Brother Ryan J. Flynn, The Most Influential Masonic Artist In America

Once again we visit the great Masonic artist Ryan J. Flynn. There is little that you can write anymore that does justice to what this Brother is doing with and for art. You have to see it to believe it. So Phoenixmasonry Live’s December 2016 program SHOWS you what words cannot do justice to. And as he shows us his creations, his description of how he does it will truly amaze you.

Flynn says:

“Freemasonry is not a brand name; it is not Nike, it is not Starbucks. Freemasonry is an ideal, an organization of men who, when gathered together, strive for the absolute best in all of us, and they settle for nothing less. I fervently believe that Masonic works of art should strive to meet the same ideal.”

“I pledge that you will never see me settle for average, plain or quick. I will never brand something with a square and compass and call it “Masonic.” To call something “Masonic” means that it is a direct representation of the Craft, and thus should be educational, symbolic and meaningful; something that I strive to do in all my work. Of course, having a shirt embroidered with my lodge is something I would love to wear, but this, although adorned with our symbols, is merely Masonic in name and not substance.”

“Substance is what drives good art, and it is what drives me to create works that truly honors the Craft that I so love dearly.”

Phoenixmasonry hopes that this video will be a permanent part of your library and that you will carry Flynn’s message of appreciation of Masonic art to your Brethren.

To contact Flynn or purchase his work go to:  http://www.ryanjflynn.comin-thy-name-we-have-assembled

www.facebook.com/ryanjflynnartist

www.twitter.com/masonicartist

www.pinterest.com/rjflynndesign

Phoenixmasonry’s monthly Masonic artifact for December is McBeth Masonic knives and an excellent interview with Jim McBeth highlighting his unique handcrafted knives is included in this video.

www.mcbethknives.com

mcbeth-knife

A Great Masonic Lodge, A Great Masonic Guest Speaker Made A Super Masonic Evening

On a weekend late in February of 2016, I traveled to Oklahoma for a special Masonic event. It was the Spring Festive Board (untyled) for Lodge Veritas No 556, Grand Lodge of Oklahoma.

(Turn up the volume full for Bro. Flynn’s presentation)

We met at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City in full Masonic dress. There we started off the evening with cigars and the adult beverage of  choice on the deck outside. As the sun slowly faded behind the horizon and the moon readied to take over, we gathered around a table with a mini fire pit and let the brotherly love flow. Some notable attendees were PGM Richard Massad and 33rd Bob Davis.

There Was Camaraderie

What seemed like all too soon, we adjourned to the dining room for toasts, prayer, singing and great food.

Lodge Veritas No 556 Masonic Toast

Lodge Veritas No 556 Masonic Toast

 

Lodge Veritas No 556 Masonic Toast

Lodge Veritas No 556 Masonic Toast

 

Lodge Veritas No 556 Singing

Lodge Veritas No 556 Singing

There Was A Great Gastronomic Experience

The special guest speaker was Masonic artist Ryan Flynn who made an enlightening presentation on art in Freemasonry from the Middle Ages to the present. Flynn showed us how to look for hidden meanings and symbolism and where they were in some of the great works in history.

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn's Presentation

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn’s Presentation

 

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn's Presentation

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn’s Presentation

 

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn's Presentation

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn’s Presentation

 

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn's Presentation

Masonic Artist Ryan Flynn’s Presentation

 

There Was Masonic Education And Shared Knowledge

After closing the Festive Board we retired once again to the place from which we had started, the deck outside with the fire pit in the table. This time, it was dark. But that did not dampen the Masonic spirit in the slightest. Stories flowed back and forth and for some, new friendships were cemented for time immemorial.

There Was More Camaraderie

This experience was a lesson in how the practice of Freemasonry needs to be complimented. It is how our Masonic ancestors often gathered in taverns many moons ago. It makes the business of the Lodge the opening of the Masonic heart, the inspiring of the Masonic spirit and the sharing of esoteric knowledge to widen the Masonic mind all in a festive, celebratory setting. More Lodges should hold events like this. It is great for Lodge morale and Masonic bonding.

The Portale Panel by Brother Ryan J. Flynn

Masonic artist Brother Ryan J. Flynn has his latest work completed, THE PORTALE PANEL – an Entered Apprentice Tracing Board.

He describes this beautiful piece of art as follows:

Brethren, Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present to you my very first Tracing Board. 
The Portale Panel
Egg Tempera on Wood; Gold Leaf and Wood Stained Wooden Frame
24in x 36in Center panel. entire work 40 in 52in;

 

The Portale Panel

 

 

You can catch Brother Flynn and all his works on his artist Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/RyanJFlynnArtist

Or on his website – http://www.ryanjflynn.com/

Truly a Brother with great ability.