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INNER DIALOGUE ART SHOW

View the amazing artwork of the Rogue Artists in this amazing show. Collab lab is an art show where amazing creative rogues take on the challenge of creating cohesive beautiful art following three parameters. The Parameters are different for every show and designed to challenge. Watch the video below to visit the gallery and do a virtual walk-through with Klee and me. Scroll to the bottom of this page to download a PDF of this show.

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2021 Collab Lab – INNER DIALOGUE

  • Parameter 1 – The subject matter, style, and medium can be anything you choose to depict the theme.
  • Parameter 2 – Represent the duality of the Stickman (negative internal voice) and the Champion (positive internal voice) in your mind.
  • Parameter 3 – Keep the observer in mind {Either by “zooming the lens out” and representing yourself as the observer or by creating a composition that pulls an observer in}.

I am excited to share these with you because they really push some boundaries. If you are interested in any of the pieces below that are for sale, please contact the artist. Enjoy this awesome show.


Christopher J. Rhoads

Artist Name:
Christopher J. Rhoads
Best Way To Contact Artist:
https://www.instagram.com/rhoads.j.christopher/
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Within the Fields of My Mind
Artist Statement:
Within the fields of my mind stands a tree
A lone tree grown deep in what has been
And grown tall in what will be.
It is a young tree.
It is an old tree.
It holds me as a mother holds a child
And it holds me as a father scolds a son.
Upon it’s branches sits two owls that are not owls.
Two forms without form.
Two thoughts within my thoughts.
Together I am praised.
Together I am judged.
Together I am whole
Within the fields of my mind…


Ellen von Reiser

Artist Name:
Ellen von Reiser
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Commissions@starrynightdiner.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$150
Name Of Piece:
Conflicted
Artist Statement:
Good and evil are not so different. There is only a small gap. We live in that gap. We must see them both in order to make the choice. Being good is not about only being good. It is about seeing good and evil and making a choice. People are not good. People choose to be good.


Heather Sabian

Artist Name:
Heather Sabian
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Heathersabian43@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
One Of Three
Artist Statement:
Although we as humans have many complex emotions they can all be boiled down to three and all others branch off from these. Fear, anger, and happiness. Which one is whispering inside your head the most? Which one do you choose to listen to most?

Media- acrylic on goatskin, clay.

http://www.sculptedleatherart.com
Heather’s Sculpted Leather on you tube

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Jennifer Lynn Gorman

Artist Name:
Jennifer Lynn Gorman
Best Way To Contact Artist:
cannonfodderg@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
The Conflict In Creation
Artist Statement:
A violent vision of the creative process. An example of how the conflict between inspiration and doubt can inspire the threads through which art can be woven.


Jason Boushard

Artist Name:
Jason Boushard
Best Way To Contact Artist:
anartjourneyinfo@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$250
Name Of Piece:
JUST GO!!!
Artist Statement:
This represents the inner turmoil before any big event. With a focus on what bike touring travelers go through.


Cindy Diel

Artist Name:
Cindy Diel
Best Way To Contact Artist:
https://www.instagram.com/dielartful/
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
The Choice
Artist Statement:
Being an artist isn’t always about technical skills. Sometimes the hardest part is overcoming my own doubt and fear. The voice in my head that tells me I am not good enough, to quit. But if I create and step beyond the fear…the possibilities are beautiful and unlimited.

Acrylic painting done on 16×20 canvas.

You can see more of my work on Instagram; dielartful. I also have a store on RedBubble; Cindy Diel.


Kelly Sterr

Artist Name:
Kelly Sterr
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Kellysterr@kellysterrgallery.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Don’t Let the Stickman Win
Artist Statement:
As soon as the parameter were given, a doodle on an envelope was created. Because of the struggle to get my art career going, I am in constant battle with the stickman telling me I suck and that people only tell me they like my art because they don’t want to hurt my feelings. This is a reminder to let my inner cheerleader be a dominant force. This is an acrylic I placed inside a shadow box. The stickman splat is painted on the inner side of the glass. So viewer is looking into my studio through the window. Although not for sale(since this is me), I would be open to do commissions for anyone battling stickman who needs one to hang in their studio as a reminder not to let the stickman win. My website is kellysterrgallery .com


Chris “Chumpy” Lyons

Artist Name:
Chris “Chumpy” Lyons
Best Way To Contact Artist:
www.chumpyssketchbook.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
“The Eyes We See Through”
Artist Statement:
We see and interact with the world through all kinds of lenses. When we look inside, we tend to see through and adopt the lenses of the inner critic but also our inner champion. Sometimes we adopt the critic. Sometimes we adopt the champion. The two seem to be locked in a cycle of trying to undo and destroy the work of the other.
Ink, gel pen, and alcohol marker on toned tan paper. 9″x9″
Original not currently for sale, but will be making prints available for sale soon.
www.chumpyssketchbook.com
https://allmylinks.com/chumpyssketchbook


cRuz kAi

Artist Name:
cRuz kAi
Best Way To Contact Artist:
cruzkaihawaii.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$290.00
Name Of Piece:
Manipura
Artist Statement:
This painting depicts the “lotus” sitting position of meditation, grounding to remove the negative energy, replacing it with positive energy. The Third Chakra, Manipura, also known as the Solar Plexus, is represented by the color yellow. It’s where we hold our will-power, our personal power, our confidence, and even our reliability, and so on. It’s located around the navel area up to the sternum.
Original artwork by cRuz kAi
Acrylic on Canvas 18” x 24”
cruzkahawaii.com


Hollyjcat

Artist Name:
Hollyjcat
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Email, Discord, or Instagram
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
The Inner Struggle
Artist Statement:
When I first saw this prompt, I wasn’t sure what to make. But then I thought if might be interesting if a drawing stylus was the weapon of choice to fight back against ‘the stickman.’


This piece represents my internal struggle with creating art, which I often picture as a battle. The right side of the pupil represents ‘the stickman,’ the negative side of my internal dialogue. The weapon of choice, the sword, represents how words can very easily pierce deeper than any blade.


On the left side, battling against ‘the stickman,’ is ‘the champion,’ the positive side of my internal dialogue. The weapon of choice, the drawing stylus, represents the art I create to battle against those negative notions that assail my creativity.


The eye encasing the them represents me as the observer, witnessing the conflict to create art going on inside my mind. The “I shouldn’t'” create something wages war with the “I should” create something, and thus this internal struggle of creating continues.


