The date has been announced, we will be releasing 80 small art trees and 100 empowering happy magnets around downtown Pensacola on March 12th, 2018. Klee and I will go out in the cover of darkness and #INSPIREASMILE with art.
2018 Pensacola Art Hunt By Rafi And Klee
There is something special about the mystery and the covert nature of bringing joy to people that totally gets me pumped. It’s a very rogue and unexpected way to bring happiness and I hope people will be inspired to smile by the gesture.
In the past, I have left small art trees around town, this year in addition to the art I’ll also have small sketches that say empowering things, meant to brighten someones day.
2018 Pensacola Art Hunt By Rafi And Klee
After doing this art hunt for about four years, we realized it needed a name. We asked our awesome fans on YouTube for help and they did not disappoint.
#inspireasmile captures the essence of why we do these art hunts. Also, it helps us try and collaborate with artists who are interested in doing something similar in their town.
The idea is to spread around some happy, positive, empowering messages, and try to inspire a smile from the world. It seems sometimes, that the world could use it… I know I could use it sometimes.
If you are an artist, or just a person who wants to #INSPIREASMILE feel free to join the movement, use the hashtag, and send us pictures of your art hunt along with information on who you are, where you are, and why you did.
If you are in Pensacola, mark your calendars. Pieces will be hidden in plain sight and some will be a little harder to find, but all will be just for you! I’ll be making some more announcements and releasing clues leading up to and the day of.
It was about nine years ago, when I ran across this excerpt from a speech by Teddy Roosevelt. This speech changed my life and my point of view of people who criticized my ability to succeed.
Klee and Rafi traveled the country and challenged their old way of living, despite the naysayers and critics saying it wasn’t possible.
I am working on a video that is about taking negative criticism, so I’ve been inspired to share it with you:
” It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. ”
— Theodore Roosevelt
UPDATE:
Here is the video I recently did about some of the negative critics I have had, and how I deal with them.
When you hold on to your vision, no one can ever stop you.
Vision In My Mind By Rafi Perez
Stay endlessly inspired by the stuff of life. Love you. –Rafi
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, 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
“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
“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
“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
“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!
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
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
“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
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
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
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!
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 having an existential crisisOk, as I promised here is the art and jewelry! Enjoy!
“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
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!
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
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
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
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” 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!
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
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 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
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
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 38X30Ziggy Portrait By Rafi Perez 24X30Royal 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 🙂
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