glorious day with little wind unfortunately but with clear skies and two new little kites I had never seen: a teeny insect made of tissue paper that in scale in the sky looks immense and a solitary panda, also small and light, both flown in the vain hope for some movement in the sky that would sustain them. Not much but for a moment, another delightful experience.
Notwithstanding, there was hope for at the beginning of the day, the beautiful butterfly kites flew along with a string of standard made kites that Tyrus long ago strung together.
At the end of the day, the sunset reflected off the compressed butterflies, awaiting their repackaging in the unique boxes Tyrus has adapted for kite storage, everything as always with a small personal drawing or decoration by him.