Marilyn Savage

Artist Name:
Marilyn Savage
Best Way To Contact Artist:
gabrielleartsnv@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Duality
Artist Statement:
This piece was created for the Collab Lab. The eagles represent the competing voices in our heads, one telling us that we can do it and the other telling us that we can’t. The contrast between the two eagles further illustrates the theme. One eagle is perfectly groomed and the other one is a bedhead. The viewer can decide which eagle represents which voice.
The size is approximately 12” x 16” and the medium is soft pastels.


KYLE M WOOD

Artist Name:
KYLE M WOOD
Best Way To Contact Artist:
kyle@kylewoodcreations.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$1200.00
Name Of Piece:
All Those Conversations In My Head
Artist Statement:
Depicting the inner dialog that does on in my mind. We all have unique worlds that make up our thoughts and internal discord. Here is a glimpse into my brain jar. Acrylic on canvas, three feet by three feet. The original and prints of the original are available on my site http://www.kylewoodcreations.com


Sara

Artist Name:
Sara
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Saraartist1508@yahoocom
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$600.00
Name Of Piece:
Anxiety Illustrated
Artist Statement:
Seriously believing I was dying led me to create a treatise on the positive and negative mirrors of both my life and my artistic creativity thus, symbolically reflecting the truth, the actual distortion and decay of all existence. Reality stares back at us from within. … Set of two
11inX 14in oil on canvas paintings. $600 total


Thomas Wofford

Artist Name:
Thomas Wofford
Name Of Piece:
Composed
Artist Statement:
Title “Composed” 48×34 Acrylic on Masonite board. I had to really think about this one to imagine a image within the premises of this challenge. Negative internal thoughts (Slenderman) box to left with hand dangling eye is what we see thru our on filters. Face at bottom is nothing more than stepping back and realized the worries was for nothing.


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INSIDE OUTSIDE ART SHOW

View the amazing artwork of the Rogue Artists in this amazing show. The Challenge for inside out had three parameters:

  • Parameter 1 – Juxtaposition of Inside/Outside and whatever that means to you. Can be emotional, physical, topographical, etc.
  • Parameter 2 – Incorporate a tree that represents one side of this duality. The tree can be as literal or abstract as you like ie: made of mechanical parts, composed of sound, a combination of fantastical elements, etc.
  • Parameter 3 – Incorporate a landscape that represents the other side of this duality. The landscape can also be as literal or abstract as you like ie: a completely imaginary landscape, a soundscape, or an interpretation of a landscape memory, etc.

I am excited to share these with you because they really push some boundaries. If you are interested in any of the pieces below that are for sale, please contact the artist. Enjoy this awesome show. You can watch the video below, enter the virtual gallery (on a different site), or scroll down this page.


Esther L Jones

Artist Name:
Esther L Jones
Best Way To Contact Artist:
https://www.estherljones.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$272.00
Name Of Piece:
These Rocks Are Thee
Artist Statement:
This piece exemplifies a poem I’ve loved for years: the title is my favorite line from the poem. The rocks can be seen as a hindrance or as protection. The lack of nutrients and harsh landscape can be perceived as a desert that deprives or a place that forces slow and difficult but very strong growth.


Ellen von Reiser

Artist Name:
Ellen von Reiser
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Commissions@starrynightdiner.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Secret Garden
Artist Statement:
This piece is full of significance for me personally. Every object has a story. The garden is full of things I love or admire. The forest is full of my current life. The piece was drawn in Adobe Fresco with an Apple Pencil.


Angel Coleman

Artist Name:
Angel Coleman
Best Way To Contact Artist:

Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Picnic With Mom But Without Her
Artist Statement:
This was a very emotional piece for me to sculpt. Mom is the center of the family though her illness is larger than life and hangs over the entire family. She is oblivious to her children and husband that play around her. Only the alcohol brings color to her life. Emaciated and haggard, she continues to drink until the poison spills out of her and will eventually spoil the family outing.


Sherry D Beckstead

Artist Name:
Sherry D Beckstead
Best Way To Contact Artist:
FB.com/sherrysoilpaintings.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$1,500.00
Name Of Piece:
Path to Consciousness
Artist Statement:
This piece represents the duality of life. The tree represents humanity standing in the reality of the now. While the landscape represents our ever-searching path for something more that can only be found within us. The higher consciousness of our beingness.


Jeanne GFellers

Artist Name:
Jeanne GFellers
Best Way To Contact Artist:
email
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Growth Along the Road of Disability
Artist Statement:
5″x7″ This is a very personal collage piece. The desert landscape bears many but certainly not all the negative wordage I’ve heard over the decades as an author, artist, and disabled person. Defying these words is the full-of-life woodland being who is turning it all out and wears positive affirmations. This happy tree person is who I strive to be. Pushing the multi-layered negative BS aside and the resulting growth hasn’t been an easy process, that’s for certain, but it’s been my unique road to take and one I’m still on. You can find my writing and art at https://jeannegfellersauthor.com


Melissa Peacock

Artist Name:
Melissa Peacock
Best Way To Contact Artist:
melissa@yellowmellearts.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$200.00
Name Of Piece:
Be Productive
Artist Statement:
Visiting the peach orchard for the last time, I was shocked to see the trees had hollowed out until there was only bark left. My grandpa filled the trunks with wooden planks and wrapped them with ropes so that the trees could have one last productive year. Despite being half-dead, the orchard was ready with its harvest of peaches as usual. Relatable.

8×10″
Watercolor on paper
http://www.yellowmellearts.com


Debbie Tlach

Artist Name:
Debbie Tlach
Best Way To Contact Artist:
debra_tlach@yahoo.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Feeling Human
Artist Statement:
The will to grow as a feeling human in the face of forces (relentless cogs) that can cause us to retract and shut down (emotionally or otherwise). We can consciously decide our reactions to these forces (hopefully to deeply feel & still flourish). artistgirlsmuse on Instagram


Corey Johnston

Artist Name:
Corey Johnston
Best Way To Contact Artist:
email
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
The Tree of Hopes and Dreams
Artist Statement:
Digital Art, Procreate App, 12.9″ iPad Pro and Apple Pencil

This piece is about stepping out of dark vast empty space, and toward an inner light that is brighter and laden with potential, but scary, too. For me, it is about a state of middle-ness. It is about the transitional state of not knowing whether something is sinister or safe and whether trust can be extended or not. Between being sure and being vulnerable. As Shakespeare said, “To be or not to be.” There is a moment before making the choice, before taking the step, before walking into something unknown from something sure (even if it’s dark and endless). It is about not knowing how to interpret the signs you feel are obviously there. It is about fear of the unknown, even if the known is eternal darkness of endless depth.

