HEROES #1: MARK KISTLER

Just for kicks and plugs, I am starting a new feature on my blog here. That is to post some thoughts on a hero of mine. Someone I look up to and who in some way has shaped me and my life in a positive way. Today, we talk about someone very special to me.



The first person that comes to mind when I mention my personal heroes is the man that started it all for me. That is MARK KISTLER.

In the mid-80’s, I lived out in the country. There were no neighbor kids to play with and I wasn’t into playing sports or video games at that time. We didn’t have cable. All I had access to were betamax tapes and regular 5 channel antenna TV. One station I watched regularly was PBS. I watched Sesame Street, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, all of it. But the one show that really captured my attention was THE SECRET CITY.

THE SECRET CITY starred a guy named “Commander Mark” and he taught kids how to draw in 3-D. He had this special blend of 7 magic words and 22 special art words, that when combined, made you a better artist. Toward the end of the show after the days’ lesson, he would draw on this huge mural that features space stations, aliens, dragons, ships, odd land masses, and anything else the imagination could come up with. I tuned in every day and drew along with Commander Mark and his friends on the show.

I memorized the address to send away for his DRAW SQUAD club kit. I think it included a book, eraser, pencil and drawing pad. I still have that book today, even though its been drawn in and is missing a few pages and a cover. But its one of my prized possessions. I begged my parents to send away for it and they did. I wonder if they realized what they did for me that day. They basically opened my future for me right then and there. So many kids beg to their parents that they want this or that, and they coulda ignored me. But they went for it and look where I am now.

And BTW, I can still remember the address. I’ll recite it for you in person if you ever ask me! No joke here. I really do remember it.

Young Adam was shown how to draw in 3-D and shortly thereafter, his classmates and teachers began to notice his grasp on advanced drawing concepts. This lead to advanced art training, awards, special projects, recognition and more. It was the solid foundation that molded my future in art.

A couple years ago, I contacted Mark Kistler (who still today teaches kids how to draw) and told him of how much he impacted my life and that I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for him. I got a real nice letter of response back that promised one day that we would run into each other and “talk shop” as it were. I never have gotten to track him down, but it is a goal of mine. I want to shake the hand of the man who made me who I am today.

I can only wonder how many other people’s lives he’s effected in this way. I know that without that show in my life, I never would have got into art, which is CORE to who I am now. God, I cannot even think of a life without art.

So thank you Mark Kistler. You are hero #1 in my book. I hope we cross paths one day and I get to say these things in person. You rock sir.

T