Category: WHAT ARE WE THINKING at Rafi and Klee

Recently someone asked me:

“hey, did you ever finish that mural you were working on downtown?”

“Yes… Kinda… Well, I still have to varnish it.”

The mural is officially finished, and ready for your viewing pleasure, but I have to put the protective coating on it. I was going to wait until it got a bit cooler, but based on a recent text message I received, I think I’ll do it next week.

This is kinda how the message went:

James: Hey, I think someone kissed the mural.

Me: Haha, yes, she’s beautiful.

James: No, I mean someone put lipstick on the mural.

Me: What??

Now, I’m not worried about a little lipstick, in fact I’m kind of honored that someone would press their lips to my mural in adoration… but I should probably protect it sooner than later.

So, I’ll be out there around 10am on Friday, October 14th and rolling on the protective layer. The thing I am most looking forward to is the change in contrast that takes place when you varnish something. Deep colors get deeper, and light colors seem to glow, let’s just say, it’s going to look amazing.

To all my peeps in Pensacola, come see it after that date, it should be pretty amazeballs. To all my awesome interweb folks, I’ll take pictures.

I explain my reasoning behind the mural in this video, enjoy:

To view pictures of the mural process Click HERE

Thank you so much! You are awesome!

-Rafi

So, yesterday I submitted some pieces that I created for a juried art show that takes place at Artel Gallery, in downtown Pensacola.

I’m sure most of you will find it hard to believe, that it was a terrifying act for me. Yeah, only my closest friends (and now you) know that I have an childlike fear of having my art judged by art competition judges.

Let’s make something clear, I don’t mind having my art judged. People judge my art all the time, some love it, some hate it, either way, it doesn’t bother me. Put the art in a competitive setting and I become a nervous third grader.

Now, I’m fully aware this is ridiculous. I’m an established artist, I have collectors of my work, and I am well known… yet, just because it doesn’t make sense, doesn’t mean I didn’t almost piss myself yesterday.

This video will let you live my experience yesterday: 

The theme of the show is about animal life. The show is called “It’s A Zoo In Here” and runs for the month of October.

I decided to enter the show, face my fears, and submit my art… For the past few years, I’ve been working on getting rid of silly fears that stand in the way. Sometimes, I have to push outside of my comfort zones, which seems to be an ongoing thing, so I better get used to it.

I created two pieces for the show called “Rags to Fishes” and “Rehabilitation Of Beauty.” My friend and art collector, Monica Gaskins owns a Zebra sculpture I created recently, and she allowed me to submit it as my third piece.

“Rags to Fishes” is a sculpture I created using old pieces of canvas that I collected from the stretching process. They typically get thrown away, but it seemed like such a waste to throw perfectly good canvas away…  that stuff is expensive, and I couldn’t bring myself to just throw it away.

Watch the video above to hear which piece won best of show… That’s right! I won best of show… How awesome is that!

The show reception is Wednesday, October 12, 6pm-8pm. Klee and I will be there, which is also outside of my comfort zone because I got best of show, and there is a part of me that doesn’t know how to handle that… Like I said ridiculous, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. 🙂

The show runs October 4th – Oct 28th, 2016.

 

 

Every once in a while I create a piece that causes me to step back and say “Holy crap… I did that?”

This is one of those pieces.

It is a depiction of the most beautiful woman I know, surrounded by white doves. The painting symbolizes silent power, peace, and love.

Usually, when I model, or ask Klee to model, I just use the image as a reference for shadows and perspective. This time, I was so taken by the photograph, and the beautiful expression on her face, that  I did not deviate much.

Of course, no doves were harmed in the making of this painting. There were no doves in the actual photograph because… well, I didn’t have any, and that would have been messy.

White doves, are used in a variety of settings as symbols of love, peace or as messengers. Doves have appear in symbolism for hundreds of years, and by just about all religions. I wanted them to seem as though they were coming from within her, as if she was sending out, pure positive energy to the world.

Her eyes hold a silent confidence, and emit love… A very powerful look.

So there you have it, a beautiful painting of a beautiful girl.

Have you ever had someone tell you that you are not good enough? Did you believe them?