I think we learn how to deal with this state in different ways as we grow up. For me, as a young person, this fear was sometimes paralyzing at moments. And I see many young people in my life experiencing the same trepidation of the unknown in their own ways.

http://www.coreyartusimagery.com
Instagram: @coreyartus


Dana Ellis

Artist Name:
Dana Ellis
Best Way To Contact Artist:
https://www.danaellisart.com/
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$220.00
Name Of Piece:
Letting Go
Artist Statement:
She feels trapped by her thoughts, her life, her insecurities, and feeling judged. As she sets the bird free, maybe she will free herself.

18″ x 18″ oil painting on stretched canvas.
Free US shipping
Instagram: dana_ellis_art
Facebook: Dana Ellis Art


Annie Sylling

Artist Name:
Annie Sylling
Best Way To Contact Artist:
annies@anniesylling.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$500.00
Name Of Piece:
Inner Peace
Artist Statement:
I was contemplating this challenge while lying awake one night, happens a lot (the lying awake). This idea popped into my head. Use the challenge to portray keeping inner peace despite the state of the world around us. The painting depicts a girl in meditation surrounded by the chaos of the world. Inside the girl is a peaceful garden with a tree. This is her place of refuge. I believe we can find peace within ourselves while living in a chaotic world. I used a 22″x28″ canvas incorporating collage, acrylics and marker. You can view more of my work here: http://anniesylling.com


Zoe Noble

Artist Name:
Zoe Noble
Best Way To Contact Artist:
angrygirlembroidery@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$1,000.00
Name Of Piece:
2020
Artist Statement:
I designed this hoop as a reflection of the year. I wanted to show inside as a tranquil, safe space, so I made the scene outside the window barren and fiery in contrast to the thriving plants inside. I added a landscape painting to the wall to represent our memory of the outside compared to the actual scene out the window. Personally, I started missing school and trying to keep up with classwork at home in my teens when I became chronically ill and disabled, so to me this piece is also representative of my own experience with home being a refuge in comparison to the inaccessible outside world, and how that has become a common experience amid the pandemic. I wanted to make a scene that idealizes staying inside instead of portraying the inside as a prison and framing the outside as the place the viewer wants to be, not only because I think it’s important to protect ourselves and our communities in the midst of a pandemic as much as we can, but also because framing social distancing as a cage is, in my opinion, framing the experiences of disabled people like me that have been staying home and asking for digital access to things like work and school for years as a pitiful or miserable existence, and I don’t think that’s true. While it’s absolutely understandable to miss life before the pandemic, I think it’s important to remember that preferring in-person jobs or classes does not make the digital access we have created a bad thing for everyone.

Hand-stitched thread painting. Cotton and rayon thread on cotton fabric framed in a 6-inch bamboo hoop with felt backing. View more photos at http://www.angrygirlart.com/threadpaintings and contact me at angrygirlembroidery@gmail.com to purchase.


JulieAnn (TheRosemaryCat)

Artist Name:
JulieAnn (TheRosemaryCat)
Best Way To Contact Artist:
therosemarycat@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Theories of Relativity
Artist Statement:
Graphite on 11×14 Bristol Paper

‘Theories of Relativity’ touches on perspective of both space and time.
We often give the concept of time much more power over us than it really has. Time is what we create it to be; it can be either fluid and expansive, or it can be rigid and confining.
Likewise, the way each of us sees the world around us makes space subjective, as in how we may perceive the trees outside the window, or the ‘tree’ in the room.
Our personal freedom depends on our perspective rather than our environment or circumstances.

TheRosemaryCat can be found on Redbubble.


Cruz Kai

Artist Name:
Cruz Kai
Best Way To Contact Artist:
cruzkaihawaii.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$200.00
Name Of Piece:
Interdependent
Artist Statement:
This painting represents climate change -in which animal, plant life and the humans are directly and indirectly affected.
Acrylics on canvas – 16” x 20”


Kelly Sterr

Artist Name:
Kelly Sterr
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Kellysterr@comcast.net
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$480.00
Name Of Piece:
Morning Sunrise
Artist Statement:
16 x20 Acrylic This piece reminded me of the journeys down the shore when I was younger to go fishing early in the morning with the sun rising up above the horizon.


The Clover Artist

Artist Name:
The Clover Artist
Best Way To Contact Artist:
thecloverartist@gmail.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$20.00
Name Of Piece:
Crystal Spire Growth
Artist Statement:
I just got the space in my life to figure myself out. Sometimes left feels like an alien planet i’m trying to travers. Sometimes I feel like a small sapling most thought was dead but just waiting for the right conditions to flourish. So I made this striking piece to symbolize how I feel in the alien landscape we all call life. Some problems seems monumental some seem so vast you’ll never reach the other side but if you just keep going, just keep growing it’ll all work out in the end. I create art to enlighten the soul and transport you to magical places thank you for coming along with me on this journey!


Klee Angelie

Artist Name:
Klee Angelie
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
Two Trees
Artist Statement:
This poem is about a being that is trying to understand itself and its relationship with its world, by observing others around it and questioning which ways of “being” are most valuable and fulfilling. In that way, it’s about making comparisons and never-ending questions that don’t provide any real answers. What is underlying the story, is the idea that the being isn’t looking at “others” at all. What it’s really observing is a partial reflection of itself in one direction (representing the past and memories), and a changing shadow silhouette of itself in another direction (representing future hopes and aspirations). Neither provides a full picture, and neither (past or future) allows the being to live in the present moment while it remains wrapped up in these observations and questions. It understands in a way, that it thrives and feels most whole in the present, just being what it is, but it’s unsure if this is a worthy and meaningful existence. I think deep down, it knows it is.

FULL POEM:

I saw two trees from a distant view,
In a distant light, as I focused sight,
As I pondered old and I pondered new,
As I wondered what’s real, and I wondered what’s life.

One stood by a river, in a valley below,
It’s roots appeared strong, but it seemed to quiver.
As if never too sure what form it would know,
As if never too sure it was there by the river.

But the sun shone upon it,
Just like it did me,
And even though it was faint and hazy,
It felt known, and on it,
Just like upon me,
There did seem a tangible quality.

As I reflected, a question asked,
If I felt uncertain, and what did that mean?
Does a strong foundation one can almost grasp,
Make for a full life, down by the stream?

