Profile Of An Artist - Mark Rogers
When and where were you born? What was growing up like for you?
I was born in Portland and grew up in the suburbs. I spent my twenties and early 30’s in Eugene, and I moved back to Portland in 2013. Presently I am thinking about relocating to the midwest to switch things up. Growing up was fairly typical, I suppose. I would describe myself as a nerdy loner. I was really into reading horror/fantasy novels, drawing, and playing guitar. Like other kids I did a little bit of sports but it wasn’t really my thing. I have always enjoyed drawing. My childhood interests were: ESP, Werewolves, Vampires, and Aliens.
Do you have any siblings? When did you first begin to have a fascination with art?
I have two younger brothers whom I am very close with. As far as art goes, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by it. In school, I often would draw on the backside assignments, so that by the end of each school day, I would strive to have a few finished drawings that would entertain my fellow classmates and teachers.
“An Audience With A Lord.”
What would you and your friends do for fun growing up?
Honestly, I have always had a hard time maintaining friendships. I have a lot of great acquaintances and people I care for, but most of my interests, like painting and reading and writing, are done alone. Growing up I was involved a little in sports, but it wasn’t something I took seriously. I have always enjoyed playing music, so in High School, I played guitar in the Jazz Band and I also played in punk bands. I liked drawing with other kids at school. That was always really fun.
“A Witch’s Funeral.”
Who were among some of the first artists, or in general, creative forces that made a huge impact on you?
I was raised Catholic, and so exposed to a lot of religious art at an early age, and I think it shows a little in my style. I think my first favorite artist was Edward Gorey. Later, I discovered Bosch, and the Dutch Masters.
Did you have any other interests outside of art and the other mediums you’ve embarked on?
I love the guitar. I was in bands when I was younger, even though I am not pursuing music as my main pursuit, I still practice for at least 30min to an hour each day. That’s something I will never give up. Before I got fully serious about being an artist I wanted to be a horror writer like Lovecraft or Stephen King. They are still two of my heroes.
“An Unexpected Summoning.”
When did you realize you wanted to be an artist?
I always thought that it would be really great to be an artist, but I never felt that I was good enough, or that I would never be good enough. As a kid I enjoyed copying comics and I had a few how-to-draw-books. It wasn’t until I was in my very late 20’s that I realized becoming a full-time artist could be a possibility.
“Becoming An Owl.”
“Equinox Ritual".
Did you go to school for art?
No, I went to the University of Oregon, and majored in Political Science because it seemed kind of easy to pass the classes. In truth, I majored in partying and punk rock. My band was my life back then. Later I took a couple of random art classes at Lane Community College in Eugene, but no, I never formally went to school for art.
How did you initially become interested in working with the mediums you’ve chosen?
I have always drawn, but as far as painting goes, it was my ex-wife who is to thank for that. We were living in Springfield, Oregon, and I was getting into comic-style inking. I thought it would be cool to learn inking with a brush rather than a marker, and my ex suggested that I take a painting class at the community college. Never having painted before in my life, I signed up for the class and discovered that I loved painting. So much so that I decided to drop out of the class two weeks later so I could spend all of my free-time teaching myself how to paint.
“Haxms Crystal Case”.
Before your career and path as an artist took off, what was that trajectory like?
After college, I assumed that I would land a job with a nonprofit, saving the Earth or something. I quickly discovered that working in a pizza shop actually paid better than a nonprofit, and it worked well for someone who played in bands. Shortly thereafter I was recruited to work in one of the college bars. Bartending paid even more than pizza dude, and it provided me the free-time to pursue my creative projects.
“His Spirits Guides.”
When did everything start to click for you?
