Home | Archive | Travel | Videos | About

story Heather Brissenden    photographs Steve Uhraney What started out as a casual interview with the popular Oakville painter, somehow spiralled into a passionate discussion on mysticism, spirituality, Jim Morrison and the greatest mystery of all…the meaning of life. “Jim Morrison (of rock band The Doors) remains one of my greatest inspirations,” explains Jeffrey. “He was very convinced of the afterlife. He was known to have said, ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away.’” Truth be told, Mark Jeffrey is a bit of a mystery himself. A self-taught landscape artist, he is currently basking in the glow of success after showcasing his original works at the Rumi Galleries in Port Credit. The show opened to rave reviews and overwhelming success at its opening held in April with more than one hundred art lovers in attendance. Most artists would be overjoyed with the birth of new-found commercial achievement, but for Jeffrey it’s no big deal. “Not to say I’m not grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way, but honestly, nothing really matters. “Opening night was a blur for me. I never expected to have this success. There really is no plan that I’m following,” confesses Jeffrey. He believes “you can’t take anything with you after you’ve gone from this life. All that matters is if you truly helped people. Through my work, I hope to inspire people and help them to discover the beauty of the present moment.” Perhaps Jeffrey’s admirable attitude of non-attachment stems from his journey as an artist and human being. Jeffrey’s story as a painter began at the age of 28 when he was given a grim cancer diagnosis from doctors for raging skin melanoma. “This was my wake-up call that I used for the positive. Like Shakespeare said, "all the world’s a stage" and we are the players, essentially. I remember coming home from the hospital and just asking God to give me a message. That night I had a dream that my business would be closed and it would re-open closer to the street, closer to the people. I took this as a sign that I needed to interact more with people and give back. This experience also inspired me to start painting. I think, deep down, I had always felt the need and I was looking for an outlet. When I first started painting, it just felt right and the light went on.” Since overcoming this challenging experience, Jeffrey has gone on to develop his original style of landscape painting. It’s his creative style that caught the attention of the Rumi family. This powerhouse art-dealing family was proud to showcase his work earlier this year at their contemporary gallery located in the heart of Port Credit. Art director, Joseph Rumi explains. “What initially drew me to his work was its uniqueness. Mark’s work is incredibly original… Mark does no preparation as an artist, he just goes straight at the work.” Venture to Rumi Galleries and you can still find some of Jeffrey’s works on display. Joseph states, “The exhibition we held in April was called In the Moment." Mark’s all about documenting those wonderful moments in life before our lives got so busy. We used to have time to go outside and rake the leaves - to be in the garden - to go cross-country skiing. His paintings capture those wonderful, beautiful moments. He challenges you, the viewer, to stand in front and really take in that moment. It makes you think of moments that you’ve experienced and take that appreciation out into your everyday life. Creating scenes of tranquillity and stillness is vital to Mark’s message as so much of life’s beauty can be found now, in the present moment. “Life is a beautiful thing. At the same time, it can seem like a strange trip. A lot of good and bad things happen. People come and people go. It’s all just part of the journey. What’s important to me is painting the world as I see it because once I’m gone, my unique view will go with me.” Forget about the end. We want to know what’s next for Jeffrey. He confesses, “It would be great to make a living from painting, but at the same time, I don’t want the pressure of being a full-time artist. If it happens, then it happens. What will be will be. Honestly, painting is a mystical experience for me. When I’m in the flow I get this sense of love, happiness and peacefulness. I try to enjoy it, because I know that this too shall pass.” Mystical thoughts from a mystical man. For more information on Mark Jeffrey, please visit www.rumigalleries.com and for samples of his work www.markjeffrey.ca  GL

A self-taught landscape artist, Mark Jeffrey is currently basking in the glow o success after showcasing his original works at Rumi Galleries (above) in Port Credit Dartford Birch by Mark Jeffrey Perfect Night by Mark Jeffrey Looking For The Puck by Mark Jeffrey