One stood by a manor, on a hilltop high,
It’s branches immense, almost endless in reach,
But no roots to behold, just aloft like the sky,
As if never knowing the soils deep.

But the sun shone upon it,
Just like it did me,
And even though it was changing and vague,
It sprawled out, and on it,
Just like upon me,
There did seem a dynamic something at play.

As I projected, a question anew,
If I felt ungrounded, and what of it still?
Do dizzying heights one can barely view,
Make for a full life, up on the hill?

My companions would come with the light of each day,
And would go then each night, and would leave me to wonder.
Sometimes I would dream them and such they could stay,
But always would daunt me with theories asunder.

What tree would I be, which tree has the knowing?
If I only could choose to aspire to one…
Which of these two trees truly lives and is growing?
Which of these two trees can feel soil and sun?

As for me, I stand present, between these two.
As for me, I grow steady, both day and night.
From the deepest of depths which embrace my roots,
For impossible stars grace my branches alight.

But is it enough if I’m only this day?
If I only know now, and with simplest mirth,
If I reach ever deeper, but also I stay,
In the moment which, each moment, gives me new birth.
If I reach ever higher, but also I stay,
In the moment which, each moment, renews my worth.

From a singular vantage, endless worlds to unearth.


Marianne Hasseldal

Artist Name:
Marianne Hasseldal
Best Way To Contact Artist:
my instagram: marrys_gallery
Is It For Sale:
No
Name Of Piece:
If I were the last you would choose me
Artist Statement:
A contrast between life and death. Life symbolized by the tear and death symbolized by the barren landscape reflected in the eye. After many weeks of pondering what to paint for the collab challenge, this vision dropped into my mind very suddenly and I loved the disturbing thought of a tree growing and making an eye its home.
This is a digital painting.
You can find my work on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/marrys_gallery/
If you are interested in purchasing my art you can send me a message there.


Christopher Doll

Artist Name:
Christopher Doll
Best Way To Contact Artist:
email, Discord, or JOIN ME ON TWITCH.TV EVERY WEDNESDAY 6PM PST
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$250.00
Name Of Piece:
Pressure Inversion
Artist Statement:
Extreme weather and tornados were frequent dreams, having grown up in Michigan. The skies would turn quickly. It’s a scene I had witnessed several times. The wind picks up, bending the trees. Shredding them. I am outdoors, and there is little time to get underground. Where it’s safe. Often I witness the scene through a door with a window. But it offers no protection. I haven’t yet captured it properly in paint, but I try every few years.
9″ x 12″ Oils on canvas
Contact me via email or through my site at https://www.christopher-doll.com


KYLE M WOOD

Artist Name:
KYLE M WOOD
Best Way To Contact Artist:
http://www.kylewoodcreations.com
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$900.00
Name Of Piece:
Living Within Worlds Divided
Artist Statement:
Seeing the line between realities leads to the door of answers, but the door of answers is out of reach. The same tree is organic in one world and mechanical in the other. They are borrowed from each other’s reality to bring a magical light into life. Mixed media on two-foot by three-foot wood panel at three-quarters inch thick. Prints will be available on my site. A small printable version is free on my treasure section of my site.


Sara Vicky Neville

Artist Name:
Sara Vicky Neville
Best Way To Contact Artist:
Email address. Saraartist1508@yahoocom
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$600.00
Name Of Piece:
Princess of the moon and her pet cow contemplating whether to jump over cause she afraid of heights
Artist Statement:
I love the moon. Period. And all things moon-like
Saraartist1508@yahoo.com
2/8×10’s..1/11×14. Acrylic


Rafi Perez

Artist Name:
Rafi Perez
Best Way To Contact Artist:
https://rafiandklee.com/contact-us/
Is It For Sale:
Yes
Price:
$395.00
Name Of Piece:
Born Out Of The Cold
Artist Statement:
This piece symbolizes growth and rebirth. In 2020, especially in the dark winter days, it was easy to get wrapped up in the darkness of it all. The world felt like a dark place. Turmoil, death, and horror seemed to be the main topic of discussion. The piece is about the realization that even in that darkness, you can bring sunshine, you can bring color, and you can bring joy. No matter the circumstance of the world around you, the world you carry inside of you is impacted by you and only you. So even when inundated, you can be born out of the cold and into the warmth. Klee stated that the piece makes her think of spring being born out of winter, which felt very powerful to me and is in line with my feelings.
18X24 Mixed Medium, plaster face (my face)


Thomas Wofford

Artist Name:
Thomas Wofford
Name Of Piece:
Cerat Mirazur
Artist Statement:
This creation is an interpretation of the collab theme in an extremely abstract vision reflecting on a front view “Cerat” which is outside. The inside vision is a mental picture of “Cerat” and Mirazur which is the vision of blue. The tree representation is slender lines throughout the piece.


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Surreally Complementary Group Art Show

This is surreally happening! It is that time again for some amazing art in your inbox from artists all over this blue dot. Below you will find pieces created for the Surreally Complimentary Collab Lab Challenge.

  • Parameter 1 – Incorporate at least one surrealistic element in your piece (you can go full-on surreal or just have one element).
  • Parameter 2 – Utilize only red and yellow (and any colors you can make with those, as well as values) as your color palette.
  • Parameter 3 – Include two contrasting/complementary elements in your piece (these can be imagery, textures, finishes, subjects, materials, etc).

I am excited to share these with you because they really push some boundaries. If you are interested in any of the pieces below that are for sale, please contact the artist. Enjoy this awesome show.


Ellen Reiser

Ellen Reiser

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$150.00
Artist Statement:
Title: Fried Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup

A surrealist study in yellow, red, black and white. In this day of social unrest, sharing a common meal seems to be a good way to bring people together. There are many recipes on the web for this delicious meal. Medium: Digital Drawing with Adobe Fresco. Find me at www.starrynightdiner.com

Chicken and Waffles on Wikipedia:
The exact origins of this dish are unknown, although several theories about its origin exist. Waffles entered American cuisine in the 1600s with European colonists. The food’s popularity saw a notable boost after 1789 with Thomas Jefferson’s purchase of four waffle irons in Amsterdam.

In the early 1800s, hotels and resorts outside Philadelphia served waffles with fried catfish. Such establishments also served other dishes like fried chicken, which gradually became the meat of choice due to catfish’s limited, seasonal availability. Waffles served with chicken and gravy were noted as a common Sunday dish among the Pennsylvania Dutch by the 1860s. A 1901 memoir recalled a tavern in East Liberty, Pennsylvania, well known for “suppers of spring chickens and waffles.” By the end of the 19th century, the dish was a symbol of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, brought on in part by its association with tourism.


