As you know, recently I was invited to create an art chair. This was a big deal for me, because there is a finesse that needs to happen when turning furniture into art. I wasn’t really sure I could pull it off.
You might think that something as common as a “chair” just needs some paint and crazy designs to stand out. Not true, just like any abstract painting it can go wrong really fast, and just like an abstract painting you have to rely on your gut feelings and not technical skill.
So I went through the typical creative process of feeling like I had an epic failing every step of the way, until it finally started to come together.
So, I created my first art chair, worked through my own insecurities, pushed through the boundaries of what I thought was possible for me, and validated my self status as an artist.
That’s about the time my dad stepped into the picture.
He stood there and stared at it for a while… didn’t say anything.
At that point, I apparently felt the need to boaster the chair up and make it important in terms my father would understand… money.
“Yeah dad, people were putting $100 in raffle tickets for it!”
He pause, scrunched up his face and then said…
“Someone paid $100 for that shit?”
Yes they did dad… yes they did.
There are so many stories like this when it comes to my father and art, luckily, it doesn’t bother me any more… in fact, I find it kind of funny.
I spent a long time blaming him for my insecurities, and as it turns out, they were my own insecurities, and I needed to get rid of them myself.
It’s still a work in progress, but I think it will always be.
Watch this video to enjoy the full story, and more stories of my dad and my art… including a big event that took place at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago… Oh boy.
Have fun!!!
Klee Angelie
Artist Rafi Perez