An artistic icon in the "Deep Ellum" area since 1992, Leroy Roper has seen the rise and fall and rise of one Dallas' historic neighborhoods, and the citys' true Arts District, "Deep Ellum". Mr. Roper is somewhat of a "renaissance man", first a writer (he was an award winning journalist before graduating High school), an artist ( he began drawing at age six, when his older brother Charles put a pencil in his hand and asked him to draw something), a backdrop painter (He has painted backdrops from 9x12 to 20 x 70 feet for films, commercials, corporations and magazine advertisements), a photographer (His photographs of Erykah Badu have been seen internationally), a bodyartist (Articles have been written about Leroy's bodyart and fantasy photography throughout the world), and the publisher of the online magazine "Gothic Vogue", which is now in it's third year of existence.
With a combination of hand-painted backgrounds, painted bodies and photography, Leroy has produced what has become known as The Fantasy Art Of Leroy Roper. The major theme behind Leroy's work is "the empowerment of women".
"There is a character in Greek mythology that carries the weight of the world upon his shoulders, I believe most women accomplish that feat on a daily basis. We ALL came to the earth through the vessel of woman." says Roper, and anyone who has known him over the years has heard that statement repeated often.
Leroy also believes in "Mother Nature" and is a conservationist. Another of his themes and philosophies:
"If we put a human face on nature we will be less likely to destroy the planet."
His main point being, that if we see ourselves in nature, we will not so readily hunt species to extinction or destroy their natural habitats...In doing so, we only destroy ourselves...
"Being a writer by trade, I want all of my images to tell a story...whether it be a drawing, a painting or a photograph"
Leroy is featured along with eight other world reknowned photographers in the coffee table book "Angels Delight", which was published in Switzerland the fall in 2004 and is available at all major book stores, as well as, Amazon.com.
Mr. Roper has now joined with " eXcuses eXtreme Cafe " to house The Leroy Roper Gallery. The gallery, of course, will be dominated by Mr. Ropers various talents and he will also maintain an area for guest and featured artist. The Cafe boasts wonderful coffees, breakfasts, sandwiches and beverages, all inside of a very warm atmosphere. There are also "wi-fi" connections available for patrons...The gallery also host monthly "Gothic Vogue Nights" to celebrate each new issue of the publication with what he calls "360 degrees of art".
"At our shows we have not only had paintings and photographs, but culinary artist, our consistent opera singer Jenn Opera, my bodypainted hostesses, classically stylish burlesque by Tiffany Diamond, performance art and a variety of musical styles, as well as an incredible DJ. Not to mention the wonderful staff of Excuses. Yes, 360 degrees of art"
"It is a beautiful location and like myself and many others in the "deep ellum" area, it has been like a phoenix rising out of the ashes. Out of the ashes to become a bright light and new beacon to bring people back to our historic area. At least that is my hope. When people enter the gallery, I want them to feel warmth, enlightenment and upliftment. And when they leave, I want them to be inspired to follow their own artistic passion."
"As I have said in my publication, The most endangered species at this moment in time is Creative Thought...The only wrong way to do art, is not to do it...We all may be thinking the same thing, but YOU may be the only one who can say it in a way that we all can understand, and if you do not say it, it may never be said. Honor the gift of your presence by being yourself to the utmost." - Leroy Roper.
Leroy is currently working in the process of releasing The Art Of Leroy Body Paints...a make-up collection from Spell Cosmetics...His exclusive make-up artist for "Gothic Vogue" magazine, Tiffany Diamond currently has a cosmetics line with Spell: "Gothic Vogue By Tiffany", which can be found at www.spellcosmetics.com.
The Leroy Roper Gallery is open as of 9 a.m. Tuesday thru
Saturdays. To commission works from Mr. Roper or to schedule a
photography session email him at: leroy@leroyroper.com or call his
Deep Ellum studio at 214-748-8767 ...Also visit his websites:
http://www.leroyroper.com/
http://www.myspace.com/artofleroy
and his online magazine "Gothic Vogue" at http://www.myspace.com/gothicvogue.
The Leroy Roper Gallery eXclusively @ eXcuses eXtreme Cafe
3025 Main St., Dallas, Tx., 75226 214-741-1111
Leroy Roper studio: 214-748-8767