This picture is of me working in my art studio, creating art for a solo exhibition, because I am a full-time artist, who makes a living from his art. This is not what my teacher predicted… Guess he’s not a psychic.

If I had believed my art teacher in school, when he was telling me that I wasn’t good enough, and that “You will never make it as an artist” I probably wouldn’t be writing any of this right now.

But, I didn’t believe him… Well, eventually.

It’s interesting how such an insignificant event, had such an impact on my career as an artist. I’m sure he doesn’t even remember saying it, but his words stayed with me longer than I’d like to admit.

Watch this video to hear the full story:

Now, I wouldn’t change a thing, because eventually my journey lead me to finding my own confidence, and there is no point in wishing that things had gone differently.

It would be a lie, if I didn’t admit, that every once in a while, I wonder where I would be, had I started my art career sooner… But, it is what it is, and I’m enjoying the ride thus far.

Why am I sharing this story?

I wanted to reach out to anyone out there that may be experiencing the same thing. Whether it be a creative field, a life goal, or a dream, Don’t ever believe anybody that tells you that you can’t do something.

It took me a few years to learn this for myself, but now that I have, I am unstoppable. I’ve learned that the only way you can ever truly fail at anything, is to give up. With my art career, I had given up, before I even started.

Because I lacked confidence in my ability to persevere, I took to heart the comments of naysayers in my family, and eventually my teacher.

Luckily, I put all that crap behind me and I know that the only thing that matters, is whether or not I believe I can do it.

So, if you believe you can do it, (no matter what it is) then you can… plain and simple.

Thank you for reading my rambles! Remember to stay endlessly inspired by the stuff of life.

-Rafi

 

Happy Sunday! I start you off with an amazing quote I heard this week that made me smile:

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” -Marcus Aurelius

This week is the beginning of the holiday awesomeness for us. Which means we’ll be spending a lot of time in the studio. We also have a full schedule of festivals, shows, and some new creations in the works. Enjoy this weeks creations:

Rustic Hammer Textured Cuff Bracelets

“I love texture; how something feels to the touch and how a rich texture can appeal visually as well as physically. These hammer forged bracelets are full of the kind of rustic elegant textures that I adore.”

“There’s something that’s old world meets contemporary about them. And watching them take form as I’m creating them, it never gets old for me.” -Klee

The Deep Blue

“This is part of a series that was inspired by the calming music that came on Pandora in the studio. It just came to me, this image of the Blue Whale in the serene quiet blue of the ocean.” -Rafi

“Sanctuary” Garden Quartz Necklace

“Garden Quartz is a fascinating variety of included Quartz crystal, with inclusions of different mineral types and colors which often resemble vibrant gardens or underwater scenes. Each one is unique, no two are ever the same. I call this the ‘sanctuary series’ because each one is like a personal secret garden.” -Klee

Quiet Passion

“The holding of the white rose to symbolize the quiet passion that flows through our inspiration.” -Rafi

Willow Tree With Blue Sapphire “Stars”

“This very thoughtful anniversary/birthday gift was an awesome commission project for some people that I love most dearly. I was happy to take on the challenge and create this willow tree with blue sapphire stars dangling above it. It has all kinds of number symbology represented within the design, and can be worn at three different lengths.” -Klee

Butterflies

” It never fails, show me a butterfly, and watch me stare in awe. This piece brings the magic I feel to life.” -Rafi

Have an amazing week! You are awesome! Remember to stay endlessly inspired by the stuff of life!

It’s no secret that Klee and I are all about embracing your inner child, and living a life full of adventure… Also being weird, and all those other things that people think artists are.

 

I am pretty much convinced that kids have life all figured out. I mean, think about it, chances are you were once a kid. Chances are you were even fun and spontaneous, with a great sense of humor.

Then, at some point, you were welcomed into the ritualistic daily grind of adulthood, gradually eradicating your inner child. Let’s be honest, most adults suck, they feel frustration instead of hope, and care too much about what others think of them.

But, if you are reading this, chances are, you are not much of an adult. You are that magical creature that keeps the inner child alive… Like Peter Pan.

