We were lucky to catch up with Rafi Perez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rafi, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Over a decade ago, I quit my corporate job and somehow bumbled my way into a successful art career, a happy marriage, a beautiful home, and a thrilling life. The only components that I can attribute to my success is persistence and utter stubbornness. Let’s just call it resilience, and it comes from that burning desire within you.
Resilience is an interesting word that resonates deeply with me, not just as a mantra, but as a lived experience that has shaped the trajectory of my creative career and life. At its essence, resilience is about the capacity to withstand and recover swiftly from life’s hurdles. But to me, it signifies something even more profound—it’s about knowing oneself and harnessing that knowledge to push forward, no matter the odds.
Before embarking on my journey in the art world, my life was entrenched in the corporate sector, a world away from the creative expressions I longed to explore. The shift was anything but easy. Pursuing an art career, I was met with rejection, criticism, and failure. It’s a universal truth in the realm of creativity: to create and put it out in the world is to risk failure. Yet, it’s in this vulnerability where resilience finds its roots.
Jobless, homeless, penniless, and rejected from the thing I wanted to be embraced for, I had a choice to make. One was to polish up my resume and go back to the grind of the corporate world. The other was to persist through the suck and keep going. I chose to keep going.
My first step towards resilience was learning to hold a positive view of myself. Early on, my artworks were rejected by galleries, not once but repeatedly. Each rejection was a blow, not just to my aspirations but to my self-worth. It was then I realized the power of choice—I could either see myself through the lens of these rejections or view myself as a resilient artist, persistent and undeterred. Choosing the latter was my first act of resilience.
The next thing I had to figure out was the answer to these questions: Why am I doing this? And how am I doing this? Obviously, I needed money, but the desire to sell art, while appealing, was fraught with uncertainties beyond my control. I shifted my focus to something more tangible: to share my artwork as widely as possible. I didn’t start creating art for money, and I wasn’t about to let it seep my desperation into my art career. This goal, seemingly modest, became a powerful motivator. It led me to explore innovative ways to showcase my art, forging new connections and building a supportive community around my work. My wife became an invaluable source of encouragement, on her own creative journey, counterbalancing the skepticism I faced elsewhere.
Resilience also meant taking decisive action, stepping beyond wishful thinking to proactively put my art into the world. I couldn’t wait for galleries or others to recognize my work; I had to carve out my own path. This approach not only helped me stay motivated but also underscored the importance of self-reliance and the ability to find joy and fulfillment in the process itself.
One of the most profound lessons resilience has taught me is the importance of silencing the mind. Our thoughts can often spiral into negativity, especially when faced with setbacks or challenges. Learning to find hope and positivity, to see beyond the immediate struggles, has been crucial. It’s about finding the light at the end of the tunnel, even when it seems faint.
At its core, resilience is knowing—knowing deep down that you can withstand challenges, recover from setbacks, and pivot directions when necessary. It’s about trusting yourself to navigate through life’s storms. For me, embracing resilience hasn’t just been about building an art career; it’s been about discovering the very art of living.
This journey of resilience has transformed my life. It has taught me to embrace change, to view failures as stepping stones, and to understand that resilience, paired with hope, is the most potent force we have. As I reflect on my path, I realize that resilience is more than just bouncing back—it’s about moving forward, armed with the knowledge that no matter what comes your way, you have the strength to overcome it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My journey into the world of art was, in many ways, a path rediscovered rather than a straight trajectory. Originally, my life was set against a very different backdrop. I was deep into the corporate world, following a narrative that wasn’t truly mine but one that I thought was expected of me. My early years were influenced heavily by family and societal expectations. There was a period where I envisioned my future in the family business, and later, my efforts were poured into building a corporate career. Yet, despite achieving what many would consider success, there was an unmistakable void, a sense of unfulfillment that no title or paycheck could fill.
It wasn’t until I confronted this disconnect between my external world and my inner calling that I began to pivot towards what truly moved me—art. This wasn’t an overnight transformation but a gradual awakening. The seeds were always there; from my earliest days, I found solace and expression in drawing and painting, often inspired by the stories and landscapes around me. Yet, it took years of living someone else’s idea of success to realize that my true passion lay in the canvas’s colors, textures, and endless possibilities.
Today, my focus is on living authentically through my art. I see my work as a dialogue with the viewer, an invitation to explore emotions, stories, and perspectives that unite us in our humanity. My art spans across multiple mediums—painting, sculpture, digital creations, video, books, and music —each a different voice in the broader conversation about life’s beauty and complexity.
Professionally, I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of what art can be and how it can impact people. This involves not only exploring new techniques and themes in my work but also finding innovative ways to connect with others through art. My YouTube channel, “Rafi Was Here,” and my Rogue Artist Guides are platforms where I share my journey, insights, and the lessons I’ve learned, aiming to inspire and empower other creatives.