Michel Belisle

Michel Belisle

Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement:
In the spirit of the “Cadavre exquis.” This piece is devoid of any meaning or raison-d’être. It simply virtually “is.”
(digital collage)

Other unrelated elements can be found at https://belisssle.com


Everett Stanton

Everett Stanton

Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement:
This Collab Lab is actually a performance that can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/3WJJLmOxTSw

Paper Straws Puppets and Studio is the dream project of artist, Everett Stanton. Ev deeply loves making, playing with, and filming puppets for all sorts of media and art projects. He hopes that his work truly brings pleasure to anyone who sees it. It is his main goal in life to build a group of like-minded artists who can live their dream though the creation of new, exciting and thoughtful work in the world. Thanks for taking the time to enjoy the video!

~Ev


Christopher Doll

Christopher Doll

Is It For Sale
SOLD
Artist Statement
They come from miles away, together, unquestioning their purpose. Compelled by anger, shame, and expectation. The visage can be seen for miles but they don’t recognize its form until it’s too late to turn back. Gazes lowered, lest they see the true horror, their last walk to the steps guided by the others who also hear the call. A masked sentinel is the last they see before they enter. None ever leave. christopher-doll.com


Lee Edward Evans

Lee Edward Evans

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$70.00
Artist Statement
Mirage

(16 X12) mixed Media (acrylic and oil pastels)

This piece was inspired by Egyptian heritage and the optical illusion know as a mirage. I wanted to capture the essence and Embodiment of the desert in the form of a goddess. The surrealism landscape complements this notion adds an over exaggerated form of a mirage.
For more information or more artwork please check out the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/Levansarts


Dana Ellis

Dana Ellis

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$150.00
Artist Statement
“Revealed”
11″X 14″ Acrylic and Oil
Women exude real beauty, but with a stroke of a brush what lies beneath is where her true beauty emerges.
www.danaellisart.com


Lee Suzanne Jordan

Lee Suzanne Jordan

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$275.00
Artist Statement
Youth vs. Wisdom uses a limited color palette and symbolic images to explore the concepts of secrets, growth, imagination and transformation. This is a surreal self-portrait. I included many creatures and objects that have personal meaning for me. Octopuses are one of my favorite creatures. They are smart, curious, caring, and creative. Pythons are dangerous but can also represent knowledge, healing and growth. One of the random elements I chose as part of the challenge was a bark texture, which I used on the face to represent time and contrast with the youthful side. On her left side, the figure is youthful and her hair transforms into flowering branches. On her right, she ages and her hair transforms into bare winter branches. I have mixed feelings about aging, and this Collab gave me different ways to explore the power and fragility of it. Medium: Acrylic on Birchwood, 11x14x1. website: www.lsjart.com


Rudi Bloes

Rudi Bloes

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$15.00
Artist Statement
This is not a burning forest.

4.3 x 4.3 inches
aquarel and white ink.

website: https://www.rudibloes.be on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudibloesart/


Kyle Wood

Kyle Wood

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$750.00
Artist Statement
Title: To Observe And yet Disregard. Contrasting: “to observe” and “to disregard”. Some realities do not make sense here, so you have to disregard them to observe what is going on in this painting. Using only red and yellow with black and white as values, I created this image with chalk, colored pencil and acrylics on wood 24″ X 24″. This is apart of my dreamscape series that I am developing. The human forms are brought in to help you enter into this unreal world and navigating through various conflicting perspectives. I created the frame to allow the elements freedom to go where ever they please. Prints are available on my site: https://www.kylewoodcreations.com


cRuz kAi

cRuz kAi
Email
cruzkaihawaii@gmail.com
Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement
Surreally Complementary Collab-lab October 2020
Rogue Artist – cRuz kAi
Title “Mellow Day 0.1”
Canvas 9” x 12”
Fluid & Soft Body Acrylics
Perimeter Colors – Yellow & Red / Values – Black & White


Megan McFadden

Megan McFadden

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$85.00
Artist Statement
I called this piece Toxic to me it means sometimes toxicity can go both ways. The mediums I used were ink and colored pencils on 9×12 Vellum Bristol Board.
The rest of my art is at www.instagram/azurasmallpaws


Heather Graye

Heather Graye

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$250.00
Artist Statement
“The Messenger”
24×30″ Oil over acrylic on museum-wrapped canvas
This piece was created to explore the nature of vision- both physical and spiritual.
Connect with the artist on Instagram @grayefineart or via email GrayeRN@gmail.com


Marilyn Savage

Marilyn Savage

Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement
I created this stained glass piece for the Collab Lab but it does double duty for Halloween. It meets the color parameter for yellow and red. And it meets the parameter for two contrasting textures. It’s hard to see in this photo but the yellow glass is textured with tiny lines and the black glass is smooth. I went rogue and didn’t meet the third parameter which was to add a surreal element. This is the first piece I’ve made with decorative solder and I really like the look. The moon is a 9” diameter and the bat wings spread 13” from tip to tip. My website is gabrielleartsnv.com


Arzhela F

Arzhela F
Email
arzhelaf@gmail.com


Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement
This art challenge included many firsts for me as a beginning painter. Not only was it my first challenge, but also a lot of time was spent planning the painting, including using thumbnails to test color palette decisions, and test painting different parts. There were some hard lessons learned, specifically about the limits of overworking the paper (which can be seen most clearly on the chameleon). The entire painting was about 60 hours of work, and has shown me possibilities beyond what I thought I was capable of producing.

One parameter of the challenge was the limited palette. A particular shade of yellow on my palette (Da Vinci Hansa Yellow Deep) glows like sunlight. It inspired me to create a painting based around a very bright planet/star/space object.

We are in a stark landscape with only a few trees. A weathered frame outlines a portal where a space traveler is reaching through. We see in the visor of the space traveler that their view is of a bright space object, but on our side of the portal, we see that it’s a ball of light to which a chameleon is calmly clinging.

My hope is to invite the viewer to ponder that both realities exist from different viewpoints. It’s worth considering the perspectives of others, to attempt to “walk in another’s shoes.” The chameleon illustrates the patient mindset needed to observe the other’s intentions. The space traveler is reaching through the portal, illustrating how we are always seeking a deeper understanding of what is in front of us.

Painted with Da Vinci professional watercolors on 9×12” Fluid 100 paper.


