Former Disney artist finds a new mission

rachel_solomon — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:59:32 +0000

rachel_solomon Mon, 04/05/2010 - 10:59am

Artist and filmmaker Davy Liu sketches an audience member during his April 3 presentation at the Evangelical Chinese Church in Ballard.

Rachel Solomon.

Davy Liu wasn’t a straight-A student. He wasn’t even a straight-B student.

Growing up in Taiwan in a culture that puts a lot of pressure on getting good grades, he felt like he didn’t fit in until he excelled in his first art class after moving to the United States in eighth grade.

Interjecting Chinese phrases and Bible verses, Liu, a former Disney artist who now heads his own production company, entertained families during an April 3 presentation at Ballard’s Evangelical Chinese Church with stories of faith, art and the importance of following your passions, even if your report card isn't quite perfect.

“The message he gives the parents here is really important because parents push their children to do the best,” said Jaya Conser, a member of the congregation. “Each person has a unique gift to do the best.”

Liu’s resume includes animation work on "The Lion King," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "Mulan."

With a six-digit salary by the time he was 23, he said he felt too self-serving. So, he merged his two greatest joys, religion and art, and sought to develop more Christian-centric entertainment.

“Everyone knows 'The Lion King,'” Liu said. “What if they knew the 'King of Kings?'”

"The Lion King" was the highest-grossing animated film in history until "Finding Nemo," and it was the charm of the anthropomorphic savannah animals that appealed to kids’ imaginations, Liu said.

In order to inspire this demographic that often recognizes Ronald McDonald before Jesus Christ, Liu said he decided to use animals to depict biblical tales.

He has begun writing and illustrated children’s books—three so far with a fourth on the way—that use animals to depict biblical tales.

The first story translated to the silver screen produced by Liu’s company Kendu Films is "The Giant Leaf," due in 2012. Liu described it as an interpretation of how people view Jesus Christ.

Liu played a trailer for "The Giant Leaf," featuring visuals of underwater creatures, embracing koalas and graceful leaping foxes. He said he hopes to produce 12 films in 12 years.

“I think finding a passion is more important than money,” Liu said.

To conclude his presentation, Liu invited an audience member to the stage, giving the crowd a drawing lesson as he drew a princess caricature on a giant easel.

As he moves forward with more faith-based media, Liu said he hopes his work will spark discussions of God among children.

“It would be wonderful if one day our films could be in churches,” Liu said. “Kids who admire Harry Potter—now they can admire the gospel.”

Disney

Evangelical Chinese Church

Ballard

Religion/Churches

Robinson Papers