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Art Creations For Your Inbox 10

Hola you amazing person you!

I am getting ready to become a recluse for the rest of the month as I go into finishing up a very powerful and special work of art. I’ll be entering it into a prestigious international art competition, that may give me the opportunity to show work in Japan. Needless to say, I am both excited and nervous, but I’m making progress on my weird phobia of art competitions, so I’m getting close to being fearless… kinda. I’ll be sending you for information on my progress and what happens, so stay tuned.

Rafi Perez Dream Like In The Garden
Rafi Perez Dream Like In The Garden, may be one of the pieces entered.

We have some new creations to share with you this week, both Klee and I are super excited about it!

But before we get into that, here is an amazing quote I would like to share with you:

“An artist never really finishes his work; he merely abandons it.”  Paul Valéry

This actually made me laugh a little, because it is so true. As an artist, I get the feeling that a piece is finished, but there is ALWAYS something else that can be done. I think as long as you enjoy the process, and not simply trying to get to the end of your work, you can have fun with it.

Ok, as I promised here is the art and jewelry! Enjoy!

14k gold filled Australian Fire Opal Necklace By Klee Angelie

14k gold filled Australian Fire Opal Necklace By Klee Angelie

“Opals are fascinating to me, like a bit of magic in gem form. Today, we still don’t know exactly how precious opal was formed but it’s incredible to me that it exists at all. The predominant theory of how Australian fire opal formed is this.

It’s believed that opal was formed from water containing silica running into cracks and fissures in the earth and combining with other materials. Around 30 million years ago, lots of silica was released into a solution which filled cracks in the rocks, layers in clay, and even some fossils. Some of them became precious opals. It takes approximately 5 to 6 million years for 1cm of opal to form.

Opals are made up from tiny uniformed spheres of transparent hard silica, which fit together in an orderly three dimensional frame. These tiny spheres also determine colors and patterns of opals. The size of the spheres determines the colour produced. The more orderly the structure of the spheres, the more fire the opal will have. This is what separates precious opals from common opal.

Ancient people believed that precious opal was a stone of luck, majesty, and magic… known as the “Queen of Gems” and honestly, I can’t argue with them.”

-Klee Angelie

I AM Fierce original painting by artist Rafi Perez

I AM Fierce original painting by artist Rafi Perez Mixed Medium on Canvas 29X30

“The fierceness of someone who stands confident in their own determination of what the world is supposed to be, surrounds themselves by things that make them feel empowered. When someone makes it their priority to change their environment by getting rid of the things that cause them to question themselves… They are truly fierce.

This work of art is a reminder and representation of the power we have to create circumstances in our mind… and whether or not we have taken control of that power.

I created this when I was thinking of the powerful women I have known, or in history who changed the world into a brighter place, simply because they didn’t quit, because they were fierce.”

-Rafi Perez

Rustic Hammered Textured Sterling Silver Circle Necklace By Klee Angelie

Rustic Hammered Textured Sterling Silver Circle Necklace By Klee Angelie

“One of the oldest symbols known to us, the circle has been around since before the beginning of recorded history, representing many ideas to many cultures. Eternity, natural order, life cycles, elemental forces, sacred geometry, the universe itself.
This pendant necklace is a beautiful and simple representation of a timeless and powerful symbol. Made of solid hammer formed sterling silver and dangling beautifully between two jump rings, it has a nice weight and texture and looks amazing worn alone or layered with other necklaces.”

-Klee Angelie

Moonlight Mermaid original painting by artist Rafi Perez

Moonlight Mermaid original painting by artist Rafi Perez

“In the deep ocean of the mind, swimming through the vast pools of logic and analytical thinking, is a touch of magic. The mermaid, a symbol of wonder and fear, beauty and death, love and hate. the idea of something either completely imagined or never witnessed, yet as real as something you can touch is a fascination to me. It says so much about the person observing it. How do you see the mermaid? As a beautiful wonder… A treacherous siren… or a stupid fantasy.