D. Mark

D. Mark
Email
fern7220@gmail.com


Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$75.00
Artist Statement
This challenge has been great fun! I painted a large old tree that still has some life in it and the egg as major components. The symbolic courageous old tree provides many things including food, fuel, and shelter. The egg stands for new growth, rebirth, and new life. The meaning here implies hope for the future.
The surrealist elements include a suspended spatula with a fried egg, egg fruit, and egg flowers hanging on the tree.
Why did I create this art? Simple-I love nature and I wanted to participate.
In this painting, I applied a very thick matte acrylic medium on the under the painted tree trunk, as I wanted it very textured. The old tree contrasts with the new eggs and egg flowers growing on the tree.
The creation of my art includes experimentation with different methods and materials in watercolor, mixed media, and acrylics. My style changes as I enjoy painting landscapes, whimsical art, and abstracts.

Title: Egg Tree
Painted with acrylics on 11×14″ stretched canvas.


Kelly Sterr

Kelly Sterr

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$400.00
Artist Statement
I haven’t yet given it a name but this painting signifies that in a heated situation those with the warmest heart, no matter what they shield themselves with, will always lose against someone who is cold hearted.


Sara Vicky Neville

Sara Vicky Neville
Email
Saraartist1508@yahoo.com
Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$600.00
Artist Statement
Hindu warrior goddess. That she is all women. connected to reality the element of fire. .real and unreal at the same time as all in this universe. ..40″X 34″ acrylic on canvas
No website currently. contact. For other available images: Saraartist1508@yahoo.com
Peace and Love


Jason Boushard

Jason Boushard

Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement
I have always been a bit of a joker but having served 22 years in the military I have to be able to turn it off at a moment’s notice. The mouth moved to the eye and the eye moved to the mouth represents the shock my sailors would have the first time they saw the change. I think feeling like you can have fun at work is a huge factor in having a good work experience. My key things that would set off the change are being unsafe or disrespecting your shipmates regardless of rank. There is a place and time for everything.


Klee Angelie

Klee Angelie

Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement
The Unwearable Ring. Objects like the one I’ve created here are highly upsetting to me. You know the ones, they’re often referred to as “mock objects”. Things that don’t function as they appear to. Things with which you cannot do the very action that the object beckons you to do. Pockets that are sewn shut, zippers that don’t zip, tables that look like a trunk but don’t open, musical instruments that are decorative and don’t play. Room recreations in museums that you aren’t allowed to enter. The fact that the bizarro opposite world in the mirror is entirely inaccessible… So I created a ring, carefully sized it and made sure it was comfortable to wear, meticulously set the center stone, and then made it completely unwearable. I can’t hold this ring in my hand without feeling that anxiety of wanting to slide it on my finger, and it cannot sit properly on a chain as a pendant. So the contrast for me here, is the pleasure of creating a piece of jewelry using materials and techniques I love, juxtaposed with the end result being something that I find very displeasing.


Melissa Peacock

Melissa Peacock

Is It For Sale
No
Artist Statement
This is actually an art journal page. Rude cats bottle up their prey, on display, where other rude cats can watch and harshly judge from their usual safe and comfortable impunity.

find me on youtube/twitter/instagram: @yellowmelle


Bonnie Friedline

Bonnie Friedline

Is It For Sale
Yes
Price
$275.00
Artist Statement
“Confession” 18×24 mixed media on canvas. I left home (Virginia) when I was 18 and have lived all over the east coast from South Carolina to Vermont. Currently I am 35 and living in Pennsylvania. I don’t necessarily love it and maybe it’s the pandemic, but I am incredibly homesick. Not only do I miss my family and friends, I miss knowing people for real. I have found in my career (Radiologic Technologist) that we are so busy it’s hard to get a good conversation in to really get to know my coworkers. Beyond the “mask” you wear to the public. Further, I am so exhausted after work that I just want to go home to my husband and kids and hopefully get to create something. I am tired of the casual “hi, how are you?” conversations that I have 50 times a day with complete strangers.
The contrasting element of my painting is the concept that what you see on the outside is not always what is in the inside. I wish we could so easily peel our layers away and reveal the hard crap/trauma of our lives instead of just “I’m good! How are you?” I’m not good. We are not good. We have pain, and holding it, hiding it makes it hurt so much more.


If you are interested in any of these amazing pieces and you can’t get a hold of the amazing artist who created it, contact us and we will try to get you in touch with them.

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Could The Real Art World Please Stand Up?

Today Klee and I were talking about the art stock market on our podcast. That’s the name we coined for the big-ticket commodities art market that you see blasted all over the news and in documentaries. Considering the amount of press that gets focused on large art auctions and big-name galleries, it’s easy to think that you are not actually an artist until you’ve somehow made it there.

It got me thinking about the way that people perceive the art world in general. When you think about it, what people call the art market in the media, is only about 1% of the actual art market. There is no mention of the everyday people that make up the art market, the real art market, the real world.

The real art world is made up of one-on-one interactions, and I think we forget that sometimes in this media blasted quick paced world. It’s not about how much money the art sold for, or how wealthy the collector is, or how much prestige the sale brought the artist. Honestly, the corporate companies I worked for would print out prestige in the form of “You did real good.” certificates, and I would put them in cheap frames and hang them on my wall as a symbol of how important I was. I feel like we miss the point when we confuse success with awards and accolades. You can add them to your resume, but I feel like we’ve lost the point of what it is all about.

It’s about the friendships developed, and the relationships we establish as artists, with the people that connect with us through the art we create. It’s about the creative process and the astonishing ability to face rejection every day and share your art with the world. It is about the collector who proudly displays your artwork on their wall, or wears it on their body, or listens to it in their car. It is about that connection that would not have been possible if that individual artist did not break through the barriers of fear and share their creations with the world. It would not have been possible without the vast amount of humans out there who buy art because of the value it has to them, not because it has market value.

As an artist who had to make his own way, I have trained myself to see the world quite differently than I used to. Where I once had hopelessness in an impossible art career system, I now see the opportunities, the misdirections to be avoided, and the hope for everyone to pursue their creative spirit.

I think it is easy to forget in this world that is so focused on money and success, that we artists create because of the love of creation. We create to express ourselves and bring back a childlike sense of imagination, wonder, and feeling into our world. Creations that can remind us all to pause and appreciate.

Just food for thought.

