BIO
Hope Flynn is an emerging neurodivergent artist specializing in captivating animal and pet paintings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Drawing and Painting from OCAD University and has completed the “Introduction to Mural Art” program by Mural Routes. This program sparked her passion for creating dynamic public art, leading to commissions for vibrant animal murals and vinyl wraps across the Greater Toronto Area. Her work aims to raise environmental awareness and inspire community engagement.
Since then, Hope has dedicated herself to realistic animal paintings, striving to capture their souls through intricate depictions of their eyes. Her custom paintings have garnered international acclaim, with collections spanning Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Singapore, Germany, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Bolivia, China, and the United Arab Emirates. Through her murals and visual art, Hope continues to connect people with the emotional depth of animals, fostering a sense of connection and conversation within communities.
STATEMENT
My art series “Birds of Canada” represents the vibrant and common birds that can be seen in Canada. The Painted Bunting bird in the middle of this series is a parrot with puzzle pieces, symbolizing autism. These 20 birds on the cradled panel are a personal reflection, as I was diagnosed with autism. My journey through communication began with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), a tool many people with autism use in speech therapy to describe words. I could not speak until I was four years old, and PECS symbols were my bridge on how to speak.
“Birds of Canada” also mirrors my personal experiences. Like the varied species of birds, each with its unique characteristics, individuals with autism each have their own unique traits. Just as no two snowflakes are identical, each bird in my paintings looks and behaves differently, symbolizing the individuality within the autism community.
I hope my “Birds of Canada” series not only reflects my early experiences with PECS communication but also showcases how art can be a powerful medium for expression and connection. Through this series, I aim to highlight the importance of communication and the various ways individuals with autism learn and express themselves.
Created in 2024
3×4 inches on cradled panel (20 panels)
Acrylic Painting
$50 per portrait. Contact Jenel Shaw at info@aanm.ca to arrange purchase. 100% of proceeds go to the artist.