This work of art is a reminder and representation of the power we all have within us.”

-Rafi Perez

Have an amazing week! You are awesome! Just remember, we never really get it done, and we can never get it wrong, because it is constantly being worked on, and being improved little by little… like a well lived life.

Remember to stay endlessly inspired by the stuff of life!

-Love Rafi and Klee

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Art Creations For Your Inbox 9

Hola! We think you are awesome!

I want to announce that my exhibition is currently running at Artel Gallery, in downtown Pensacola, so if you are in town come out and see it :). We will be having the reception March 16th, from 6-8pm.

Rafi Perez Solo Art Show 2017
Rafi Perez Solo Art Show 2017

We have some new creations to share with you this week, both Klee and I are super excited about it!

But before we get into that, here is an amazing quote I would like to share with you:

If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.” Marc Chagall

 

Man, this is so true for me. I can easily overthink something to death, and suddenly I’m frozen with indecision. When I follow my heart and feel my way through a work of art, that’s when the magic truly happens.

Ok, as I promised here is the art and jewelry! Enjoy!

Hammered Sterling silver and 14k Solid Gold “Mini Gong” Earrings

Hammered Sterling silver and 14k Solid Gold Mini Gong Earrings

 

“Mini Gong” Hammered Sterling and 14k gold disk earrings. These little sterling silver concave disk earrings feature subtle hammered texture, beautiful light play, minimalist design, and mixed metals with a 14k solid gold hexagonal bead nested in each. A perfect companion to the “Mini Gong” necklace, they might just be your new favorite earrings to wear everyday.”

-Klee Angelie

The Glow Of Silence By Rafi Perez

The Glow Of Silence By Rafi Perez

 

In the silence of my mind, I reach for a thought and push it away. These thoughts, these things that I think and feel are nothing more than an illusion in my silence. In this moment of focus on the glow that radiates from me, burning away the darkness of my mind, burning away at disillusion, discontent, and misery. In this moment I am glowing..”

-Rafi Perez

 Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Mini Gong Disk Necklace

Sterling Silver and 14k Gold Mini Gong Disk Necklace

Mini Gong” Hammered Sterling and 14k gold disk necklace. This little sterling silver concave disk necklace features subtle hammered texture, beautiful light play, minimalist design, and mixed metals with two 14k solid gold hexagonal beads (one front and one at the clasp). It might just be your new favorite necklace to wear everyday.”

-Klee Angelie

Flight Of The Hummingbird By Rafi Perez

Flight Of The Hummingbird By Rafi Perez

The imagination is one of the most powerful attributes of the human mind. We can simply visualize ourselves in any and all situations and scenarios. We can literally bring ourselves to our knees, worried about a terrible outcome that hasn’t or will probably never happen… or we can fly on the back of a hummingbird, to the song “Flight of The Valkyrie”.”

-Rafi Perez

Have an amazing week! You are awesome! No matter what you decide to create, whether it is art, a good dinner, or your life, do it from the heart… that is where the magic happens.

Remember to stay endlessly inspired by the stuff of life!

-Love Rafi and Klee

 

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Art Creations For Your Inbox 8

Hi!

So, I’m excited to announce that we have some really awesome things planned for this year. And to begin our planned out year, I have a piece of art and jewelry for your inbox! But before we get into that, here is an amazing quote I would like to share with you:

To create one’s own world takes courage.” Georgia O’Keeffe

 

This quote really stood out to me. I agree, it takes courage. Because when you have your own mind telling you that you will fail, it is courage, that will cause you to tell it to “shut its face.”

Rafi Working In Studio
Rafi working in studio having an existential crisis
Ok, as I promised here is the art and jewelry! Enjoy!

“Periwinkle Ridge” Tree of Life Pendant Necklace by Klee Angelie

"Periwinkle Ridge" Tree of Life Pendant Necklace by Klee Angelie

One of a kind solid sterling silver tree of life necklace on a rare, genuine, gorgeous Tanzanite cabochon.