I also wanted to announce that my book is fully funded! Thank you all so much! The Rogue Artist’s Survival Guide is becoming a reality. I am going quiet for a couple of weeks on social media and YouTube as I finish up the book and do some final edits. You can still pre-order the book at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-rogue-artist-s-survival-guide-by-rafi-perez

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Feeling Powerful In Three Steps

I created the “EMPOWERMENT” series based on self empowerment, as a tool to be used as a daily reminder. This is my social commentary on the way that people talk to themselves or the way they see themselves. I believe we all have the ability to feel confident and strong, but for the most part we have made it a habit to talk to ourselves in a way that makes us feel powerless.

Believe By Rafi Perez

In reality, personal empowerment is not something we feel, it’s something we do. Our sense of empowerment is a reflection of the increased personal value and self-worth that comes out of our experience of having real influence in our lives.

Empowering ourselves and creating change, which ultimately leads to the increased sense of personal value and self-worth we call the “feeling” of empowerment, involves some very specific steps.

Bonafide By Rafi Perez
  1. Stop comparing yourself to others. Start improving yourself

People tend to compare themselves to others because at times it will make them feel better about their lives or something they are trying to do. For example I know a lot of artists that feel better about their ability to create art because they compare their art to stuff they consider inferior. This is a double edged blade, because they will also compare their work to other work that they consider vastly superior. When they do this it leads to a devastating realization that their work isn’t that great. The truth is, nothing is better or worse than anything else, it’s just our perspective which can change.

Life By Rafi Perez

When you resist comparing yourself, you will be less engaged in judgement, and self-judgement, YOU WILL focus instead on your work – this alone will be empowering.

Belief By Rafi Perez
  • Take responsibility.

Taking responsibility means simply to be responsible for the way you respond to a situation. Most importantly, no matter how much you want to blame someone else for the way you feel, it’s important to remember that no matter what anyone does, you are ultimately responsible for how you respond to the given situation.

There are many small opportunities throughout the day to take responsibility for your emotions, play around with the concept. This will put the power back in your hands and no longer let your emotions fluctuate depending on the people around you.

Create By Rafi Perez
  • Do Something. Take Action!

One of the best things you can do to feel empowered is take action. Think about all those things you wish you did or that you want to do, but maybe you feel lazy or unmotivated. Whenever you don’t take action on it, it can have a devastating effect on your self esteem. Make it a habit to just take action and stop thinking about doing it.

Golden Glow By Rafi Perez

Taking action means remembering to have fun, at least that’s what it means to me. Have fun!

There are lots of ways to empower yourself and create positive change in your life. These are just a few things I try to keep in mind daily, or remind myself if ever I’m feeling less than empowered. Above all, remember that you are a beautiful luminous being, and go out and rock this life thing!

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Phoenix Reborn

It shouldn’t be any surprise to anyone that my favorite concept and mystical beast is the phoenix. The symbolic meaning of the phoenix is about renewal. The phoenix is about overcoming darkness and rising to the challenge to become powerful and succeed over adversity.

Blue Phoenix By Rafi Perez

It’s a symbolism that I have used a few times, but never like this piece that beautifully displays the body language of both anguish and freedom.

I wanted to create a piece that showed the transitional moment of someone taking a leap of faith into the unknown. This leap is taken with complete abandon and freedom.

Blue Phoenix By Rafi Perez

Several years ago I took a leap of faith that was terrifying. I remember thinking that I had to forget everything I thought I knew, because all those thoughts were telling me I was crazy. I was essentially burning the bridge to my old life, a life that was all I knew for 30 years. It wasn’t the most happy life I could live, which is why I decided to change it. This required me to hop in my car and leave all security and certainty behind… which was absolutely terrifying, yet was such a pattern interrupt in my monotonous life that I needed.

Blue Phoenix By Rafi Perez

Essentially, from the ashes of my old life which had completely self destructed, I rose and felt stronger than I ever had.

The thing is, I could have stayed in my old life… there is always a way to keep things going, but I had made a decision that I wanted things to change.

Blue Phoenix By Rafi Perez

I feel like the Phoenix is a powerful reminder that no matter what, you can always be reborn from the ashes of your old life.

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Solo Show At Artel Sept 4th – Oct 19

I am excited to announce that I will be showing my art in the alcove at Artel Gallery in beautiful downtown Pensacola.

Rafi-Artel-Show-Poster-2018

The show is called Sunflowers & The Nature Of Being. It is meant to ignite the spark within the imagination of the viewer as he or she explores the art, discovering a collection based on beauty, nature, and the human spirit.

I’m hoping it will be a window for self discovery, dialogue and inspiration. Show runs from Sept 4th – Oct 19th.

Join me for the reception on Sept 13th from 6 -8pm.

What: Sunflowers & The Nature Of Being Solo Show Reception

When: September 13th, 2018 From 6pm-8pm

Where: Artel Gallery – 223 Palafox Pl, Pensacola, FL 32502

Why: Because it is AWESOME!

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Winning Is Always An Option If You Don’t Quit

As I approached the gallery I found myself wondering how in the world I was going to get the massive sculpture I constructed up the stairs. I had somehow managed to squeeze it into my car without damaging it, which I attributed to dumb luck.

Luck seemed to be on my side that morning, considering I had pulled into a parking spot right in front of the shiny and unending staircase into the gallery.

Nature Of Being Sculpture By Rafi Perez
Nature Of Being Sculpture By Rafi Perez

I’ve entered the juried art competitions at Artel Gallery a handful of times with varying results. I still remember the first piece I entered, which was rejected with no particular pomp and circumstance. It was laid off to the side with the other rejects waiting for me to glumly collect it, like picking up a child from detention.

That rejection had a devastating impact on my self esteem as an artist for some time. I had just started selling my art and gaining some traction with local collectors, and it caused me to feel like I wasn’t good enough to continue masquerading as an artist.

It wasn’t until several years later that I decided to enter another piece, which didn’t get rejected.

Rafi Perez Best In Show Artel Gallery
Rafi Perez Artel Gallery

The marble steps to the gallery blazed white in the hot sun, daring me to make a move. I had managed to get the sculpture out of the car without damaging it, knocking myself in the head only once.

The only idea that my mind could seem to muster that morning was to pick up the sculpture and maneuver the stairs as quickly as possible. The sculpture isn’t necessarily heavy, it’s just awkward to carry around, because like most sculptures, I didn’t design it to be carried around.

I prepared myself at the bottom of the mountainous stairs, glanced around to make sure no one was watching, and steadied my breath. One false move and all the work and effort that went into my art would be laying in pieces on the forbidding marble steps.

