Category: PERSONAL UPDATES From Rafi And Klee

Personal Life Updates with Rafi and Klee takes you behind the scenes of their creative journey, offering a heartfelt and humorous glimpse into their everyday lives. From navigating challenges, celebrating wins, and sharing personal growth moments to discussing the unexpected twists and turns of life as artists, musicians, and partners, Rafi and Klee keep it real, relatable, and inspiring. Join them for candid conversations that highlight the beauty and chaos of balancing art, love, and everything in between.

Posted on June 1, 2020December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

I Made The Mistake Of Reading The News This Morning In My Art Studio

As a creative person, my imagination is a wild creature that I have developed into a superpower… at least I like to think so. I think all humans have this power, but some use it a little more than others. I use my imagination to interpret my feelings and transfer them on to whatever new thing I am creating. Sometimes it is deep, sometimes it is not.

Because it is so closely attached to my emotions, I try to keep things positive and empowering. I like to focus on the beauty of the world. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible. It doesn’t mean that the beauty is gone, it just means I’m not focused on it.

If I were a superhero that focused on the beauty of the world, my arch nemesis would be the mainstream media. I feel like they scour the world to find anything negative and dis-empowering in order to keep us in a state of fear, and watching the news religiously to stay “informed” on the next possible threat.

This isn’t some “fake news” statement. I don’t care what news outlets you watch, or who you follow… it is all dramatic theater in order to get you to pick a side, and follow their agenda.

Don’t worry, Rafi has not lost his mind and writing about conspiracies… although I did just type that in the third person.

What I am saying is, with everything that has been going on lately, I feel like there is such a divide between us wonderful humans. People are afraid, angry, hateful, distrusting, polarized, and not sure what to think. Unfortunately, most people turn to the news outlet of their choice to see what is going on in the world and forget that news outlets are powered by ratings, money, and theatrics.

Of course they are going to report on horrible shit… horrible shit happens, and that’s what get’s people to watch. When you are scared or worried, you need to tune in so you can know what is going on.

And there is a lot going on.

This morning, I walked into the studio to get started on a commission meant to document the love of a family. Another piece I’m working on is for a couple who are madly in love, and another is to celebrate the birth of a child.

So here is a video that explains where I am at with all this 🙂

Posted on April 4, 2020December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — 3 Comments

Stir Crazy, Awesome Podcasts, And Staying Connected

Today I woke up and realized that it’s been about two and a half weeks since I have ventured out of the studio. Although our art studio is one of the coolest places to be, it’s easy to start feeling a little stir crazy.

Last time we went out, we hunted down supplies and scored toilet paper… good times, good times.

My book is NOT toilet paper… not yet anyhow.

Today I went outside and did a little stretching in the yard, hugged Klee, and returned into the studio and am currently listening to some music while I create.

I had a lovely surprise in the form of a Podcast from Curious Kirby, in which she interviewed Klee and me.

Kirby asked us all kinds of interesting questions, and it was a blast. You can listen by visiting her site here.

I avoid watching or reading the news. As you can imagine, there’s not much out there but doom and gloom, which is not very inspiring for creating art. Honestly, I haven’t felt very inspired lately.

Mostly, I’ve been recording and editing the audiobook for ‘The Rogue Artist’s Survival Guide’ and trying to keep my wits about me.

Klee and I are used to being at home and not going out much, but even still, we have to keep a close eye on our attitude towards ourselves and each other. It can be easy to lose your shit over stupid things, especially when you are recording an audiobook, and every sound in the house sounds like a firecracker.

It was excellent listening to the podcast in the studio. I could feel the old familiar sense of inspiration bubbling up from deep down inside, where I tried to bury it. It was under several layers of apathy, numbness, and what-the-fuckery that I was feeling earlier today. I suddenly felt alive again and ready to write. I had a mission! I had something to say again!

As you know, we’re enduring a global pandemic. (I only remind you because in 10 years when you’re reading this we will have forgotten what a goddamned shit show we experienced.)

I think during this time it is important to remember to smile and enjoy the little things… the things we can enjoy.

We are more connected than ever before. This blog, facetime, live streams, social media, podcasts, and so much more. We can create, connect, and love one another.

Sure, we may have to keep our distance, but it doesn’t mean we can’t FEEL connected.

We are still doing all of our YouTube videos from the studio

I adore you!

-Rafi

Posted on March 28, 2020December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — 1 Comment

Everyone Is Sending An Update For COVID 19

I feel like anytime I open up my email, it is one company or another sending deals for Covid 19. One company that sells robotics had a sale on a giant tub of hand sanitizer for some reason. Another was all “Update Your Area Rugs And Decor!!!” Unfortunately, Klee and I don’t have any “deals” for you that we could capitalize on. But we did want to send you guys some love and appreciation.

