Aaron Kessler - Alchemist of Eventide
About the Alchemist
Alchemist Explained
I, Aaron Kessler, am the “Alchemist of Eventide”, a dreamy, unusual Catholic artist who lives on the peripheries of society and grants Catholic culture strange and wondrous gifts. People both admire and fear me, while some hate me viciously. Living in a hermit’s cave, the Alchemist of Eventide studies wisdom, dreams dreams, and creates unique and rare gems that are not always valued at their true worth. My enemy is the one who brutally enforces conformity at the expense of intuitive wisdom and beauty.​
How is the Alchemist Relevant?
For most of my career I was forced to use lesser quality materials. Minimal client budgets, inferior equipment, lack of access to industry secrets - I was forced to ruthlessly experiment with what I had. Obsessed with unparalleled beauty in my work, I uncovered new and old ways to achieve the sublime. This is the alchemy that I practice to this day.
Evening is a mystical, dreamy, contemplative time of day. The modern world typically lives in perpetual midday and midnight, but I prefer the twilight. Here I bask in the mysteries of existence, glean wisdom, and encounter the supernatural. It is also the most evocative time in the twenty-four hour day.
Why Beauty?
Life is full of sorrows. You know this. Many try to forget this, but it keeps coming back to haunt them. How, then, can life be bearable?
The answer is beauty.
The lovelier the world around us, the more we are reminded of Heaven, and the more we strive to get there.
What does this have to do with film, video, and branding?
The more beautiful your work, the more attention it will obtain. If your film has beautiful color, audiences will enjoy their viewing experience more. If your video is beautiful, it will be more memorable and viewers will be more likely to take its message to heart. If your personal brand is beautiful, potential employers will be more likely to stop and listen to what you have to say.
Why Depth?
We have learned so much about our world. But more of it is left unseen. Depth alludes to this further mystery and ensures we are always learning and contemplating.
When faced with mystery, we are forced to stop.
And that is why depth is relevant to filmmaking, video, and personal branding. In all of these things, you want the audience to stop and ponder what it is you are trying to tell them.
The Alchemist's Story
Forged in a wistful, artistic childhood and a restless young adulthood cut short by mental illness, Aaron learned melancholy wisdom and deep truths about the human condition. Searching for beauty as the antidote, Aaron studied storytelling and cultivated an obsession for beautiful color. Not satisfied with obvious appearances and industry norms, Aaron forever digs for the heart of things and climbs for perfection.
In 2013, Aaron began his career in professional video production. First self-employed, then on staff at 316 Strategy Group, then as a colorist for the Emmy-winning Spirit Juice Studios. Finally, Aaron has returned to a career as self-employed, where his strong, unconventional, internal vision can be best implemented. Aaron has also written and directed a number of films, created business brands, and made video advertisements.
