- Fred Kahler
Frederick Harry Kahler (b. July 26, 1942, Washington, DC) is an American artist and storyteller who has created over 70 unique works of art, seen by some as containing a code. Kahler does not consider himself an artist, but a tool, because he works directly from a meditative state.
Biography
Fred Kahler was born in Washington, DC on July 26, 1942. He was adopted immediately after birth into the Kahler family and raised in Arlington, Virginia. In school Fred enjoyed painting and playing music. His gifted ear would later lead him to the acoustic upright bass and playing in progressive jazz bands in DC night clubs. After high school, Fred volunteered to serve in the US Army. His natural artistic abilities found favor with the chaplains and kept him working stateside and away from Viet Nam. In 1969 Fred met and married his life partner, Mary. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he worked as a draftsman/illustrator and musician. Fred began to read books about man's quest for wholeness, oneness, as well as books on mythology, from the ancient through the contemporary. While reading the Ram Dass book 'Be Here Now', Fred began meditation with the use of mantras. The father of a friend, an astrologer and psychic, told Fred that in six years he would be drawing with pen & ink. Fred forgot about that prediction, he didn't like pen and ink because, "you can't make any mistakes". Six years later he picked up a quill pen and started drawing. Fred began to incorporate his use of mantras and his fascination with mythology and storytelling. This technique lead to the creation of a unique and intricate style, with intertwining detail. Fred was held captive by his new found passion for the next 30 years. Firmly believing his work contained a healing message for mankind, Fred hit the road with the craft show circuit. Even with huge crowds visiting his tent, Fred could not get enough financial support to continue touring. In the late 80's he exhibited in DC area galleries. Today, having rejected the gallery system, Fred's work is displayed only in museums, private collections, and select shows.
The Process
Fred creates with a quill pen and ink on drawing board without the use of magnification. In his years of meditation practice, Fred has developed a personal mantra technique, which clears any preconceptions, and invokes the vision and the nature of the work itself. Within this process, each work is revealed over a period months, sometimes years. It is the spirit of the art itself that determines the work.
References
1. Jack Livingston, Exhibition Reviews, 'All Faiths Beautiful', American Visionary Art Museum. Raw Vision #62 Spring 2008
2. Samana Mitch-Ites. 'Mapping the Multidimensional Movement of the Code', Direct Art #12, Fall/Winter 2005
3. Terrance Campbell. 'Govinda gallery group show', The Georgetowner 08/07/92
4. Frances Bishopp. 'Fred Kahler: union of technique and vision', Fauquier Times-Democrat Staff Writer 11/15/90
External links
http://www.fredkahlerart.com/
http://www.slowart.com/articles/kahl.htm
http://in.integralinstitute.org/avantgarde/gallery_kahler.aspx
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