MR. GEOFFREY FLICKINGER By Doug Graves It’s period seven and the end of the day. Ten students enthusiastically work the clay in Mr. Flickinger’s ceramics class. Hands are moving and molding. Pots are taking shape. “You have to have one of the coolest jobs at Rocky Hill,” Travis blurts out for no particular reason, except that he is moved. “You know, because it would stink to be like a math teacher or something.” In response, Mr. Flickinger thrusts his head forward, his eyes expressively bulge and he says, “Yeah, that would STINK!” The class bursts out laughing. That’s not to say that Mr. Flickinger was putting down his fellow teachers. He was just expanding on Travis’ remark. Good-natured banter is an everyday occurrence in our ceramics class, and makes an enjoyable addition to the creation of imaginative pottery. “The coolest thing about it [my job] is the upward energy curve that all of the students have,” said Mr. Flickinger. “They are excited to learn. Specifically at Rocky Hill. The setting is very spiritual and inspiring. The water is empowering. It gives me life.” When asked about his expectations about teaching and starting a new career at age 44, he replied, “I didn’t expect it to be so much fun or to enjoy it so much. It’s not a new career, it’s a continuation. I’m still doing what I love. Now I am just teaching it too.” He is also commented on how it was the right time for teaching. “Flick” got his experience through becoming an artist, and then he became a teacher. In terms of creating his own art, he says, “In order for a feeling of liveliness to pass through my pots to their users, there must be something intimate generated through me into my work. That something is a feeling or love for the work itself.” Mr. Flickinger was born on July 12, 1958, and has lived in New Hampshire, Illinois, New York, Michigan and Maryland. He has made a living through his pottery and has even owned his own art gallery. He first got into pottery in 1975 in Meriden, NH. He is an avid windsurfer, as well as a devoted bicyclist. Mr. Flickinger is the second oldest of four children. He has two sisters and one brother. Mr. Flickinger is divorced, and has two sons: George, 10; and Henry, 6. Even though he lives far away from his sons, he manages to be a loving, caring enthusiastic father. Watch Mr. Flickinger’s screen saver, and you’ll get a peek into his personal life. His computer screen cycles great pictures of himself with his sons, all smiles, as well as a couple photos of him nailing waves on his board.