Helice Wen

Kazu is one of the best teachers I ever had. During my years at the Academy he taught me two very important things: How to use acrylic, which I’ve been using ever since and which has become my primary medium. And he showed me the right attitude with which to approach working in the illustration industry. One of my biggest issues in art school was a lack of confidence in my work. There were many times I missed deadlines for illustration projects. I didn’t finish the work because I wasn’t sure about it’s quality. After several times he told me, during a work critique, “Your work is fine, but if you don’t like it finish it and start something new, something you like.” I remember what he told me and since then I have not been afraid to look at the weak spots in a piece finish it, and begin something new. His advice has carried over into other areas of my life, it has kept me from stagnating, has allowed me to move forward.

I drew a tree in memory of Kazu. Both his work and character were so graceful I thought it was a fitting symbol. He is someone I will always look up to.

Helice Wen
Illustration , 2009
www.helicewen.com