Robert "Irish" Flynn

1944 Born Teaneck, New Jersey

EDUCATION

1970 BFA University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts

1972 MFA Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island

RESIDENCIES

1972-1973 Artist in Residence, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Helena, Montana

1979-1980 Artist in Residence, Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Helena, Montana

1979 Visiting Artist, Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

1987 Visiting Artist, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware

1985, 1986 Visiting Artist, Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

1988 Visiting Artist, Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

1990 Visiting Artist, Red Deer College, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

PRIMARY WORK EXPERIENCE

1973–2001 Professor of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1969 Instructor, Smith School Summer Program, Northampton, Massachusetts

1969-1970 Instructor, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts

1973-1978 Assistant Professor, School of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1975 Visiting Faculty, Rhode Island School of Design Summer Program, Providence, Rhode Island

1978-1979 Head of Ceramics, School of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1978-1987 Associate Professor, School of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1981-1982 Head of Ceramics, School of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1982 Visiting Faculty, Spring, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea

1985-1986 Head of Ceramics, School of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

1987 Visiting Faculty, Winter Session, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware

1989-1991 Professor and Head of Ceramics, School of Art, University of Manitoba

1992- 2002 Professor, School of Art, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

2003 Visiting Faculty, School of Art, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana

BIOGRAPHY

Robert Irish Flynn is known for utilitarian stoneware and porcelain pottery, and non-functional earthenware vessel forms. Flynn makes work using wheel thrown, hand built, cast or extruded methods. Minimal surface decoration includes combed colored slip (liquid clay) incised and impressed lines used to alter the shape of the form.  Signature forms include teapots, and rectangular boxes.

Flynn was brought to clay by a fascination with tools, natural materials and a drive to make things. He developed an interest in materials, technology, and the uses of ceramic materials. Flynn processes his own granite, feldspars, and other components to develop his earth toned glazes.  Flynn's works in earthenware in the 1980's and early 1990's were non-functional vessel forms. Surfaces were decorated with marred topography, raised clay decoration. Glazes were shades of pinks, oranges, yellows and earth-tones.

In addition to being a potter, Flynn is a university professor, potter’s wheel and kiln builder.  Flynn has built in excess of 50 kilns worldwide.