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His friends and chat buddies know him simply as 'Roi'. This week Speak Out offers you a peek at some of the work of this multi-talented artist from Essex England in the United Kingdom, in a small town called Chelmsford.

Although, he is currently studying The Culinary Arts at Marshall University, we are spotlighting his work as a sketch artist in this edition of WVQN.

Artist, Roi E. Stephans, JR is 31 years old and currently resides in Hurricane, West Virginia. Before coming to America in 2004, he worked as a pastry chef for six years at Lonsdales Restaurant. He originally traveled to the Tampa, Florida to meet a sister that he had never met before. He stayed there for two years before she was transferred to West Virginia in 2006.

Roi is creatively gifted in art, music and the art of cooking. He enjoys drawing, painting, singing and playing the piano. He also writes songs, however, cooking is his primary passion. He also enjoys the outdoors. During his leisure time he likes to hike, camp, fish, bike and jog.

We caught up with Roi this week and Speak Out reporter, Jim Lawson, shares a one-on-one chat with Roi Stephans, JR, and a profile of the artist.

Jim: How old were you when you first showed your talents for drawing?

Roi: I think I was about six when I discovered I had some talent. My father was an artist in his own right, although he never pursued it. I, on the other hand, am going to try to do something with mine.

Jim: I know you are studying The Culinary Arts at Marshall University, do you consider your art more than just a hobby at this point?

Roi: Actually, no, I love art, but my passion is and will remain in cooking and baking. I love to create things by either trying or testing a new recipe. Pastries are another love of mine.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=20767362&albumID=1219619&imageID=20719847

Jim: You also enjoy painting, what type of paintings have you done?

Roi: I have done many different styles of painting, from pastels to watercolor, to oil painting. I have done several murals in Florida, along with several portraits.

Jim: I am interested in the cultural differences you have experienced while living in West Virginia, and being from England. Tell us about some of these differences in lifestyles and cultures.

Roi: Yes, what I have discovered mostly about America, in general, is the fast-paced lives you lead. As in England, we do not share this. We are very simple people, who enjoy life at a much slower pace.

Jim: How have you adapted in the time you have lived in the states?

Roi: I think for someone that has come, as we say, "across the pond", I have managed quite well in adapting to my surroundings and am able to learn from each person I have met.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=20767362&albumID=1219619&imageID=25507143

Jim: Where is 'Home' in your heart?

Roi: England, of course, I will forever be British; although, I will soon take my citizenship testing in August, and then I will be officially an American. I will have to decide whether I wish to be American or British. There is no dual citizenship any longer that I know of, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Jim: Is there a significant other in your life right now?

Roi: At this moment, No, there isn't. I enjoy being single. I Go to the University, so I cannot devote my full attention to someone, which in time, I want to have someone. However, right at this moment, it isn't in the cards, but yes, in the future, I want to be partnered with someone.

Jim: What, in your eyes, are the necessary ingredients of a successful relationship?

Roi: Honesty and Trust are the best two important traits anyone can have to sustain a good relationship; along with a great sense of humor. A personality wouldn't hurt either.

Jim: Do you think gay relationships are harder to maintain than straight relationships?

Roi: Not really, in the

I guess I would be different from here. Mind you, I was with my partner 15 years. Therefore, I know that a gay relationship can work. As for straight people, I wouldn't know since I am, in fact, not straight.

Jim: What are your feelings on monogamy?

Roi: I consider it important, but, in this bloody day and age, who follows it.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=20767362&albumID=1219619&imageID=25616967

Jim: You are a nature lover, how has this influenced your creativity and expression in your art?

Roi: Yes, pretty much I love to draw nature in the woods or even on the beach. Nature is something that will pass you by if you blink. So, when you have the eyes of an artist, you capture that essence and go with it and it is a beautiful sight indeed.

Jim: Is there a quote that best describes your philosophy on life?

Roi: Not really, I just go with the flow. So, whatever happens will happen. I can't change it, nor do I want to.

Jim: What other artists have influenced your style and work?

Roi: Rembrandt, Picasso, and Leonardo Da Vinci, and Michelangelo.

Jim: What kind of music do you listen to?

Roi: I love all sorts of genre of music, but my favorite will always be British Euro Pop. Although, I grew up in the 80’s and love all the songs from all the various artists of that time, I still like old rock as well, like: CCR to even ELO and right down to KISS.

Jim: Do politics influence you and your work?

Roi: No, I don't fully understand politics. Remember that in the UK our politics, as you say, are much different since we live under a Monarchy.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=20767362&albumID=1219619&imageID=24191970

Jim: What are your goals after graduation from Marshall?

Roi: I plan on expanding my Art to a greater level and still be in the cooking world. Also, I would like to open my own catering business and/or a private chef service.

Jim: Describe the motivation and inspiration you put into your art?

Roi: I get a lot from just the photos that people send me. I focus on the assets of that person and try my best to capture their essence through the drawing itself.

Jim: What is your favorite work to date?

Roi: I did a mural of a tropical jungle scene on the wall of a woman’s beauty salon. In this mural, I did jungle cats, such as, a Black Panther in a tree to a leopard peeking through the grass.

Jim: Where can we view more of your art?

Roi: My art is on my myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/roitoy under pics in my art album.

I want to also have my very own web site soon, so I can promote my art and maybe sell a few pieces. If people are interested in my art, they can even email me their photos to: roiboy27@yahoo.com or whttiger2006@aol.com I am looking forward to hearing from people.

http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=20767362&albumID=1219619&imageID=23922106

Jim: Thank you Roi for sharing details of your life and art and philosophies with the readers of WVQN. For information on purchasing Roi's sketches or having your own done, contact the artist directly at: roiboy27@yahoo.com or whttiger2006@aol.com

Interviewed by Jim Lawson

Speak Out!With Jim Lawson!

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Copyright © 2008 West Virginia Queer News. All Rights Reserved.

Speak Out!
With Jim Lawson!