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Rafi And Klee Enter Artel Gallery 25th Anniversary Show

Yesterday Klee and I dropped off some of our art for the 25th Anniversary Show at Artel Gallery in downtown Pensacola.

Rafi And Klee Enter Artel 25th Anniversary Show

As some of you know, I won ‘Best Of Show’ at the last exhibition with my sculpture. Klee was there with me at the reception, she has always been so supportive. At every reception, she has been there to help me face anything that may come my way and to be my cheerleader.

Rafi And Klee Enter Artel 25th Anniversary Show

What makes this particular show super exciting for me is that Klee also has a piece in the show. So we will both be there for the reception on June 14th strutting our stuff and representing our own art. This will give me a chance to show my support for her and her awesome talent.

This event is open to the public, so please join us on June 14th, 6pm at Artel Gallery in Downtown Pensacola.

My submission is Chasing Fairies.

Rafi And Klee Enter Artel 25th Anniversary Show

ABOUT THIS PAINTING
In a world where everything is much more serious and complicated than those moments of innocence and wonder we experienced as children, this piece symbolizes the child within all of us that will believe in the impossible. Everything is possible.

Rafi And Klee Enter Artel 25th Anniversary Show

Klee’s Submission is “Everlasting Oak” Tree of Life Pendant Necklace.

Rafi And Klee Enter Artel 25th Anniversary Show

One of a kind solid 14k gold tree of life necklace on a stunning rectangular cushion cut moss agate stone with genuine blue diamond leaves.

Moss Agate is a variety of Chalcedony, a mineral of the Quartz family. It is clear to milky white, with dendritic inclusions of manganese or iron that has grown into patterns similar to moss or lichen. It has been highly regarded throughout history as a stone of strengthening, stability, healing, balance and abundance.

Rafi And Klee Enter Artel 25th Anniversary Show

The oak tree has long been a symbol of strength, endurance, wisdom and nobility, highly revered for it’s size and longevity as well as the abundant gifts it has provided over the centuries. This tree, created in solid gold and blue diamonds, is truly an “Everlasting Oak.”

Diamonds are the most well known symbol of “forever”. The leaves of this tree are genuine conflict free blue diamonds (color enhanced). Their color is a greenish-teal blue that perfectly compliments the mossy inclusions of the agate. 44 of them adorn the branches of this tree, sparkling and shimmering in a truly magical way.

Hope to see you there:

What: Art Exhibition – 25th Anniversary Show
Where: Artel Gallery – 223 Palafox Place, Old Escambia County Courthouse, Pensacola, FL 32502
When: Opening Reception June 14th, 6pm-8pm (Show Runs June 5th – July 13th)
Why: Because it’s awesome! Come hang out with us during the opening reception!

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4 Reasons Why I Paint Trees

It’s no secret that I love to paint trees. In fact, one of my longest running collections is a series called the Seasons Of Change. It’s an abstract representation of the four seasons in its constant cycle of change.

Rafi Perez Art 2016
Rafi Perez Art 2016

So, in case you are wondering why, I think I’ll let you into the crazy tangle of optimism that is my mind.  Here are the four things that I believe we can learn from trees.

Trees are rooted in the here and now.

I believe that we are all rooted in the here and now, but we tend to forget that. We could easily live in the past, reliving an experience over and over. It’s easy to taint what is happening right now in front of you with some drama from your past or some anxiety you have about the future. But really, when you think about it, all that matters is what is happening right now.

Rafi Perez Art 2016

Trees are constantly growing upwards.

We tend to look at our lives sometimes and think that we can plateau, or be stuck for years in some situation that sucks. Although it may be true that we are slowing down our growth by stubbornly holding on to something that doesn’t help our situation, we are still growing. No one else can see it, sometimes you don’t even notice it, but the growth is so powerful that the moment you remove that stubborn thing, you explode upwards. It’s like a tree growing through concrete.

Twilight-Glow-Tree-4

Trees have a lot going on under the surface.

Just like us, trees have a lot going on under the surface. What we can learn from trees is simple, make what is under the surface something that supports you. Trees get nutrients, a foundation, and connection from their roots. Some trees are an interconnected network of support to one another and it all happens under the surface. I think if we looked inside ourselves and made it a point to nourish, support, build a positive foundation, and connect with love for one another, we would be surprised at how strong we can become.

Rafi Perez Art 2016

Trees are all common, but so unique.

If there was one tree left on the planet, people would travel from all over the world to lay eyes on it. You would take in its beauty and wonder. You would actually stop for at least five minutes to admire it and take in how amazing it is. No two trees are exactly alike. Similar, but never identical. Just like us, no two humans are alike and yet we are so common that we are willing to compare, contrast, and judge each other based on false pretenses. We are all beautiful and unique, and it is about time we remember that.

So next time you take a walk somewhere and pass that tree that you have passed a million times without glancing at it, just pause for a moment and say hi.

-I love you

Rafi

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Twilight Glow Tree’s New Home

One of the pitfalls of selling my art is the fact that many times I don’t get to see where my piece will live. I create a part of me and expose it to the world in the hopes that it will end up in a good home and be appreciated. I spend so much time just staring at a piece as it is being created, that I develop a very close relationship with my art.

Twilight-Glow-Tree

Don’t get me wrong, I interact with the person buying it whether in person or online (and have turned offers down because of the persons vibe) but for the most part, that’s where the interaction ends. They buy the art, and I never see it again.

