About the Artist
Roger is a local artist from Rockland, MA. His experiences in art are truly unique . . . from sitting on his father's lap, while he painted in his Hoboken, NJ studio, where Roger was born and was allowed to sip his father's coffee...to growing up in Weymouth, MA where Roger earned straight A's in Advanced Art. Roger's friend, Eddie O'Rourke, who designed the Celtic's logo and was a sign maker together with his father John's mural and sign business, after they had passed away, all fell in Roger's lap.Roger, who was also a merchant mariner, having graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy turned the sign business into a thriving computer graphics business, having one of the industry's first computers.
Roger stayed at sea and sold the business to one of his employees. Roger drew company Christmas cards aboard ship for At&T and did oil paintings for gifts.
Being in the Braintree Art Association, as his father, Roger met terrific people and teachers, including Edwina Caci, Allen Chambers,and Sandy Pohl who encouraged him to use his talent.Soon Roger met John Stobart, the world's premiere marine artist, who "firmly" admonished Roger to use his talent, to Zsuzsanna Zsegedi who made art have such meaning.Also, being friends with Richard Loud and Susan Kelley, superbly gifted artists and now to be in the atelier, with other tremendously gifted artists, of David Curtis, truly one of the best painters and teachers, Roger has been one lucky man!
Roger sailed in the merchant marine on adventurous voyages for 20 years and is currently an Assistant Professor of Marine Engineering at his alma-mater the Massachusetts Maritime Academy where he is able to share his experience and skills. Roger is now in several art associations and has won many ribbons for his work.
His grandfather, William Francis Gill, was a Master Mariner and an artist. His gifted craftsmanship produced marvelous ship models and oil paintings of the experiences he had aboard the sailing ships of the late 1800's and early 1900's.
John Joseph Gill, Roger's father, truly a gifted, good man was immensely talented.He studied art in New York City in the 1930's and at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School. He then served in the Merchant Marine, WWII, along with his brothers, receiving the Medal of Murmansk.John's artwork is adorned in many households throughout the country, including Murals in estates and restaurants.
Roger's Aunt Jean worked for Hallmark cards, his niece Michelle a fashion designer. His brother Thomas is a gifted artist, his nephew Mathew is an up and coming photographer.
Paul John Gill, Roger's nephew, was also a gifted artist. Paul was a NYC firefighter, who lost his life during 9/11. Paul's artwork can be seen at www.angelfire.com/ny5/paulgill
Roger would like to thank you for viewing his work, and hopes your journey in the world of art is as exciting as his own.Roger thanks his mother, Ruby, the most!
