Author: Artist Rafi Perez

Rafi is an award winning contemporary artist who creates emotionally charged works. He is best known for his use of texture and bold color palates in striking pieces that each has a story to tell. Rafi is a self taught artist who spent years refining his own techniques and creating a style that is all his own. He has a unique ability to absorb colors and emotions in a very abstract way and is somehow able to translate it into the high energy fine art for which he is known. "He is driven to communicate visual qualities of perhaps the external environment which offers us freedom and inspiration as we cope with awesome focal points in the vast open space surrounding our existence. He attempts to show the internal passion of human sensuality that brings quality to our senses stimulating and extending our consciousness elevating life as individuals or sharing space with others around us. Ultimately Rafi seems to convey simple sophistication and intellectual freedom as he uses the visual language to express the human potential." - Spiros Zachos (PO10TIAL Magazine)
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Working on Some New Amazing Artwork in Gulf Breeze This Weekend

Klee and I had a wonderful day having a photo shoot in which we took several great pictures for some of the new paintings I’ll be working on at in Gulf Breeze. Some of the designs will be for a secret unveiling at Gallery Night in Pensacola on May 18th.

The pictures themselves were amazing and we loved how they came out. You can find some more on my facebook page.

"In Prayer" New Design for Rafi Was Here Studios

https://www.facebook.com/Rafiwashere

http://www.rafiwashere.com

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Rafi and Klee’s Life-Changing Road Trip Adventure

Imagine leaving the corporate grind behind, trading in the daily 9-to-5 for endless highways and sunsets. That’s exactly what Rafi and Klee did when they decided to embark on a life-changing adventure. With a refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer as their home on wheels, they set out on a two-year road trip across the United States. Their mission? To break free from the societal programming they grew up with and rediscover themselves through their unique lens.

Starting from Illinois, their journey took them through diverse landscapes, all the way to the sun-kissed beaches of southern Florida. As early adopters of the van life movement, they filmed their travels before it became a popular trend, capturing the essence of living freely and authentically. Each day presented a new challenge and a new opportunity to rely on their ingenuity and creativity.

Rafi and Klee sitting on the back of their refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer during their road trip, smiling and enjoying their adventure in a tropical setting.

During a significant part of their journey, they paused in Pensacola, Florida, to support Rafi’s father as he recovered from heart surgery. This period became a foundation for their burgeoning art business, blending their talents and newfound perspectives into a thriving venture.

“A New Life” is more than just a road trip; it’s a testament to hope, self-belief, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone. This adventure was the spark that ignited their passion, proving that when you dare to follow your own path, incredible things can happen. Join Rafi and Klee as they share their inspiring story, one mile at a time, and one adventure at a time. As of 2021, the new chapter in their adventure is owning a home and art studio in Pennsylvania.

Here are some pictures they took while on the road.