It all happened very slowly. Like I was saying earlier, for many years I worked on creative projects during the day and then bartended at night, and slowly as my paintings and prints sold I was able to drop shifts and transition into becoming fully self-employed. In 2009 (after painting for only a month or two) I made a crazy and unwavering decision to become a full-time artist no matter what. Even if I had to work a part-time job somewhere, I would never give up painting every day and striving for the goal. It took almost a decade to achieve the dream, but without the commitment, none of this would have been possible. Now that I am a full-time artist, I have to double down on my commitment and work even harder to ensure that I stay a full-time artist.
“In The Captain’s Lair.”
What/who has made an impact on your life and work the most in terms of inspirations and the topics/subjects you choose to explore and expand on?
I draw my inspiration from stories. Stories about the unexplained, the paranormal, cryptids, and extraterrestrials. I am also inspired by occultism and painting is directly tied into spirituality for me. I am a Pagan and a Wiccan practitioner and a great deal of my inspiration comes to me during meditation. I also use the tarot for creative prompts when crafting the narratives for my painting series.
When was your first commission and who was it for?
I hate doing commissions, haha, but I have done them and I have been really thankful for the opportunity every time. Commissions are stressful and I have done them for various collectors, especially if they have bought work from me before in the past. As a general rule though, I do not take on commission work.
“Lords Of Lightning.”
“Into The Dream House.”
What is your approach and process when going about creating your work?
Over the past few years I have been working in painting series unified by a loose story or narrative. These paintings all take place in a fantasy world called the Southwestern Bellows. So, first I write the story, then I create thumbnails in my sketchbook for the series. Then I draw the paintings on panels and paint them.
“Terrarium Forest.”
Who are some of your Inspirations whether that's other artists, people you know, bands, etc.?
Authors: Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Jordan, Artists: James Gurney, Goya, Bosch, Edward Gorey, Michael Whelan, and so many more I can’t possibly name them. Bands/Musicians: As I have gotten older, my tastes have really opened up. Solo classical guitar, classical music in general, and a few different metal genres are my main go-tos. Andres Segovia is my favorite guitarist. High on Fire is probably my favorite band if I had to choose one. I love old school thrash/doom/stoner/sludge/death/and some black metal. I hate most pop music but I weirdly enjoy obscure soundtracks, retro lounge music and dungeon synth.
“Meditation Pyramid.”
How has your career impacted your life as you move forward working on projects, developing your style more and more?
My career IS my life. At this point, I cannot imagine life without painting. I am pretty much ALWAYS working. I don’t have a social life, I don’t go to parties, or hang out, and rarely do I see shows any more, but I am completely happy with this lifestyle. Being a full time painter is a dream come true!
“Paranormal Investigator.”
What project(s) have you worked on that you’ve enjoyed the most, or has it been the most honor/privilege?
I enjoy working on my own thing the most, and being able to make the paintings that I want to make. I think it’s truly amazing that collectors support me and what I am doing. I am so thankful to the people who have purchased paintings or stickers or prints or even who have just said nice things to me on the internet.
“Heinous Acquisitions.”
Has it been difficult since the pandemic to work on your projects, or your commissions? Are you currently working on any new projects?
Not at all. I was made for the pandemic. Business as usual, and it was kind of nice to have an excuse to not hang out with people so that I could paint even more than usual. Always! I paint almost everyday! Presently I am painting a series of paintings called the Grad Recital. It features a drunk wizard, a subterranean alien abduction, shapeshifting reptilian jerks, and a psychedelic classical guitar recital.
”The Abduction of Floy Mawson” 18x20 oil on Panel 2022. This is painting 3 of 9 in Rogers’ current series: “The Grand Recital”.
How has your style/approach changed over the years since you’ve first started out on this journey?
I feel like I am getting more into the narratives than I did when I was younger. For example, I know the names and backstories of all the people that appear in each of my paintings. It’s pretty fun to have an imaginary world living in your head, and it’s definitely something that I will continue to explore.
Is there anything else you would like to further share with the readers?
No, I have never tried ayahuasca, and no, I have never been visited by extraterrestrials. But… I did see a UFO once.