We are currently inside and making the most of being in the studio. I am recording an audio-book for The Rogue Artist Series, working on art, trying to figure out kindle formatting for my book, and making sure that we stay in high spirits. I just released my book and as soon as I get the kindle format done or figured out, it will be live on Amazon… which is exciting…

It’s interesting, as artists we are used to being solitary creatures who only venture out of our studio when we need to. However, when something is a bit off with the world, it can be slightly daunting. Creative people spend a lot of time in their imaginations, and I would be a fool if I didn’t understand how much the surrounding environment and overall state of things has an effect on that.

Social distancing measures are in place, schools and businesses are closing, and companies are declaring work from home necessary, everyone is forced to face a new reality.

Staying calm, reaching out to check on the well-being of others, and self-care will help you through these challenging times. Remind yourself that while COVID-19 is a reality we’re all facing, we’re facing it together, and that life will return to normal in time… even if it is a new normal.

“We are social beings. We like to connect and touch and be close to people, and we’ve had to change our behavior, which can create a feeling of isolation,”
Patricia Thornton, PhD

Sometimes it feels like life has stopped, but there are ways to keep things in perspective and carry on.

Anxiety can be contagious. Someone close to you may be freaking out and saying, ‘The world is coming to an end,’ and you may begin to worry because you don’t want to feel like the person who is not worried, but you have to remember who you are in those moments.
Tweet

Klee and I try not to think of it as doomsday. More like a new normal. We ask ourselves often, ‘How do I want to live my life right now with these constraints?’ We would prefer to make the most of it and stay grounded.

One of the best ways is to ground yourself in science. Stay connected to your local or state health department for information. Avoid watching or reading the news or social media, where facts can become blurred or even exaggerated. Remind yourself that infectious disease outbreaks have been part of our history, and this too shall pass.

Most important, we find ways to connect and stay busy. Klee and I are working on art, jewelry, recording the book, writing, updating our online store, writing music, recording podcasts, and YouTube videos… but most importantly, we are remembering to smile… especially when one of us wakes up feeling all “doom and gloom”.

By the way, I’m not saying not to feel doom and gloom, things kinda suck right now… just don’t stay there.

Here is a video we posted this week where we talk a little more about how we are handling these times.

We are thinking about you guys and sending you a smile!

We have a resources page we are updating for self-employed artists of all genres and anyone who is self-employed. We keep updating it as we get more information. GO TO RESOURCES FOR ARTISTS AND SELF-EMPLOYED.

Stay Safe!!!!

Posted on May 10, 2019December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — 2 Comments

I Burst Into Tears… Well, Kinda.

The other day I was thinking about working on a special piece. I started sketching it out and thinking about the meaning. Someone being pulled in so many different directions that he becomes a puppet to the world around him.

While talking to Klee about it, I broke down and my eyes started tearing up. The only reason I didn’t go into a full sob was the fact that I was so surprised at my emotions.

Listen, I am a grown ass man, and I’m not embarrassed to cry, or admit that I cry, but this actually caught me off guard.

It made me realize that something had felt off. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but deep down I knew something was bothering me.

For the most part I’m a pretty happy guy, in fact our following online knows us for our upbeat perspectives on life and being artists full time.

Over the last few years I had developed a public image of a guy who’s genuine, creative, happy, upbeat, and loving life. But recently I had been a little stressed about some things… and I didn’t feel like myself. Worse, was the idea that I had never been that guy and that my entire life was a sham.

Luckily, Klee was there to talk sense into my confused brain unit. She told me that the only reputation I had to uphold was to be the real me. She said I have a really hard time being anything not real, so I have nothing to worry about.

I guess sometimes you may try to bury things inside, but they’ll always come up to the surface for you to look at and face head on. So next time you cry during a cheesy commercial, think about that.

I was allowing myself to feel like I was less than who I am, and that everyone was pulling me in different directions. I have done a lot of work on myself for over a decade, to make sure I am comfortable with who I am, and that’s who everyone sees.

Whether it’s in a YouTube video, a blog, a work of art, it will always be me… So, if anyone expects anything different, then they’ve never looked at any of my stuff before.

Moral of the story… Just be you, it’s way easier than not being you.

Posted on May 3, 2019December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

Siloam Springs Arkansas – The Little Things In Life Are Huge

Recently Klee and I went up north to go see my daughter’s lead performance in her last High school play. It was an amazing trip, watching her on stage was a highlight of the year. I don’t think I can describe in words how proud I am. I’m also happy that Klee and I had the opportunity to talk in the car for 28 hours of driving.