A person walking along a paved path towards a grassy mound in an open area, with trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
A person standing on a wooden walkway by a water body, surrounded by autumn foliage and trees.
A person stands on a wooden railing, gazing out at a calm lake surrounded by autumn trees with golden leaves.
A sunset view from a road, with a horizon displaying colorful clouds and silhouetted hills in the background.
A person sitting on the beach, gazing out at the ocean under a cloudy sky.
A man wearing sunglasses and a headband enjoys a piece of fried chicken outdoors, with a blurred market backdrop.
A view from inside a shop showcasing two parked cars, one being a vintage ride with artistic designs on the roof, and the other a sleek black car. There is a prominent sign for Interstate batteries in the foreground along with a shelf filled with various items in the background.
A dimly lit campsite with a 1992 Ford Explorer, surrounded by tarps and string lights, creating a cozy atmosphere.
A decorated 1992 Ford Explorer with a colorful tarp providing shelter, featuring camping chairs in a natural outdoor setting.
A person standing near a water body, observing an alligator among the surrounding vegetation.
A person crouches near a colorful van that features graffiti reading 'I Was Here.' The scene is set in a wooded area with camping gear and belongings scattered around.
A refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer with colorful swirls painted on its side, parked near a beach pavilion under a clear sky.
A portable camping stove with a blue pot cooking on it, set up in a natural outdoor environment with leaves and dirt visible.
A person standing in a dense forest, wearing a blue hoodie and sunglasses, holding onto a tree branch.
A person in a bandana is observing a small frog while holding a green tarp in a natural setting.
A person sitting in a camping chair outside a tent-like setup attached to a vehicle, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves.
A 1992 Ford Explorer parked in a campsite surrounded by tall palm trees, with a kayak on top of the vehicle.
A person wearing glasses and a beanie leans over a railing, looking out towards a vast, open landscape under a clear blue sky.
A woman sitting in a camping chair under a green tarp, looking contemplative.
View from inside a makeshift tent showing bare feet and camping chairs outside, with fairy lights in the background.
A person standing beside a refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer parked on a dirt road, surrounded by greenery.
A woman stands beside a colorful, refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer, which is packed with gear and has art painted on the rear. The setting appears to be a residential area.
A person crouched near a campfire, using a stick to tend to the flames while a pot sits on the grill above the fire, surrounded by a natural setting.
Two men shaking hands in front of a Native American tipi, with one dressed in traditional attire and the other in casual clothing.
A person sitting inside a camper, with knee visible and a dimly lit interior featuring green tarps and a microphone.
A man sits in a tent, playing an acoustic guitar, with trees and greenery visible in the background.
A concert stage set for a holiday performance, featuring a choir in the background, surrounded by decorated greenery and festive wreaths.
A man kneels in front of a crocodile within a fenced area, demonstrating a close encounter. The setting includes a thatched roof structure and an audience observing in the background.
A stage set for a performance in a spacious auditorium, featuring a wooden backdrop and a large decorative banner. In the foreground, an audience is seated in colorful chairs, attentively watching performers in traditional attire on stage.
A sepia-toned image of two people joyfully standing on top of a colorful 1992 Ford Explorer, surrounded by palm trees.
A colorful rooster standing on the pavement in front of a building with laundry equipment and bales of fabric in the background.
A pelican perched on a concrete pier with the ocean in the background and a blue sky.
A person interacting with a white horse behind a wooden fence in a barn setting.
A person feeding a large fish in the water with a spoon, showcasing the interaction between human and marine life.
Close-up view of a refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer painted with colorful designs, featuring the words 'RAFI WAS HERE' and 'EXPLORER' on the sides.
Interior view of a refurbished Ford Explorer, showing two legs in shorts, a fan, and sheer curtains, indicating a cozy living space on a road trip.
A refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer parked in a wooded area, featuring colorful decals and a rooftop storage box.
A woman wearing a coat is preparing coffee using a coffee maker in an outdoor setting surrounded by trees.
A man wearing a black shirt, ripped jeans, and sandals walks along a boardwalk by the sea, playing an acoustic guitar.
A person looking at warning signs on a wooden pier, indicating caution for jumping sharks and regulations for fishing from the pier.
A child in a blue hoodie holds a small alligator while standing on a wooden platform, with two other people partially visible in the background.
A colorful food stand featuring a cartoon rat mascot on the roof, with bright green walls and a sign displaying 'Nathan's'. The stand includes an open service window, trash bins, and various snack packages visible inside.
A refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer parked under trees with a tent set up, featuring colorful decorations and the logo 'RAFISWASHERE.COM'.
A refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer parked at a scenic location with palm trees in the background, featuring a colorful design on its side and equipped with outdoor gear on the roof.
A sunset over the ocean, casting golden rays on the water, with an island silhouette in the background.
A person sitting on the hood of a colorful, decorated 1992 Ford Explorer, with the words 'RAFITWASHERE.COM' prominently displayed. The individual is wearing a red bandana and casual clothing, looking contemplative.
Two people kayaking in clear waters, with one person holding a paddle and wearing a black and white striped top.
A person standing in shallow water at a beach, wearing a t-shirt and plaid shorts, holding sandals in one hand, with the ocean and horizon visible in the background.
Rafi and Klee sitting in the back of their Ford Explorer while being filmed by a crew member in a tropical setting.
PBS Interview
A woman playing a flute while a man observes in a room with a fish tank and various natural items on display.
Rafi and Klee smiling for a selfie against a sunny sky, featuring blue and white clouds.
A group of seven people sitting around a table in a restaurant, smiling and enjoying their time together. The atmosphere is casual, with colorful artwork on the walls and drinks on the table.
Rafi and Klee sitting on the back of their refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer, smiling at the camera while surrounded by greenery.
Interior view of a vintage vehicle dashboard with decorative ornaments and a long, empty highway ahead.
A person in a white shirt and dark pants inspects an ancient grave site, taking a photograph of a partially collapsed burial area surrounded by overgrown plants.
A woman sitting in a camping chair next to a tent setup, smiling and enjoying a drink in a grassy area.
A dolphin swimming in green ocean waters, breaking the surface as it moves gracefully.
View from inside a vehicle on a deserted country road, framed by leafless trees and a cloudy sky.
A person taking a selfie in a vehicle's side mirror, looking contemplative while surrounded by nature.
A man and a woman sitting together inside a tent, smiling and enjoying a warm drink, with soft light illuminating the scene.
A person standing on a rocky ledge, overlooking a vast landscape with rolling hills and a cloudy sky.
A refurbished 1992 Ford Explorer decorated with swirling green designs and a cloud on top, parked in a natural outdoor setting with trees in the background.
A person walking through a cemetery, surrounded by white tombs and greenery.
Rear view of a colorful 1992 Ford Explorer adorned with a 'Coexist' sticker, storage containers, and supplies on the roof. The sun is visible in the background through trees.