Tanzanite is a rare and highly sought after semi-precious gemstone prized for it’s color, which ranges from muted pale blues and violets (even browns reds and greens in some), to deep intense blue violet specimens. Named “Tanzanite” because it is found in only one place in the world – the Mererani Hills of Northern Tanzania, near the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is mined in an area only four kilometers wide, making it a very rare stone indeed. It formed around 585 million years ago, but wasn’t discovered until 1967.

I named this piece “Periwinkle Ridge” because the color of this Tanzanite stone is a lovely muted shade of blue violet periwinkle, and the inclusions in the stone remind me of a rocky mountain ridge. Since it originated near Mount Kilimanjaro, the look seems fitting. The stone is set on a hammered sterling oval backing with spiral detail and mounted in a very secure woven sterling bezel which flows beautifully into the tree design on the front of the stone. ”

-Klee

You Are Star Stuff 24X36 By Rafi Perez

Power of belief by Rafi Perez

The universe expands as does our mind and potential. In a reality of light and dark, this and that, Yin and yang, we must decide to focus on our ability to believe in what ever we choose. We hold the power of the stars within us, yet our wandering mind could easily distract us from our ability to love, heal, forgive, and overcome.


This work of art is a reminder and representation of the power we all have within us.”

-Rafi

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

-Love Rafi and Klee

 

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Taco Agave Large Painting

I just delivered and hung one of the largest paintings I have created thus far. I was commissioned by Taco Agave in downtown Pensacola for a piece in their new restaurant.

I’m telling you about this because this was a first for me. This piece is about 10ft wide and was a bit intimidating. Luckily, the excitement of creating something this large and difficult was overpowering, and I jumped in before I could talk myself out of working on it.

I wanted to stay true to the theme and style of the beautiful design that the restaurant has, which is rustic, with a little industrial thrown in. So, I decided on an abstract of an agave farm with the mountains in the background. The piece has a reflective, industrial silver under layer so it changes throughout the different times of day.

Taco Agave In Pensacola Art

I am very proud of what I created and look forward to my next large commercial commission. If you are interested in seeing it for yourself and enjoying some delicious food, visit Taco Agave at  200 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502.

Below, you will also find pictures of me installing it, which by the way, was also intimidating. Luckily, I was so excited about seeing it in the space, that I didn’t realize it until later. I also had my friend Eric helping me, so it all went pretty smoothly.

Just wanted to share. Stay awesome my friends!

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Art Creations For Your Inbox 7

As we fight the urge to become holiday hermits, the studio is full of beautiful creative chaos. Here are a few creations I want to share with you!

Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse

 

Yes it does Henri… Yes it does. Now here are some creations:

Dragon’s Egg by Klee Angelie

Dragon's Egg by Klee Angelie Jewelry
Dragon’s Egg by Klee Angelie Jewelry

I called this Sterling and Labradorite tree of life necklace the “Dragon’s Egg”. It is one of the glowiest (yup, glowiest) labradorites I’ve worked with.”

-Klee

The Formation Of Power 18X24 By Rafi Perez

Rafi Perez Art
Rafi Perez Art

I believe that we are a collection of thoughts about our self. Basically, we are what we think about, this piece is what I believe that someone looks like when they come into their own sense of strength.”

-Rafi

Sapphire Moon by Klee Angelie

Sapphire Moon by Klee Angelie Jewelry
Sapphire Moon by Klee Angelie Jewelry

In honor of the recent super moon, I wanted to show this “Sapphire Moon” Hand forged Sterling silver hammer textured crescent moon with ombré blue sapphires.”

-Klee

A visit to the water by Rafi Perez

A visit to the water by Rafi Perez Art
A visit to the water by Rafi Perez Art

“A visit to the water” 12×16 on Canvas. It is the simplest thoughts that can bring you joy

-Rafi

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

 

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Have fun, be safe and I love you!

-Rafi and Klee

 

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Who Judged An Artshow? This Guy.

