Artistic endeavors
Alum amazes from the White House to Hollywood

On the rear window of one of his vehicles is a sign that reads “Denny Rogers, Bronze Sculptor.” Get to know the man and you’ll soon realize the statement is a gross oversimplification, as no one title is enough to describe the multi-faceted talent of Rogers ’73, M.S. ’80.

It is true that he excels in bronze sculpting, as noted by the fact that his life-size American Bald Eagle was chosen by President Ronald Reagan for use at his second inaugural in 1985. Rogers so impressed the White House that he is one of few artists with official permission to use the Presidential Seal in his two- and three-dimensional work. He gained that honor during the Carter years, with the authorization granted by other administrations as well.

Rogers is also a forensics artist, a historical artist, a wildlife artist, and an avid researcher. He is, for example, one of few people to have access to molded face castings of President Abraham Lincoln. They have proven invaluable as a research reference for his sculpting.

He has worked with law enforcement on homicide cases since age 19, and was the first in America to develop the electronic computer facial reconstruction concept. He did so while enrolled at Illinois State, where he completed his undergraduate degree in visual communications. He was the first student to earn a master’s in the University’s advanced product design program.

A former university educator and inventor with recent patents, Rogers is also a gifted illustrator. He has combined his artistic skill with his enthusiasm for the outdoors and wilderness to create a series of animal physiology books that offer meticulous drawings as a reference for artists.

His talent is appreciated in Hollywood. He has worked in the movie industry doing preproduction as a special effects artist, set designer, sculptor, consultant, and construction coordinator.

That’s not the only star connection for Rogers, who was chosen by noted country musician Willie Nelson to create his image for a line of T-shirts, posters, and an album. The project ended with friendships formed and the opportunity for Rogers to occasionally join Nelson and his band on tour.

And yet, despite such high-profile work, Rogers never fails to mention his experience as a heavy equipment operator, laborer, and ironworker.

“I attended ironworker’s school and Illinois State’s graduate school simultaneously, and I graduated from both. I set rebar in the containment walls at the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant. I have been 400 feet up on structural steel, and rode headache balls setting beams, which paid tuition to Illinois State’s art school,” Rogers said, referring back to his early days at the University. “It was both interesting and fun.”

Rogers grew up in Springfield. He arrived at Illinois State in 1968 as a freshman ready to study art. He stayed on campus 20 years, working as a faculty member in the School of Art long after finishing graduate work. He went on to master bronze sculpture and foundry technology.

Bronze is a complex artistic medium, and one not readily understood by most artists. “Hot cast bronze is among the purist, most ancient, most durable, permanent but repairable art forms throughout history,” Rogers has written. “To many artists, bronze artwork is the ultimate challenge.”

One of Rogers’ first bronze pieces, a Bighorn sheep skull, is mounted on a low pedestal near the door of his rural Bloomington log home. “I did that probably 30 years ago,” he said. “It’s nothing more than an experiment in molding. I poured it in bronze at the ISU foundry. The first project I ever worked on there was helping Keith Knoblock, the professor in sculpture.”

The Bighorn is a stark contrast to Winged Magnificence, which is the bronze bald eagle showcased by Reagan. It was on display for a year in the office of former Illinois Governor James Thompson, and was used by then Vice President George H.W. Bush during the yearlong sesquicentennial celebration of his native state of Texas.

Wings, beak, and talons outstretched, the eagle is poised mid-flight above the lofted cathedral living room in Rogers’ home. If any single piece can be said to capture the scope of Rogers’ achievements, this iconic expression of American spirit would be it.

The sculpture was done while Rogers was at Illinois State. It still stands as a manifestation of the breadth of his work—his artistic talent, his mastery of technique, his commitment to American idealism, and above all, a lifelong enthusiasm for the wilderness and all its creatures that lies at the heart of his work.

Rogers began research for Winged Magnificence in 1980. Like sculpture in any medium, it started on paper as he sketched views of the subject from every angle. To create drawings for the sculpture, Rogers turned to the resources of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. His association with the agency led to further opportunities and recognition, and continues to provide Rogers with research and inspiration.

He spends extended time in wilderness areas to study, conduct research, and also for sheer enjoyment. An eight-week trek last summer through remote Northern territories was typical of Rogers’ multipurpose ventures. He used the time in Alaska and the tundra to combine recreation with wildlife research for a future book.

One leg of the trip took him to The Yukon on business.“I’ve designed and built a goldfinding tool,” he said. “I’m always thinking about easier ways to do things. I got to watch-ing a couple of guys panning gold. I said ‘that’s labor-intensive,’ and I figured out an easier way to do it. If it works I’ll patent it and sell it.” Without revealing too many details, Rogers explained that it could significantly aid law enforcement agencies in underwater searches.

The project is just one of many for Rogers, who is also working on a series of books as yet another outlet for his illustration, draftsmanship, and knowledge of avian anatomy. The Illustrated Bald Eagle is a reference “for bird lovers, sculptors, woodcarvers and artists of all categories.” It was released in May of last year by Fox Chapel Publishing in Pennsylvania. It’s the first in a book series that will be indispensable references for anyone who wants to draw, paint, sculpt, carve, or simply deepen their appreciation for these birds of prey.

The second volume presents the screech owl and snowy owl, while the third explores the redtail hawk, peregrine falcon, and American kestrel. The fourth book focuses on the great horned owl, the barn owl, and the barred owl. Each successive work renders the subject in greater detail than the one before. The latter two volumes will be the most comprehensive to date, presenting featherby- feather illustrations of each of its subjects. The books will be marketed worldwide and should be on bookshelves before the end of the year.

Rogers hopes to follow up with more works of a similar nature. Rogers is also at work on An Eagle, An Artist…and Other Critters: The life, times and misadventures of Denny Rogers. A compilation of his work, the 450-page book is his life story retold in photographs, drawings, and text. Mayhaven Publishing in Illinois is publishing the work that includes acknowledgements of the colleagues, friends, and artists who have influenced Rogers’ life and his work. The images range from Rogers’ Yellow Rose portrait of Nelson to pencil drawings and bronze sculptures of Rogers’ parents.

While the book contracts occupy a great deal of his time and energy, Rogers makes plenty of room to pursue his most ambitious vision: a monument on the scale of Mount Rushmore to honor Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, and Ronald Reagan, the three United States presidents from Illinois (see below). Rogers has one other personal goal that he’d like to incorporate into his role as lead designer and lead sculptor—a doctoral degree. At 60, he notes that it wouldn’t make much difference to his future.

“It’s just personal unfinished business that would reflect my never-surrender nature and need for continued self-improvement in my personal fight against all odds and natural and national forces,” said Rogers, who is determined to stay productive “until gravity wins the day.”