Category: WHAT ARE WE THINKING at Rafi and Klee

Recently, I was given the honor of creating a piece of art for a great local company, something large that would hang by the meeting room and lobby. They wanted something that would tell a story about their passion for paper, and add a little color to their offices.

You guys know that I don’t take on commissions unless it fascinates me, for every 10 people who ask me to do something, I may do one. Commissioned paintings aren’t shown in galleries, or in public most of the time, and generally take a lot longer to create. So when I do take on a commission, it’s because I am excited about the concept, or I really connect with the person who is trying to commission me.

This being a corporate commission, I was surprised to find that I was excited about the concept and I absolutely adore the people who commissioned me.

The piece tells their story, and is constructed of materials that they produce. They ship different paper products all over the world.

The piece tells the story of their global reach, production, transportation, uses, and overall importance of what they create. So much comes together in order to make a perfect picture, adding a little color to the world in the process.

That was the overall story I wanted to tell.

I am so proud of this piece, it pushed me beyond some of my own personal limits, and it definitely pushed my studio to it’s size limit, which was fun.

Watch this video for the why and how of the Oren International Commission:

-Rafi

A few years ago, I had gone through a pretty difficult time and I honestly wasn’t sure that I would make it. It was during this that I discovered the power of reassurance and three little birds.

Bob Marley repeated simple words in my mind with imagery of three little birds to remind me that no matter how difficult things seemed to get, that everything was going to work out for me.

Let me tell you in his words:

 Don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Rise up this mornin’
Smiled with the risin’ sun
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Saying’, (this is my message to you)

Singing’ don’t worry ’bout a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Singing’ don’t worry (don’t worry) ’bout a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Rise up this mornin’
Smiled with the risin’ sun
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Sayin’, this is my message to you

Singin’ don’t worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh
Every little thing gonna be alright, don’t worry
Singin’ don’t worry about a thing, I won’t worry
“‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Singin’ don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright, I won’t worry

Singin’, don’t worry about a thing
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright

Singin’ don’t worry about a thing, oh no
‘Cause every little thing gonna be alright

If you’ve ever wondered “Hmmmm, I wonder why Rafi paints birds?” now you know.

Ever changed and ever inspired by the beauty, simplicity, and love in that song.

So, I bet you are wondering why there is such a dramatic title to this blog post. The short answer is that I have been feeling a bit dramatic lately, don’t worry just a bit.

You ever get that feeling like you’re being followed around by a doom cloud that you just can’t shake, or disperse, or evaporate, or whatever it is you do to get rid of clouds of doom?

That’s how I’m feeling. I’m pretty sure it has something to do with winter blues, getting sick in the beginning of the year, along with a few other odds and ends that have added up. Either way, I’m not writing this post to lament my miseries upon you, that would be a waste of time.

I’ve had a lot of wins recently, and a lot of failures, supportive people in my life, and ruthlessly mean people that have called me vile things… It’s easy to downward spiral and feel more failures and mean people than ever. Oh yeah, and that my art is sucking more and more every day… that’s easy to do as well.

I’m writing this blog to share something with you, in case you’ve been feeling similar to me. I know a lot of people are under the impression that I never have these types of feelings, and that’s just not true.

We all experience this stuff. We feel like failures, insignificant, or like an impostor in our own life.

It’s not whether or not we experience it or not, it’s how we handle it. Sometimes things are going to suck, and you may not like yourself or someone else very much. In those moments, it’s easy to forget that any other feeling exists… but they do.

Feelings like love, appreciation, confidence, happiness. Stopping and taking in that moment and realizing I’m still here, I’m still breathing, I’m still alive, and I’m going to rock this life thing. It’s remembering that no matter what is going on, you get to choose what you are going to focus on, and how you choose to feel about it.

Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting outside and going for a walk, anything, doing something to break the spell of the funk.

I’m still standing, and so are you… I mean, unless you’re sitting down, but even then you still rock.

 

I made a change recently to my mural in downtown Pensacola. Although you would think that someone asking me to change my artwork would be offensive, in this case I was honored.

If you remember correctly, I created a large Pensacola mural at 114 Palafox place, which was Marty Campbell Gallery. I wanted to create something that would make people proud of this beautiful place that I’ve fallen in love with.

Originally, I had a multicultural woman’s face as a representation of the diverse culture here.

When Marty moved his gallery back out to Gulf Breeze, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen to the mural. I knew that the property owner loved the mural and would attempt to protect it. She would also need to make her new tenants happy, and if they didn’t like the mural, there was a good chance it would get painted over.

Then, Innerlight Surf Shop moved in, and they loved the mural, but wanted to make one change. They wanted to add Yancy Spencer III. After a beautiful and heartfelt conversation with Lydia (The Late Yancy’s wife), I decided to do it, and it needed to be perfect.

Now, I’m not sure if you know this, but Yancy is regarded as the father of Gulf Coast surfing. Not only that, but he was an amazing human, so I was honored to make the changes.

