Occhio Appello Questionnaire :
Chris W. Rogers Jr.
Zelinda: Where are you from?
Chris: I’m from Hilton Head, SC
Zelinda: What did you want to do when you were a high school senior?
Chris: When i was a teenager I wanted to play in the N.H.L (National Hockey League) and the M.L.S (Major League Soccer). world famous artist.
Zelinda: What changed your mind?
Chris: What Changed my mind, was time. I played both sports through college. I knew they had a shelf life, my art did not. I could pursue it over a lifetime.
Zelinda: How did you get started in your current field?
Chris: I began painting live at “The Studio” restaurant in Hilton head, SC. Paul and Lanonia Collela, the owners inspired/encouraged me to further my professional career as a painter.
Zelinda: What was the biggest obstacle you had to overcome to get where you are today?
Chris: The biggest obstacle that I had to overcome to get where I am today was my mother’s passing in 09’. She was and is the only thing I ever dared to love more than myself. I have not overcome it, but by finding faith for the first time in my life, and that has aided in me learning to live with such a loss. Discovering how to grieve and growing to be grateful for her life and the priceless time she gave to me and my sister has opened up an entire new horizon. It has helped me to understand that life is short, final and gives no promises to tomorrow, so i need to be doing what I love...painting.
Zelinda: If you were not doing what you do today, what would your dream profession be? And why?
Chris: My dream job would be a musician with the singing/ piano playing skills of stevie wonder mixed with the dancing prowess of Michael Jackson.
Zelinda: What or who inspires you?
And why?
Chris: Passion inspires me. Vigorous people dedicated to their craft, who simply get lost in what they love.
Zelinda: What are your passions and hobbies?
Chris: My passions and hobbies include: painting, drawing, color, cooking, playing soccer, writing poetry, watching movies, listening to music, running.
Zelinda: Whats your escape? And why?
Chris: My escape is my studio or a live painting demo.
Zelinda: How do you want to be remembered? What is your legacy? What would your eulogy say?
Chris: “In life, there will be many things that catch your eye, but only few that capture your, heart, pursue those.”
“Calm seas make poor sailors.”