Category: PRESS RELEASES From Rafi And Klee Studios

I have always been fascinated by portraiture, and what I think of as an artistic snapshot of the personality of a human being in motion through life. Although I admire and have an appreciation for portraits, they’ve never really been my favorite thing to work on.

Until now…

I am currently working on some studies, where I take images of real people and apply them to the life concepts that I put in my collections.

I am always looking for inspiring pictures, and would love an opportunity to paint you or someone you know into a piece of “Rafi Art” and as my friend said, be immortalized.

All you have to do is email me an image and some info to rafi@rafiwashere.com

Please Follow These Rules Of Thumb:

• Images must be sharp and not blurry.
• Please have good lighting in the photo.
• I will accept- close up of the face (preferably no smiling for the camera poses), artistic poses, tasteful nudes, something that tells a story, or just an awesome photo.
• It would be helpful if you gave me a little insight on the person in the image.
• Things like, favorite color, strengths and what you would like say with the painting are helpful.
• Please keep in mind that if you are chosen for one of the works, I will take the image and info and create something inspired by the information, but ultimately I retain full control of the creative process. This is not a commission. If you would like to commission me, contact me with details for consideration.
• If your image is chosen and created, you are in no way obligated to buy the original piece, these are studies that will be done on 11X14 paper. I will send you a printable copy via email that you can print out (FREE) as a thank you.
• I will contact you if I intend to use your image. This is a side project so please be patient.
• By sending me an image you are giving me permission to use it in this project.

Thank you! I love you guys!

Opening reception for “It’s a zoo in here” at Artel Gallery was last night. In preparation for the show, I changed my clothes about a hundred times. I finally settled for the first thing I had picked out, and headed out to mingle with the art crowd of Pensacola. Last night I had the opportunity to face another fear. Fear of recognition for winning best of show.

I know what you’re thinking, “Really dude, fear of being recognized for winning best of show?” 

Yup… It seems pretty interesting to me that I have these hidden fears, that really don’t make much sense, but I can feel them just the same.

I walked in with Klee, and my good friends, Monica and James, they were all my backup in case I started hyperventilating or something.

When we arrived we were given raffle tickets and welcomed to the show.

Immediately, I was pulled into a conversation with someone who had seen my videos about facing my fear of entering the competition. It was an intriguing conversation about facing fears, and about the caveman instincts that bring those fears up to the surface.

Then, I was asked if I wanted to take a picture with my piece, and I did. Then, I was surrounded by a mob of people, asking about the piece, asking about my history, or simply catching up. People that I adore, that I haven’t seen in a while, and new people that I was meeting for the first time. It pretty much went like that for most of the evening… It was awesome.

At least, until they announced the winners. I had won best of show, so I was announced last. There was a thunderous applause, and I wanted to hide, which I successfully did… until Susanne, who was making the announcements said “Where is he, is he here?”

All eyes landed on me, I half waved and probably turned beet red.

Then, it was over. On to the next thing.

They called out the numbers to the raffle, and my friend Monica won chocolate… to which I exclaimed “I never win anything.”

Fellow artist, Marty Campbell replied “Sure you don’t, just best of show.”

All in all, it was an awesome experience, and one that I hope to have again and again.

If you are in Pensacola, and you want to check out the show, it will be running at The Artel Gallery  October 4 – October 28, 2016.

You’re probably like, what on earth are you even talking about Rafi?

I’m talking about a multimedia art installation idea, but I need your involvement… I am talking about the boogeyman boogie challenge!

Several years ago, when we first arrived in Pensacola, Klee and I wanted to do something fun for Halloween. So after some brainstorming, Klee’s sweet dance moves, and recording of some epic kazoo music, the Boogeyman Boogie was born.

I’ve been thinking of doing a video for a multimedia art installation in the future, and I figured a project like this would be a lot of fun. This year, we want to Boogeyman Boogie with you, watch this video to find out more:

How to submit:

1. Download the Boogeyman Boogie music at https://soundcloud.com/kleeangelie/boogeyman-boogie
2. Film yourself dancing to the music, a small clip is all I need (you can wear a costume, not wear a costume, sing along, be ridiculous, what ever you want to do, just have fun)
3. Send it to me (if you follow me on Youtube, just send a video response) or send me an email. If you post it on Youtube or any other place, label it #Boogeymanboogie (If you have a hard time getting the file to me, don’t worry, just contact me and we’ll figure it out.)
4. That’s it, I’ll put the video together and release it Halloween morning. Then use it for an installation for a future art exhibit.

So, if you think you have what it takes to boogeyman boogie, take the challenge, and send me your clip. Can’t wait to see your sweet moves, and remember… Have FUN! #boogeymanboogie