Mr. Ear graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Animation and Illustration from San Jose State University. He contributed visual development and lighting in the 3D short film The String, as well as visual development on six episodes of a science curriculum show based on sustainability, Green Ninja.
As the Arts Subject Expert Teacher at BISV, his goal is to build upon the student’s ever-growing library of taste and preferences, and create a palette for how to represent themselves. He choose BASIS Independent because of the innovative approach to education that encourages teachers to share ideas to improve the curriculum. The concept of teacher autonomy, which is a cornerstone of BASIS Independent Schools, appeals to him as the best way of getting the most out of the classroom.
As an art teacher, Mr. Ear finds that one major aspect of art is capturing life on a canvas. He is a believer, as well as an example, of the theory “anybody can train themselves to draw,” and likes to debunk the common phrase that artists are born with their abilities. He believes that the training to both understand, and execute, art techniques is applicable to any and all students who are willing.
Mr. Ear feels strongly about the importance of teaching, and a personal philosophy of his is that, “The ones that stand out in their profession, are the ones that put art into the way they teach.” During lectures and demos, he has students take notes and then he randomly selects students to participate in order keep students on their toes. During art studio hours, he constantly moves around the room and checks the progress of the students’ projects. He likes to keep his artists busy, and if they finish class work always has something fun for them to work on. “Students learn best when they are aware of the high expectations of the class, and are then challenged by, and feel invested in the subject matter to confidently meet or go beyond those expectations.”
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Ear spends the majority of my time with his family. They frequent hiking trails, beaches, museums, dessert shops, various parks and playgrounds. When he has time to himself, he enjoys writing and illustrating stories in various forms.
Fun Fact: Every Mother’s Day since his eldest child was born, he makes a portrait of his wife and children with a new medium, or in a new style.