I’ll be honest, before we left I was a little stressed about time and finances. This year has been a bit slow starting for us, and although I know things always look up, I was in the thick of it while paying and planning for the trip.

[wpgmza id=”3″]

I also knew that the long drive would be a great opportunity to talk things out and figure out what was going on in my head. I’m usually very optimistic and tend to feel empowered in most situations, but somehow I had lost my grasp and was venturing into a dark place. This drive would be a great way to dig deep.

One of the things that struck me while investigating my head was that I was distracted. My mind would wander into worst case scenarios and I would miss the experience I was in. I noticed that Klee had to repeat herself at times because I just wasn’t there. What was interesting about this, was that life was happening, and I was missing it.

I thought about all those little moments that we fail to notice, and how freeing it is to appreciate those little moments.

And yet most of the time we fail to notice them. We don’t recognize them properly, forget them, or simply take them for granted.

Once I realized this, I made a mental list of reasons why gratitude for the little things in life is important.

Appreciating the little things in life means that you focus your attention on what nurtures, sustains, and brings you even the smallest amount of pleasure. By appreciating life, you won’t stop bad stuff from happening, but you’ll learn how to stop emphasizing the meaning of bad events in your life.

Once you take a moment to appreciate an act of kindness coming from someone you love or a person you don’t even know, you’ll become more aware of your belonging to a community of people who care about each other. Reciprocating these actions only helps to strengthen these social bonds.

Resilient people build their strengths on positive emotions. These emotions simply help them to cope with difficult situations.

When you’re in the middle of a life event, it’s important that you savor it as much as you can. Choose to be present in the now. When you’re living with more awareness, you notice everything – the little pieces of everyday beauty.

I think we tend to get caught up in the drama of our minds and forget that life is beautiful, precious, and short. So stop and appreciate all of it.

Posted on November 11, 2018December 28, 2024 by Artist Rafi Perez — Leave a comment

It’s Been A Fantastic Ride So Far

This month is always fun for me, because it marks the anniversary of Klee and I taking a chance on the unknown. It will be about 9 years since we jumped into the Explorer and decided to go on an adventure to push our limits beyond what we had experienced.

I’ll never forget the day that Klee looked at me seriously (it was a very dramatic tele-novella look) and said “I’m going with you”. See, I had decided that I was going to travel around the country and experience a new perspective on life. Despite the fact that my family kept saying I would probably die from eating poison berries, my mind was set.

In fact, even finally meeting the love of my life and developing a beautiful new relationship wasn’t going to deter me from taking this journey.

I had spent my life the same way that many people do, being someone who I wasn’t. I mean, I didn’t really know who I was. I knew I liked certain things, didn’t like other things, got mad about things, and laughed at others… but I wasn’t sure if it was just who I thought I should be, or who I really was.

I had never really taken a look at myself from the outside, or challenged my own thoughts. I just reacted to situations and circumstances in life, but never really asked the question “Why am I reacting this way?”. I think I was under the impression that I didn’t have a choice, that I was “just that way”.

As a result, my life sucked, or at least that’s how I felt. I think back then I was so far down the rabbit hole that no matter what the circumstances of my life could have been, I would have made it suck in my head.

Then I hit rock bottom… and it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me.

It was as if someone had reset the computer in my head, and for the first time in my life, I was questioning why I was settling for beliefs that worked against me, and actually caused me to hate myself.

Cut to 2 years of self examination and I was ready to challenge the world.

Yup, that’s who Klee decided to get in a car and travel around the country with. Some hairy bandanna wearing guy that freaked out her mother.

A guy that she would spend weeks in the middle of the everglades with.

A guy that she hiked shark valley with, even though we underestimated what 14 miles would take out of us.

A guy that she took turns with hugging a four and a half foot alligator named Leroy.

A guy she wrote music with and performed live while his knees gave out because he was so nervous.

A guy that she lived in Key West with for several months while they worked out some of their baggage.

A guy that she went kayaking with for their first time and got lost in the sun for six hours and still had a blast even though they were sunburned.

A guy that encouraged her to interview David Sheely who is the top investigator of the Florida Skunk Ape.

A guy she encouraged to show his art for the first time… and who is forever grateful.

A guy that loves her more and more every day and can’t possibly write down all the amazing things we have done so far.

I’m so happy she did.

So, here we are still on this adventure. We may not be driving around the country but we are most definitely staying true to who we are as best we can every day. What I didn’t know back then, when I planned this adventure was that I would be sharing it with Klee… And that I am ever changing, and so is she… So no matter what, every day is a new adventure.