films
animation
photo
words

paper
dance
type
metal*

about
4th district




*coming soon









My name is Aaron,
some call me Wen.



I happen to make things and I make things happen. I am a mixed media artist in practice, mechanical engineer by trade.  These days I help shape 4th District, a filmmaking collective we started to tell the stories of changers and makers. 

My story is one of contrasts. I am Taiwanese American in heritage, so was the “asian kid” in an all-white Wisconsin small town where I grew up. After moving to bustling Shanghai for high school and discovering a love for engineering and filmmaking, I had a career as a product designer designing cameras for robots. But still spending my nights & weekends to make documentaries. Now I’m a filmmaker, primarily in post-production and motion graphics, with a style built on intimate stories and kinetic movement. As my filmmaking projects grow in complexity, I’ve discovered other mediums to still doodle and be silly; there is much wisdom in drawing, words, and dance.

Like so many of us, I find myself suspended in these in-betweens — of digital and analog, western and eastern cultures, art and science. My creative practice is born from this overlap. Orientalist Maximalism.

I believe that great work exists not in the practicing of a single medium, but in a burning curiosity and intersection of form and style. From filmmaking I learn storytelling, from poetry I learn nuance. My photography is centered on patient observation, from engineering I learn structure. Regardless of medium, all my work follows a simple principle - honorable purpose drives meaningful work.






Kind words from My People

“From the very beginning their work has reflected a deep sense of care for people and their passions and processes, and a lifelong-learner spirit for new technical skills, story formats, and ways of being / relating. They’re an inspiration and a gift to collaborate with!”

-Jay Kimball, friend and long-time filmmaker collaborator
“All the artsy/technique-y tendencies you want from a creator. But all the dependability, communication skills and accountability you need in a business capacity. Aaron's a good mix of both. Always enjoy our collaborations.”

- Tim Cawley, Founder of Sleek Machine & CCO of HeyLet’sGo
“I have known Aaron for over two decades! Their commitment and dedication to doing their best with passion is the foundation of their impeccable work ethics! I am eager to see more to come and hope they can help make this world a better place for their generation and beyond!”

- Mom, Engineer & Shoulder to Lean On
“Aaron will soak up new information like a sponge and will be an incredible asset to any team they join. They are also a nice guy… and that’s kind of a big deal.”

- Ian Schon, Product Design Engineer