Mark J. Kessler
A master in the art of "trompe L'oeil"
Mark J. Kessler's parents were father, Wendelin Joseph Kessler, and mother, Margret Logan Finkbeiner. Mark was born on Sept. 17, 1948, in Los Angeles, Calif., and died on Dec. 21, 2007, in Wenatchee, Wash. He had battled emphysema for the past seven years. Mark attended Catholic school until graduation. He married Bonnie Gillmore, mother of Shanti Kessler, in 1967. Mark and Bonnie lived on Camano Island, Wash., where they built a house after a fire destroyed the log cabin they had bought. They divorced in 1976. Mark remarried in 1978 to Laurene Louise Raphel and they divorced in 1989. She passed away in 1990. His current life partner was Kathy Densmore. He is survived by his daughter, Shanti Kessler.
My father, Mark J. Kessler, practiced the "Golden Rule" every day of his life. He was open to talking with anyone and up for any adventure. Most of Mark J. Kessler's works were originals and were not reproduced. His paintings covered a wide range of subjects including; still life, natures' scenery, Native American Indian portraits, surreal social commentary images, miniatures and landscapes on jade. After high school, Mark studied art with Raymond Bayless, artist and parapsychologist. Two other significant artists that were longtime friends are Andrew Annenberg, artist, and Terry Williams, carver and silversmith. For each piece of art my father produced he researched laboriously. He studied other artists' works, viewed photographs in books, clipped images from magazines for color and subject, took photographs of nature and planned his pieces thoughtfully and in rhythm with nature. He was interested in scared geometry and its ever presence in life. He wowed at nature and did honor in capturing its color and detail. One is invited to reach into his works, tastes the fruit, touch the glass or feel the wetness of a dewdrop.
His works were exhibited and sold in galleries in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Calif.; Washington, D.C.; New York; Seattle; Bosque, N.M.; Clearwater, Fla.; Nutley, N.J.; Skagway, Alaska, and Scottsdale, Ariz. He received international recognition and numerous Best in Show awards. His most recent honor was Best in Show at the Winterfest Art Show 2006 in Soap Lake, awarded by the Art Guild of the Soap Lake Area.
My father was blessed to have followed his passion, being an artist. He not only found passion and satisfaction in producing his works, but he admired other artists such as Fredric Edwin Church, William M. Harne and Albert Bierstabdt. My father worked best at night and would easily become consumed with his work and stay up until morning painting. He was self-taught in various subjects; architecture, sacred geometry, paranormal, entrepreneurial business, astronomy, astrology, art techniques, geography, photography, Eastern philosophies and the diversity of Native American Indian cultures, to name a few. He loved discovering new ideas and sharing his discoveries with others. Many people found my dad to be one of the most interesting, gentle and kind individual they had met.
My father was a teacher. Over the years he taught many people in the art of "trompe L'oeil" at Camano Island, Darrington, Port Orchard, Seattle and the Soap Lake area. His students were diverse in age, talent and passion. Some of his students developed a hobby and others found a passion. Whatever category his students can be divided into, one thing they all have in common is the privilege of having learned from a master. Past students of his, that I have met over the years, always describe him a patient and kind. He inspired them to reach beyond themselves and connect with the universe.
A memorial will be hosted by Julie A. Anderson and Mara Greene on Jan. 13 at Soap Lake Senior Center from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This life celebration is a community event and potluck (finger foods). There will also be a chance to participate in a memorial painting that will reside within the community.