The more of these traits you have, the more childish you are:

*They are curiously looking at the world.

*They make it a point to learn something new every day.

*They make small things enjoyable.

*They persevere.

*They stay active.

*They are more optimistic.

*They see the beauty in nature.

*They don’t hold grudges.

*They are adaptable.

*They don’t care about what other people think about them.

*They dream big.

*They are kind to others.

*They aren’t rushed.

*They have more fun.

Living a life full of wonder, appreciation for the small things, humor, kindness, resilience, and big dreams is exactly what your inner child would want you to do. So, embracing it, just might be the most awesome thing you can do for your life.

Watch This Video On More Of My Thoughts On The Traits Of Being Awesomely Childish:

Leave a comment in the section below of how you embrace your inner child.

Happy Sunday! I start you off with an amazing quote I heard this week that made me smile:

Spend your life doing strange things with weird people. – Tiffany Patton

This week has been an awesome one for us! I finished a mural in downtown Pensacola, and Klee has created something that pushed her skill set to the next level. Enjoy this Sunday’s art for your inbox.

Downtown Pensacola Mural

“I am so excited to announce that the mural is finished. It is located in beautiful, historic downtown Pensacola on Palafox St. It was such on honor to be allowed to add my creation to this beautiful town.” -Rafi

To find out more about the mural CLICK HERE

Blue Topaz Engagement Ring

“This was one of the most exciting and challenging commission projects I’ve taken on thus far. A milestone for me as my very first traditional (yet non-traditional) engagement ring.” -Klee

To find out more about the creation of this ring CLICK HERE

Empowerment Event Painting

“Empowerment was a Food drive for Manna Food pantries. I did a live painting. The painting was auctioned off to raise funds for MANNA. I was so honored to create the beautiful piece.” -Rafi

To watch the creation of this piece CLICK HERE

Labradorite Tree Of Life

“This hand faceted labradorite caught my attention the moment I saw it. I think I even gasped a little with excitement. I see imagery in the stones I work with, sometimes landscapes and sometimes fantastical far off places straight out of a storybook. This one immediately made me think of far off galaxies visible in the sky on a very clear dark night, or a fantastic display of the northern lights on a cold crisp evening.” -Klee

Have an amazing week! You are awesome!

It has been an interesting journey, full of hot, inferno like days, and epic downpours, but I am proud to announce that my mural, in beautiful downtown Pensacola, is finished!

If you are in Pensacola, you can see it at Marty Campbell Gallery, located at  114 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502

I wanted to capture the beauty, and history of this amazing town. The aliveness in a flowing work of art, that expresses how awesome the people, and this town have been to me. So, thank you Pensacola, this is my gift to you, hope you like it.

This town has been so supportive of me and my art career, that I wanted to give something back to express my gratitude.

When the opportunity arose to do this mural, I thought long and hard about the message that I wanted to express.

If there is anything I have learned from this experience, it is that your mindset is everything. It has been overwhelming, amazing, problematic, fantastic, and enlightening. The weather and some of the politics involved, could have easily caused my mind to downward spiral, and it did for a few moments. Luckily, I’m too stubbornly positive.

So, the power behind staying positive, no matter what obstacles stood in my way, made all the difference. Staying in tune with why I was creating the mural in the first place, was more important than drama. It shows in the work, and shows me how important it is to stay tuned to love.

That is my message.

The other thing I’ve learned, is to never schedule a mural in the middle of a deadly Summer heat wave. Just sayin.

Toward the end of the project, I asked for quotes from the amazing people that have a connection with myself and Pensacola. They are hidden among the images in the Mural. The response was so positive that I ended up with way more quotes than I can fit into the design. All the quotes were so amazing that I’m saving unused quotes for future projects.

The quotes in the downtown Pensacola Mural:

Be brave. –Jamie Hullenbaugh

Love makes magic happen! -Brandi Rodeghero

This is going to be the kind of year you THINK it’s going to be”. – Daniel Grooms

Thank you God for another day! – Cherie

What would you do if you knew you could not fail. – Phyllis R.