I know some people, may be upset that I changed an aspect of my original mural, but trust me, I am so thrilled to have painted a legend.

Another year has come and gone. I’m doing my art thing, and luckily I still love it. That being said, it can be quite challenging at times.

I seem to learn a big lesson every year, especially through the chaos that is the holiday season. This year was no different, although I would prefer to learn my lessons without feeling like I am dying. I came down with what felt like a small case of the black plague in which I was pretty much incapacitated and struggled to move, let alone work.

Because I am hard headed, I pushed through it and got to work in the studio. Which always ended in me feeling worse and crashing. The next morning I would feel slightly better or worse and I would push myself again. This pattern continued for several days, until I just couldn’t push at all.

To my surprise my internal conversation had become vicious. I felt like I was a worthless waste of space because I wasn’t working.

I paused for a moment to evaluate my thoughts.

I realized that I was pushing myself hard because I was afraid that if I took time off, I would cause irreparable damage to my art career.

So here is what I learned from that experience:

1. If you’re sick, take care of yourself, the hell with work.
2. If you love what you do, be careful not to turn it into work.
3. The world will be fine if you take some time off.
4. Working hard is not the same as working smart.
5. If you start taking yourself too seriously, stop.
6. Just have fun, life is too short to be caught up in seriousness.
7. Don’t try to impress anyone, you’re already impressive.
8. You’ve got nothing to prove, just follow your heart.
9. I love chicken soup, lime, and cayenne pepper when I’m sick.
10. It’s OK to binge watch Netflicks when you are ill.

Yup… life changing if you ask me 🙂

 

 

I am excited to announce that Klee and I will be out this Gallery Night (12-15) at the Holiday Makers Market. This is going to be a festive and fun event full of cookies, hot cider, holiday tunes, movies, and amazing artwork.

 

The market will feature 30 independent makers and artists such as Pensacola Graffiti Bridge Project, Poppy Garcia, Teatree Boutique, Joe Hobbs Glass, Klee and I, and a variety of other custom and handcrafted gifts created by local talent.

Admission is free – all ages welcome. Shoppers are encouraged to bring a donation of a classroom art supply for the Pensacola Museum of Art education department. Suggested donations include: color pencils, crayons, markers, paint and drawing paper. But all art supply donations are welcomed!

Come by and say “Hola!” we love that!

What: Holiday Makers Market

When: Friday, Dec. 15 from 6-9 p.m.

Where:  Cowork @nnex, located at 13 Palafox Pl.

Why: Holiday Awesomeness! and unique gift ideas.

Wow… the day has finally arrived. This is the deadline for pre-ordering calendars and there are 3 hours left… I will be pulling the calendars down at midnight tonight.

“Thank you” to everyone that made it possible for me to achieve something that I have been too scared to do (I know, it doesn’t make sense to me either). Your love and belief in me, expressed in your excitement for these calendars, has been a driving force in pushing me to continue past my doubts. Because Of that, these are AMAZING!!! And I can’t wait for you to see them.

I will be shipping out calendars incrementally after the deadline. Expect to receive your calendars before December 1st.

I know a lot of people are asking me if I’ll have calendars at the Palafox Market after the deadline, and to be honest with you, I don’t think so, we’ll have to see. As for now they are only available on line.

This was a huge learning experience for me, one that I am proud and thankful for. I can honestly say, I’ve got next year on lock down.

If you are still interested in a 2018 Rafi Calendar please order before midnight. Thank you!!!!

Important Dates:

Deadline To Order Calendars: November 15th, 2017 at 11:59PM

SHIPPING: Will ship after deadline, you will receive your calendar before December 1st.  

 

I want to start this by saying “thank you” to everyone that has pre-ordered a calendar thus far, you guys have made it possible for me. Your love and belief in me, expressed in your excitement for these calendars, has been a driving force in their creation.

Some of you may be thinking “Rafi, it’s just a calendar, get over it.”

 

I have thought about releasing calendars for the last four years, and somehow managed to talk myself out of it every year. I’m pretty sure deep down it had to do with fear of rejection or something silly like that.

Luckily, this year I decided it was better to try and fail, than to not try at all… and the rest is happening as we speak… So, THANK YOU!

You have been patiently (and impatiently) reading updates and waiting for the release date.

The final count down to order calendars is November 15th, 2018 by midnight. Then I will remove calendars from the site. I will be shipping out calendars incrementally after the deadline. Expect to receive your calendars before December 1st.

I know a lot of people are asking me if I’ll have calendars at the Palafox Market after the deadline, and to be honest with you, I don’t think so, we’ll have to see. As for now they are only available on line.

This was a huge learning experience for me, one that I am proud and thankful for. I can honestly say, I’ve got next year on lock down.

If you are still interested in a 2018 Rafi Calendar please order before the November 15th Deadline. Thank you!!!!

Important Dates:

Deadline To Order Calendars: November 15th, 2017 at 11:59PM

SHIPPING: Will ship after deadline, you will receive your calendar before December 1st.