So, recently I’ve made it a point to enter a few more art competitions and juried art shows. In the past I would tell myself that I was too busy to do such things, truth was, I was just a chicken.

rafi-perez-judge-art-show-4

In fact, I was surprised to see just how many thousands of miles outside of my comfort zone it was to enter anything that involved someone judging my art. This was especially surprising, because this is what I do for a living… I create art. Anywhere I display my art, people are judging it, some hate it, some love it, some buy it, and others make disgusted faces at the sheer thought of buying it. It happens every day, and it doesn’t bother me one bit.

So why is entering my art to be judged any different? I think it’s the academic nature of it all. Like failing a test. I have this image in my mind of some art curmudgeon, scoffing and turning up their nose at anything that would indicate that I had more talent than a three year old with a broken crayon.

rafi-perez-judge-art-show-3

When I was asked to judge an art show, I almost froze from the idea of being one of those art snob curmudgeons.

As it turns out, there is nothing scary about entering or judging an art competition. Most of the time, people who are judging a show are artists, or art lovers themselves. 

Art is diverse and almost formless. There is no one thing that can describe the blanket term for art and what it is supposed to be. Sure, we all have opinions about it, but at the end of the day, it’s just an opinion, and we all know what those are like.

rafi-perez-judge-art-show-1

When I judged the art at this show, I looked at technique, style, beauty, skill, inherent meaning, uniqueness, and fulfilled intent. When you think about it, it’s all relative to my taste, my ideas of beauty, my knowledge of skill, and my interpretation of the world. That’s really all I can do as a judge of art, is share my opinion.

When I look at beauty, I am looking at repeating shapes, patterns, and symmetry. I also look at colors, texture, crops, composition, where my eye goes, movement, flow, proportions, and the appeal of the subjects or objects in the piece. It’s how I look at the world.

The art that appeals to me personally, is art that was skillfully made with a hint of rawness. It has meaning beyond just an image. It makes me feel, bring me to tears, make me laugh, or remind me of something powerful and empowering. It also stands out in a crowd, and dares to be different.

rafi-perez-judge-art-show-2

I did have a somewhat difficult time judging this show, because I wanted everyone to win. But alas, I picked the ones I connected the most with.

All in all, it was a fantastic experience for me, and one that allowed me to stand on the other side of the table. In the end, I realized that it’s just people judging art according to their taste, likes, and dislikes. Now, I was one of them.

If you are interested in viewing the “Who Am I” show, opening reception is November 10th, 2016 6:00-8:00pm at Pensacola State College building 15 room 1590.

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Art Creations For Your Inbox 6

This week we have a special treat! Klee created some Ah-Maze-Ing pieces and I visited the house of a collector and have some awesome pictures to share.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”  -Edgar Degas

art-is

I love this quote and wanted to share it with you. Now here are some creations:

Herkimer Diamond Quartz and Hammered Sterling Silver Lariat

Herkimer Diamond Quartz and Hammered Sterling Silver Lariat By Klee Angelie
Herkimer Diamond Quartz and Hammered Sterling Silver Lariat By Klee Angelie

Herkimer Diamonds are not diamonds, but a highly sought after variety of Quartz crystal found in Herkimer, New York. They are naturally faceted, double terminated, and exceptionally clear, which is why they have been compared to diamonds. This beautiful Herkimer made a stunning focal point for this lariat necklace. The accent stones are Quartz crystal and black tourmaline and it features a rustic hammered Sterling silver ring opposite the Herkimer diamond.

-Klee

Maw-Sit-Sit and Hammered Sterling Silver Shield Necklace

Maw-Sit-Sit and Hammered Sterling Silver Shield Necklace By Klee Angelie
Maw-Sit-Sit and Hammered Sterling Silver Shield Necklace By Klee Angelie

This incredible and rare stone is called Maw-sit-sit. It is only found in the Himalayan region of Burma, and is every bit of magic you’d expect to feel from a stone like this.  It’s vivid green color and powerful shape made it a phenomenal centerpiece for this rustic antiqued Sterling silver “Shield” Necklace.