In order to truly move forward, we must let go of the past. – Jessa

Listen with your heart, feel with your soul. – Cera M

Do you know why you’re the best? You’re the best because you’re …you. – Jim Billy Barnes

The only consistent thing in life is the inconsistencies. – Catawissa Mo

It’s best to be a first rate version of yourself than a second rate version of somebody else. – Jennifer

May we always be endlessly inspired by the stuff of life. – Klee Angelie

Make today so awesome yesterday gets jealous. – Amanda and Aaron

Make it better. – Terri

Breathe in, breath out, move on – Peggy Cole

Spend your life doing strange things with weird people. – Tiffany Patton

“Adapt. Improvise, Overcome.” –The Marines -Lorraine

You are beautiful. – Daniella M

Laughter is the sunshine of life. – Ruth Stone

Listen with your heart, feel with your soul. – Cera Mc

The world would be a pretty boring place if we were all poured out of the same mold. – Sharon Price

Do more than just exist. – Pearl P.

Thank you so much to everyone that has supported me, I love you guys.

On to the next awesome project!

Hello you awesome person you! As you know I’ve been working on a mural in beautiful downtown Pensacola, and I need your help.

I’ll be finishing the mural in the next few days, which is super exciting for me. I am aiming to get it done before Gallery Night on Friday, September 16th, and there is something special I would like to ask you.

The very last finishing touch of this mural is going to be small, positive quotes, throughout the design. Originally, I was thinking of using famous quotes, but I think there is something much more special that can be done with this piece.

Please send me your special quote… please?

I would like you to send me short, special, positive quotes that either you say, heard, or read. It could be something that someone you know said, and it inspired you, or a mantra that you say to yourself that gets yourself going. It could be a famous quote as well, as long as it means something to you.

This mural will capture your quote for the world to see, for as long as it stands in downtown Pensacola.

I would love for as many Pensacolians as possible to submit their quote, but I hope to get responses from other cities, and all around the world.

Just send me your quote, the person that says it (leave it blank if you want it to be anonymous) and your city.

You can leave it in the comments, respond to this email if you are subscribed to me, or send me an email. You can also leave your quotes on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or any of my other social accounts.

Also, please share this with anyone that you think would be interested.

Please respond by September 15th, 2016 7:00pm.

Thank you! You are awesome! I’ll be posting pictures and stuff when it is done… or you can visit downtown Pensacola and see your quote. 🙂

These are 5 Tips For Beginning Artist. If you are an aspiring artist, or you know an aspiring artist that may benefit from this, feel free to share and enjoy.

Every Monday, I dedicate some of my daily efforts to giving back information that would have been valuable to me when starting my artist career. This is a very basic list of things that were extremely helpful in my perception and practice of art.

You want to grow up and be an artists? Here’s five tips that helped me become an artist.

Draw… A lot. Carry a sketchbook with you, and draw whenever you get a chance. The more you draw, the better you become at translating a mental image to paper.

Great art takes hard work… It takes a lot of work, so don’t allow yourself to get discouraged if something is not looking the way you want it to… Just keep trying, you only fail at it, if you give up.

Use a reference image. Take pictures of what you want to create, and reference them in your sketches. I usually have myself, or Klee model for what I am looking for. Take notice of lighting and shadows in your photo. For some of us, it helps to bring the fuzzy image in the mind to life.

Get used to rejection. You are going to get rejected. You are also going to have people say that either your work, or you suck. You’ll have thousands more praise you, but if you can’t handle the few that will reject your work, it may keep you from moving forward.

See if there is any genuine feedback and learn from it, but if not, just delete it. The biggest tool an artist has in his, or her arsenal is confidence, and confidence is something you can develop.

Be unique and be successful. So, copying what’s popular in art may bring success, but it’s only short term and really not worth it. Doing things your own way may take longer to gain success, but man is it worth it. Trust me, if you are creating what is popular, chances are you are doing something just for the money… That’s not going to help you grow, and you’ll stagnate as an artist.

Either way, choose what you love and stick with it, because what’s popular won’t last, but your uniqueness will.

Let me know what you guys think, or if you have anything to add.

Thank you guys! You are awesome!