Page 38 - LION YEAR MAG 2017_FS_R_Neat

The creative works showcased on these pages have all been completed by
the students under the expert guidance and tuition of Jon Smith this year.

Having decided to retire from teaching I cannot let him just slip away to Malcolm Bray
pastures new without paying personal tribute to the huge contribution
he has made to the Art department over the last 25 years.

Every now and then we come across exceptional individuals, and in
the Art world we have been fortunate not only to meet, but to work,
and benefit from the exceptional insight and talent that is Jon
Smith.

True Art, and a true love of Art, manifests itself in a plethora of
ways and often those who teach and practice Art think ‘outside
the box’ and are not frightened by true expression and all that it
entails. Jon is one of those Artists who provokes a whole range
of emotions from those who meet him: his students, for many
years have benefitted from this.

Jon is a man of many talents and creative abilities, I have never
come across anyone who could match his ability to look at both
everyday and abstract problems with such imagination and
originality, and then to be able to encourage and enthuse our
young people in their journey through St David’s by using
thoughts and processes that will stay with them for the rest of t
their lives. r

Jon’s range of technical skills in such a vast array of media and
processes seems limitless to me, and I should not be surprised as a
his professional work is well esteemed and particularly well
received in both the artistic and public realms.
With the most inquisitive of minds and a seemingly boundless
energy for finding new ways for our pupils to express themselves
through Art and Design, his presence and his unique personality in
the Art Department will be sorely missed.

I wish him all the best with his new ventures and I know that many,
many pupils and staff both past and present will want to wish him all the
very best for the future too.

When you enter the art room and walk across the creaky
floor it’s like entering a different world ... with a very unique

person waiting there to encourage and support you ... just
what an Art teacher should be..

Jacob Stockings

36