Rafi Perez Best In Show Artel Gallery
Rafi Perez Best In Show Artel Gallery

After deciding to enter my art again, I got pieces into four separate shows, won best of show, and had a solo show in their alcove. I also got rejected two more times, but it didn’t have an impact on my self esteem as an artist. Some might attribute the lack of feeling dejected to the fact that I had a couple years as a career artist under my belt, but I know plenty of seasoned artists who have a difficult time with any rejection.

I don’t have difficulty with rejection because after two years of avoiding art competitions, I finally realized that you can’t win if you don’t enter; and your art is not being rejected, it simply didn’t match the taste of the juror. The thing is, that art competitions don’t matter, but if you want to win one, you are going to have to face rejection. In fact, if you want to do anything awesome or important with your art career, you are probably going to face a lot of rejection and criticism.

If you want to be safe from rejection, then don’t put yourself out there, don’t do anything different from the norm, don’t try to have a voice, and definitely don’t become an artist.

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

Simply because someone rejects your artwork (or whatever it may be) doesn’t mean that you are worthless. It doesn’t have anything to do with you, and never will. A lot of people avoid thinking about being rejected or losing, but in my opinion it’s a good idea to think about that worst case scenario, and face the fear in your mind.

What if my piece gets rejected? How will I feel? What does it mean?

These could be hard questions, but until you ask yourself and question the validity of your answers, you are going to keep reacting in misery to rejection. The really cool thing about exploring these questions is that you don’t have to react at all, you can respond to the situation however you like.

My answers are less dramatic and devastating since I’ve had a chance to explore this topic and really decide how I want to respond to these questions and this particular type of rejection.

What if my piece gets rejected?

Then it get’s rejected. I pick it up, bring it home and probably sell it at some point in my lifetime. Who knows, it may win a prize at some other art competition… just didn’t suit the juror this time I guess.

How will I feel?

Fine, I have other more important things to focus on.

What does this mean?

Only what I think it means. If I think I’m a failure or a reject, that’s on me. This is an opportunity for me to show myself who I am, by the way I respond. I choose to respond by saying “Well, maybe next time… I got shit to do right now.”

Chasing Fairies By Rafi Perez
Chasing Fairies By Rafi Perez

I glanced around one more time, held my breath, and made a run for it. I verbally counted every step as I ascended the stairs with the agility of sloth in running shoes.

Out of breath and elated that I made it to the top, I stood there gleaming in victory. I then proceeded to scrape and bang my way awkwardly through the front door, hitting my head one more time for good measure. I placed the sculpture safely in the gallery lobby, signed it in, and breathed a sigh of relief.

By the way, it was number 13 in the roster… talk about dumb luck.

I had done it. I achieved something I thought was impossible to do on my own, willing to face humiliation and rejection for something I love and believe in… my art, my sense of fun, my freedom to be me.

Nature Of Being Sculpture By Rafi Perez
Nature Of Being Sculpture By Rafi Perez

Had I given up, after that first rejection it would have controlled me. I would have spent the rest of my life being afraid to face rejection, and I would have been filled with “what ifs”.

I don’t believe you actually fail, even if your art doesn’t get in. Even if you get rejected, or lose… I think you only fail if you give up… because that’s the one thing you have control over.

It’s sometimes easy to give up because things might seem hopeless or hard. I didn’t think I could possibly get the sculpture to the gallery on my own, but my belief in dumb luck took over, and I decided to try.

Good thing too, I won Best Of Show.

Recycled Art By Rafi Perez
Best Of Show Recycled Art By Rafi Perez

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This Moment Is An Opportunity

As this week comes to a close, I look around my messy studio and ponder the events that lead up to this point. Several projects in their half finished state screaming for my attention, wanting the closure that all artistic creations seek.

Yet, in this myriad of untidy unrest I find myself happy.

Rafi in a messy art studio

Not because of the mess… I’m actually not fond of messes. I feel like your mind is a reflection of your surrounding, so a cluttered mind equals a cluttered house. In my case a holy crap batman studio equals a holy crap batman mind.

I think it’s because this week I was very deliberate about how I spent my time. I looked at every moment as a gift and decided to spend it doing something meaningful.

Rafi in a messy art studio

Now, I have a lot of projects that I’m working on, such as artworks, pieces for the art hunt, videos, planing an exhibition, so you would think my time is always pretty deliberate… but it’s not.

Recently, I had gotten in the habit of sitting on my couch in the studio and vegging out. Like full on, staring at nothing for who knows how long, minus the drool… that’s gross.

I realized that during that time, I wasn’t thinking about what I was thinking. I was just thinking random things and not necessarily noticing what I was thinking. It wasn’t good things either, I was complaining to myself about things and not even noticing that I was complaining.

Rafi in a messy art studio

So, I decided to pay attention, I was going to think about the things that I decided to think about, not just random happenstance.

And so, when I looked around today, I saw passion and a sense of love for what I do. I felt full… much better than sitting there mindlessly wondering what I would do if I was fighting a zombie dressed as a clown… Not that I wouldn’t take an opportunity to think about it, but it’s so much cooler when you do it deliberately.

So, what’s on your mind?

 

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Featured Artist At Jaco’s! You Are Invited!

Each month Jaco’s features a new artist whose work will hang on the walls of the restaurant for that month. The night of the reception they also have free wine tasting of that months featured wines.

Rafi at jacos

So, we have featured art, a featured artist (me), and featured wine (not me, but still awesome) at the same event, sitting right on the water… and YOU are invited!

Wednesday, December 6th from 5pm – 7pm at Jaco’s – 997 S Palafox St, Pensacola, FL 32502

I’m really excited about the pieces that I created for this particular show. I created a series in groupings of 2 or 3, each with it’s own message and story, it is 14 pieces all together.

Right Of The Wishing Tree (2)
I spent a few months planning and creating for the show.

The show will run at Jaco’s until January 3rd. I hope to see you all at the reception and share a wine tasting with you.

Here is a quick preview of some of the works for the show:

Amber Sunflower (1)
Golden Sunflower Series – 30X30 mixed medium and gold leafing on gallery wrapped canvas.

Birds On A Limb 1 (1)
On A Limb Series – 30X30 mixed medium on gallery wrapped canvas.

Dreams Of A Butterfly (1)
Dreaming Metamorphosis – 18X24 mixed medium on gallery wrapped canvas.

Blue Sky Horizon (1)
Horizon Series – 30X30 mixed medium on gallery wrapped canvas.

Left Of The Wishing Tree (1)
Magic Tree – 30X30 mixed medium on gallery wrapped canvas.