When I created the glow tree, I had this piece in mind for a special person that would appreciate every single deliberately molded peak of texture.

Twilight-Glow-Tree-3

This tree represents a concept and idea that is very special to me.

“We are rooted in reality, and yet we expand and grow out towards the heavens. We are constantly expanding and growing, even when no one else can see it.”

With this piece, I was hoping this would be one of those rare occasions where the person stayed in contact during the process of receiving the art.

Twilight-Glow-Tree-4

Every once in a while, I get to see how the piece is welcomed into the new home, and I it is always a joy.

I received a special message last night from the Alfredo Z. who purchased this piece online from me a couple weeks ago.

He had contacted me several times asking for suggestions on the size, color, and style of frame. He sent me pictures of his favorites, and I made my suggestions and that was that.

The color and texture of this piece requires the frame to be very specific as to not take away, but add to the message.

Twilight-Glow-Tree-2

I could not have imagined how amazing the piece would look with the hardware that surrounds it.

It is stunning. Thank you.

FullSizeRender

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Art Creations For Your Inbox – No. 2

Happy Sunday! I start you off with an amazing quote I heard this week that made me smile:

Spend your life doing strange things with weird people. – Tiffany Patton

This week has been an awesome one for us! I finished a mural in downtown Pensacola, and Klee has created something that pushed her skill set to the next level. Enjoy this Sunday’s art for your inbox.

Downtown Pensacola Mural

Downtown Pensacola Mural By Rafi Perez
Downtown Pensacola Mural By Rafi Perez

“I am so excited to announce that the mural is finished. It is located in beautiful, historic downtown Pensacola on Palafox St. It was such on honor to be allowed to add my creation to this beautiful town.” -Rafi

To find out more about the mural CLICK HERE

Blue Topaz Engagement Ring

Blue Topaz Engagement Ring By Klee Angelie
Blue Topaz Engagement Ring By Klee Angelie

“This was one of the most exciting and challenging commission projects I’ve taken on thus far. A milestone for me as my very first traditional (yet non-traditional) engagement ring.” -Klee

To find out more about the creation of this ring CLICK HERE

Empowerment Event Painting

Rafi Perez Live Painting Empowerment
Rafi Perez Live Painting Empowerment

“Empowerment was a Food drive for Manna Food pantries. I did a live painting. The painting was auctioned off to raise funds for MANNA. I was so honored to create the beautiful piece.” -Rafi

To watch the creation of this piece CLICK HERE

Labradorite Tree Of Life

Labradorite Tree Of Life By Klee Angelie
Labradorite Tree Of Life By Klee Angelie

“This hand faceted labradorite caught my attention the moment I saw it. I think I even gasped a little with excitement. I see imagery in the stones I work with, sometimes landscapes and sometimes fantastical far off places straight out of a storybook. This one immediately made me think of far off galaxies visible in the sky on a very clear dark night, or a fantastic display of the northern lights on a cold crisp evening.” -Klee

Have an amazing week! You are awesome!

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Art Creations In Your Inbox – No. 1

Happy Sunday! This week has been an interesting one for us, full of website crashes, eye injuries, and a near-wet experience at the market. All that being said, the results are awesome. Our website is now a bazillion times better than it was, I took time to relax and gather my thoughts on what to create next, and we had more time to work on things in the studio. Plus, I decided that every Sunday I would post “Art Creations In Your Inbox” and show you what we’ve been working on.

The Patronus Charm By Rafi Perez

“Needless to say, I am a nerd. I love all things fantasy and sci-fi, so after Klee and I had a Harry Potter marathon, this piece is what came of it. It is called “The Patronus Charm” and is based on the concept that J.K Rowling had for the dementors and getting rid of them. Dementors are metaphors for depression, and the Patronus charm is what repells them by focusing on happy powerful thoughts. Yep, told you… nerd. Oh, and yeah… It glows in the dark. My plan is to create different patronus animals in the future, or by request.” -Rafi

Vertical Bar Pendants By Klee Angelie

605ce56e-d951-4fd6-abc2-d76ee880484d-1“These are my new favorite thing to make and wear, featuring rustic hammered texture on one side and stamping on the other. They are reversible and personal.” -Klee

My Guardian Power By Rafi Perez

“The beautiful Klee Angelie modeled for this piece. It represents my belief in guardian angels. Yep, when I was a kid, I felt like there was something that protected me, but instead of fluffy, fat little angels, I felt it was a bad ass.” -Rafi

Swan Lake By Klee Angelie

img_1387“This moonstone was especially cool to work with, because it has a black tourmaline inclusion on the backside that looks just like a swan.” -Klee

Autumn Sky By Rafi Perez

img_8378“There is something magical about Autumn. The changing colors of leaves, The brisk cool air, and the feeling that anything is possible, is why I love the Fall so much. This piece captures that for me.” -Rafi

Pyrite Ring By Klee Angelie

img_1064 “I’ve been experimenting with a style of raw and elegant looking ‘Claw Prong’ settings and I absolutely love how this Pyrite and Sterling ring turned out.” -Klee

Have an awesome week! You guys are great!

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Tree of Life By Contemporary Artist Rafi Perez

“Tree of Life” Mixed Medium on Canvas 24″ X 24″ – it’s no secret that I am fascinated by trees, especially The Tree of Life connecting all forms of creation above and below… I love this piece. Http://www.rafiwashere.com

Tree of Life By Contemporary Artist Rafi Perez
Tree of Life By Contemporary Artist Rafi Perez