TOWAMENCIN – North Penn High School recently gained a valuable asset to their art department. Mr. Jamie Flynn has joined forces with the other art teachers fully equipped with experience and passion to inspire his students.
Flynn’s inspiration to become a teacher came from his love of art and for the process of making it.
“For me, art was one of those classes that really got me excited and involved in academics,” said Flynn. “And so that is one of the things I like to help my students with and give them a place where they can really share what they know and speak in a way that is unique.”
After earning a BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts, at West Chester University and Masters in Teaching at the University of Arts, Flynn was eager to begin educating students as ardent as he was about art. His teaching career began at the Chester County Intermediate Unit and then shifted to the 21st Century Cyber Charter School.
Flynn was ecstatic when he saw the posting for the opportunity to teach in a North Penn school.
“I knew that it [North Penn] was a great place to be,” explained Flynn. “It was a great district and I knew it had a wonderful art department and I wanted to be a part of it.”
As a painter and sculptor, Flynn loves to create art. He explained that when he sees his students working, it continually keeps him growing as well.
Lately, Flynn has shown an interest in landscapes and colors. He mentioned that looking at a landscape is very enjoyable to him and he loves to work at creating an image that he can share with others.
In addition, Flynn’s favorite medium to work with is oil paint on oak panel because of the hard surface. He especially enjoys painting with a pallet knife. By mixing the paint on a large glass pallet and putting it right on the panel with the knife, the freedom of his marks create an uncertainty of how they will end up.
“I love expressive marks,” explained Flynn.
Flynn’s expressive marks are not only being made on oak panels, but also in the classroom.
He hopes to inspire his students by giving them the tools in class that will allow them to create well done pieces with their own spin on things. By teaching elements, principles and basic skills, Flynn expects his students to want to add more to their work that doesn’t come from him.
When asked what the most important traits are for every art teacher to have, Flynn stated that being active and patient are most significant.
“I think that art is not always easy, so I think you have to be patient,” explained Flynn. “And I think that you have to be active in the process. You have to be in there and work with the students and see what they’re going through and do it yourself and really help them every step along the way.”
One artist who is a big inspiration for how Flynn works is Wayne Thiebaud. This famous American painter is widely known for his mesmerizing landscapes. According to Flynn, seeing his paintings on digital or in his books doesn’t do them justice. Seeing them in person reveals Thiebaud’s unique way of combing texture and color.
“Art is probably one of the most important things in my life,” revealed Flynn.
A teacher as passionate as Flynn is certain to make a considerable impact in the North Penn High School.