Fiona Riley ‘22
Tajmir Cannon and Ellen Erikson recently joined the Art Department in an adjunct capacity because of pandemic related instructional needs. Cannon was hired as a 2D Design teacher, and Ellen Erikson as a photography teacher.
Upper School Department Chair David Sigel articulated the necessity to continue the same level of intensity in all forms of visual art despite the changes to campus life during the COVID-19 pandemic. He clearly emphasized that the Art Department is “not going to water-down the program in any way,” so finding “the best people to help achieve their mission” is the key to such success. In choosing between many candidates, his number one priority was finding someone who is “as adaptable and enthusiastic as the concept of art itself.” In his opinion, “the greatest artists see the importance of expression during difficult times.” Cannon and Erikson are equipped with a degree of resilience and passion that will allow them to develop their creative minds and the atmosphere of the Episcopal Academy.
A young alum of the Episcopal Academy, Cannon earned his bachelor’s degree in painting at Temple University and is now returning to share his experiences with the community. He kept in touch with Sigel since graduating from high school, volunteering much of his time last year assisting an honors art course. As a young person in this world, he believes there is so much we can gain from a youth perspective but also a lot we need to learn. He states, “To be able to come in at a time like this when there is so much going on in the world, it is important [for students] to have a view from an artist who is young and in the world with social media and similar experiences.”
Sigel agrees with this logic, adding that he hopes Cannon will be welcomed by the community, saying, “My hope is that he feels welcomed and a part of this community…” Cannon is inspired by modern concepts and ideas of art, and hopes to bring this new set of eyes to all of his students. Ultimately, he is a wonderful addition to the Art Department because of his love for the Arts. His desire for teaching is grounded in his wonderful experiences as an artist. He states, “I am at a point where I want to share what I know because I have experienced so many great things in the world, and I want to show that it really is possible to make your way in the art world.” His dedication to its practice as a young person in the world enables him to connect with the students and foster wonderful and sustainable relationships. He has and will continue to make a wonderful impact on the students he teaches this year, developing his own skills and fostering a love for the Arts and creative expression.
Erikson graduated with her bachelor’s degree in photography in June of 2019, and moved to Philadelphia. She mentions that teaching photography has always been her dream, stating, “When I went to graduate school I went with the purpose and hope to teach photography.” She has taught some classes at the undergraduate level, but this is her first position after receiving her bachelor’s degree. She is enthusiastic and excited to start the year, with many ideas for how to engage her students.
She hopes to push her students, wanting them to “think about art critically and intentionally… and realize that photography affects every part of our lives right now…” Her appreciation that photography has the ability to completely change the way people view the world inspired her to come teach at EA during such a difficult time. “In an ideal, non-coronavirus world”, she says, “I would be asking myself how can we get students into the dark room and off of their phones, and connect with photography as an art… I am still trying to figure out how to do all that in a way that is safe…”
Despite the challenges that COVID poses, Erikson has continued to teach her students in creative ways, expressing, “We have been starting with iphone photography, and I have had everyone download the Adobe Light Room App on their phone […] because I am trying to bridge the DSLR world with our phone world and still teach a lot of those manual functions while making sure the students are trying to be as intentional with their photographic practice as possible, unlike most people’s general experience of photography.” By doing this, she is attempting to bridge the gap between phones and cameras, and ensure her students are being as intentional as possible. Her creative problem-solving skills and dedication to expanding on her values will ensure she will thrive this year and inspire so many in the community.