You’ve likely seen his work in diving magazines, t-shirts, at dive shows and even on a new set of playing cards. The art of Rogest is hot right now. But just who IS Rogest?
Ron Steven, better known as Rogest, was born in Montreal Canada in 1957 and grew up in England and the BVI. As a school boy in England, he spent much of his time dreaming of the oceans and its wonders.
Rogest is one of the most recognized painters in Marine Dot Art today. He has perfected a dotalistic style of painting, a true pioneer of modern day bright dot art. Thru his art, words and teachings, Rogest combines his passion for diving and the oceans, sharing its beauty and fragility.
For the past decade, Rogest has made it his personal and business mission to educate and help save the environment one dot and one brushstroke at a time. Rogest has delivered a message of environmental awareness about the oceans we all love and enjoy with his involvement with the Kids Sea Camps, hospitalized kids in Canada, foster kids in Cayman, village kids in PNG and Fiji along with schools and libraries in Canada, England, USA, Australia, Singapore and invites to various other events. Art is an amazingly stimulating way to get people of all ages and races excited and involved.
“This style of art, which is certainly unique, first came into being on the back deck of a dive boat on the Great Barrier Reef,” Rogest said. “It involves a combination of sand, sea water and paint. These images are my impressions of the underwater world. It is my hope that my art work will bring awareness to the need to preserve and protect what’s there.”
Rogest’s work has been in articles, portfolios and featured on the front covers of publications worldwide. He is an author (“A fish In My Heart”), has been a MC and auctioneer at many events such as ones that raise over $20,000 in a single night. At a single event thru collaborative artwork created by guests and Rogest, 14 turtles have been released. Rogest has worked closely with DAN both in the USA and Australia. He has donated his art work and time to the Cayman National Trust, O.W.U. Scholarship Society, Conservation International, Ocean Pals, Oceans for Youth Foundation, REEF, Catalina Conservancy Divers, W.W.F., Coral Reef Alliance, Reef Check, the Marine Mammal Care Centre in California and many other events and organizations worldwide. His artwork and motivational inspiration is truly making a difference.
Rogest was inducted into the Scuba Diving Hall of Fame last year and continues to receive high praise around the diving world. www.scubahalloffame.com
Rogest makes a simple observation “We can all make a difference if we truly make an effort. My passion is to inspire and educate the next generation of Marine stewards.”
Check out his online gallery at www.Rogest.com