-Klee

A Collection Of Art

Hope's Wish By Rafi Perez 18X24
Hope’s Wish By Rafi Perez 18X24

I cannot describe in words how fortunate I feel, to be able to see my creations come to life in someone’s home. The closest I can come to describing the feeling is “Pure Joy.”

-Rafi

Contemplation By Rafi Perez 38X30
Contemplation By Rafi Perez 38X30
Ziggy Portrait By Rafi Perez 24X30
Ziggy Portrait By Rafi Perez 24X30
Royal Confidence By Rafi Perez 24X36
Royal Confidence By Rafi Perez 24X36

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

I am looking forward to seeing your collection of Rafi Art. Send me some great photographs for a chance to be included in my next book! Email them to Rafi@rafiwashere.com

Also, stay tuned for my book giveaway.

Thank you!

-Rafi

 

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Art Creations For Your Inbox 5

A little jewelry, a little art, and a whole lot of awesome was created this week.

This world is but a canvas to our imagination.

-Henry David Thoreau

I love this quote and wanted to share it with you. Now here are some creations:

Sterling Silver “Wave” Earrings

Klee Angelie Jewelry
Klee Angelie Jewelry

 

These earrings are designed to draw attention to the elegant curvature of the neckline and create subtle catches of light and movement. Whether they make you think of sound waves, light waves, or ocean waves, they have a definite “vibration” about them that I really love.

-Klee

Rags To Fishes

Rafi Perez Art
Rafi Perez Art

 

This piece is created from the left over scraps of canvas I get when stretching. I am honored to say that it has won best of show at a gallery exhibit.

 -Rafi

 

Sterling Silver and Quartz Crystal “Piezo” Earrings

Klee Angelie Jewelry
Klee Angelie Jewelry

 

These might be my favorite earrings of all time. Hammered and fire torched Sterling silver and Quartz crystal points. They make me think of some sort of beautiful contraption like the ones Tesla was known to build. The name “Piezo”, Greek for “pressure” refers to Piezoelectricity, the type of energy that Quartz crystal produces. My love of physics and pretty things came together just how I wanted in this design.

-Klee

Pink Jellies

Rafi Perez Art
Rafi Perez Art

 

I am fascinated by jellyfish. These weird gelatinous creatures that look like they shouldn’t even be alive, just blow my mind. I wanted to create pieces that blended the wonder of jellyfish, and the playfulness of the bold color of toys.

-Rafi

Raw Kyanite and Copper “Peak” Ring

Klee Angelie Jewelry
Klee Angelie Jewelry

This really bold statement ring was my most recent electroforming design. One part chemistry and one part nature inspired, it is a representation of a towering mountain peak. Kyanite is one of the best stones to use during meditation, so it’s like ones own “Meditation on the mountain top”.

-Klee

Seasons Of Change Set

Rafi Perez Art
Rafi Perez Art

This is one of my longest running series. It represents the four seasons and the things I love about them. I use soothing and happy colors, that are meant to calm the mind. 

-Rafi

Have an amazing week! You are awesome! Remember to stay endlessly inspired by the stuff of life! Oh, and I am excited to announce that my book is available!

I’m thinking of doing a book giveaway, let me know if you like the idea 🙂

Rafi's New Book

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I Won Best Of Show?

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.

Artel Gellery Submissions By Rafi Perez
Artel Gallery Submissions By Rafi Perez

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.

Cazebraca By Rafi Perez
Cazebraca By Rafi Perez

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.

Rehabilitation Of Beauty By Rafi Perez
Rehabilitation Of Beauty By Rafi Perez

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 By Rafi Perez
Rags To Fishes By Rafi Perez

“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.

 

 

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A Beautiful Painting Of A Beautiful Girl

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.

Rafi Perez Painting Of Klee
Rafi Perez Painting Of Klee

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.

Rafi Perez Painting Of Klee
Rafi Perez Painting Of Klee

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.

Rafi Perez Painting Of Klee
Rafi Perez Painting Of Klee

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