As created beings (both physical and spiritual) we are able to look past the outer more tangible sights and deeper into the more inner metaphysical concepts. Being human is the journey. And the journey is being human. And all of it...the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, the joy, the sorrow, and especially the never ending questions...it's all relevant to the eternal questions: Who Am I? Why Am I Here?
For each of us (those who have come before, those who are, and those who are yet to arrive) the way we (humans) answer those questions (the way we choose to live) reflects (shines) on the faces of those we encounter along the way. The good, the bad...etc. Our stories are written on each other. And our stories are read by one another. And if we are ever so aware with new eyes, we will catch glimpses of each other on each other's faces, in each other's hearts, upon each other's lives; even after our life spirit has departed from our physical body.
I have a friend who has done this kind of "painting on people's lives". He recently departed our physical presence...but he still abides in each of us who were touched by him. And we are experiencing that contrasting relevance...together. In community and collaboration, we are reflecting and shining.
Esau "Mark" Kessler
artist, writer, graphic designer, musician, businessman, entrepreneur, radio and online persona, art minister, father, lover, son, friend. ...and personal fan to so many!
Esau "Mark" Kessler
The "New Eyes" exhibit: The art of Esau "Mark" Kessler
Some examples of Esau "Mark" Kessler's art.
*Mark, your 48 years has highly impacted all those who encountered you. The world is a better place for knowing you. Thank you for living your life to the fullest, for loving yourself as you did, and in turn being able to love us as you did. We have all been encouraged by who you are, to be who we are. We are better people for knowing you. You helped us have new eyes to reflect and shine. Thank you for your friendship. I love you and miss you.* -me
Mark's memorial service was held between the Christmas and New Year holidays. An incredible amount of people from all over and all walks of life gathered together to honor and reflect the dude we so lovingly miss. He positively touched so many lives (young and old, from all backgrounds and walks of life).
I was blessed to collaborate with my artist friend Lukas Evergreen to paint live during the service as a tribute to Mark. Mark was a huge supporter of local artists and musicians. He helped to promote Lukas and my work (individually, and jointly as the performance art company "Marten Evergreen"). Performing live at his memorial was a great honor.
We painted to the One Republic song "I Lived" (you can play the song below).
Photos taken by Birgit Phelps and Sarah Goetter.
"I Lived" 3ftx3ft mixed media on canvas. Performed live on 12-30-14 by Marten Evergreen for Esau "Mark" Kessler
As we enter a new year, many of us (myself included), are grieving, maneuvering through pain, holding onto hope and love, and learning the oh so fragile and constant steps of the dance of joy and sorrow. May our life song be one of breathing in deeply, never giving up, reaching out, creating, making sweet memories, and loving much and loving well. May the legacy we leave behind be like the one my dear friend Mark has left...a legacy that reflects and shines with new eyes. And may it be said of us, that throughout all the beautiful mess of life..."I Lived".
Much Aloha, my friends.
Mark has a fiance and 4 kids (with one grandchild on the way). Here is a link if you'd like to contribute to a fund helping the family out with finances in memory of Mark:
Esau "Mark" Kessler Memorial Fund
Well said Lisa. Mark is missed every day.
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