Klee, my incredible partner in both life and art, and I are always looking for ways to engage more deeply with our community. Whether through music, art exhibitions, or interactive masterclasses, our goal is to create spaces where art can spark joy, provoke thought, and encourage a deeper connection with our inner selves and the world around us.
Looking ahead, I’m focused on expanding the reach of my art and message. This includes more interactive exhibitions, collaborations with other artists and creatives, and continuing to build a supportive community for artists worldwide. At the heart of it all is my belief in the transformative power of art—not just as a form of expression but as a way of living, a path to discovering our most authentic selves, and a means to connect with others on a profoundly human level.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three core qualities stand out as instrumental to where I am today: resilience, authenticity, and persisting through the suck—and having fun while doing it.
Resilience
The path of an artist, or indeed any path that diverges from the expected, is filled with challenges, rejection, and self-doubt. Resilience, the capacity to keep moving forward even when the going gets tough, has been crucial to keeping myself on track. It’s about more than just bouncing back from setbacks; it’s about seeing each challenge as an integral part of the journey. For those starting out, I recommend cultivating resilience by setting small, achievable destinations. Celebrate your victories, learn from your setbacks, and remember, progress is progress, no matter the pace.
Authenticity
Being true to oneself is arguably the most critical aspect of an artist’s journey. For years, I tried to conform to expectations that didn’t align with my inner self, which led me nowhere. Embracing my unique voice and vision was a turning point. Authenticity has a unique power; it resonates with others in profound ways. For those early in their journey, dive deep into discovering who you are and what you wish to express. It might take time, but finding and staying true to your authentic self is invaluable. Not everyone is going to like what you are doing and that is healthy, it means you are on the right track.
Persisting Through The Suck—and Having Fun
Every artist will encounter a phase where their abilities lag behind their taste or aspirations—affectionately known as “the suck.” It’s a challenging period, marked by frustration and dissatisfaction with one’s work and where they are in life. The secret? Persist through this phase, but make sure to have fun with it. The journey through the suck is not just about endurance; it’s about exploration, experimentation, and finding joy in the process, no matter how imperfect. For newcomers, understand that persisting through the suck is a rite of passage. Keep creating, keep playing, and remember that every piece, every attempt, brings you one step closer to your goals. Embrace the mess, the mistakes, and the learning that comes with them, and try to enjoy every bit of the process.
Advice for the Journey
For those at the beginning of their artistic journey, my advice is to actively cultivate these qualities. Build resilience by regularly stepping out of your comfort zone. Foster authenticity by engaging in self-reflection and experimenting with your expression to discover what genuinely speaks to you. Most importantly, persist through the tough phases with a sense of playfulness and fun. Understand that the journey of art is filled with learning, growth, and yes, a fair share of stumbling blocks, but it’s also an incredible adventure. Embrace each step with patience, passion, and a willingness to find joy in the creation process itself.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, which is a natural part of the creative process and life in general, I have developed a few strategies that help me navigate through those moments. It’s about finding balance, reconnecting with my core, and remembering why I started this journey in the first place.
Step Back and Breathe
Firstly, I take a step back and give myself permission to breathe. This might mean taking days off to clear my mind and get back to center. I know, you are probably freaking out that everything will fall apart. The fact is, it won’t. Overwhelm is an indicator that you may be trying to do too much all at once. It’s crucial to recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed and to allow yourself a moment to pause. In short term this could mean stepping away from the studio, taking a walk, or just sitting quietly. The key is to disrupt the cycle of stress and give your mind a chance to reset.
Reconnect with Nature
I often find solace in nature. Something about the simplicity and beauty of the natural world helps put things into perspective. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a trip to the beach, or simply sitting in my backyard, reconnecting with the environment reminds me of the bigger picture and often inspires me anew.
Simplify and Prioritize
When tasks pile up, and everything feels equally urgent, I try to simplify and prioritize. I ask myself, “What is the most important thing I need to focus on right now?” This helps to clear the clutter in my mind and focus on one thing at a time. Tackling tasks one by one, rather than trying to juggle everything simultaneously, reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed. I also simplify the process by asking myself two important questions: “Why am I really doing this?” and “Is this bringing happiness into my life in some way?” depending on the answer, I may prioritize, get rid of, or delegate the task.
Express Gratitude
I know, this word feels a little overused, but it is important. Practicing gratitude is vital to your mental state of being. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s going wrong or what feels insurmountable. By shifting focus to what I’m thankful for, I ground myself in positivity, which often lightens the load of overwhelm. Our brains can only focus on one thing at a time, so if you are focused on what’s going wrong, that’s all you are going to see.
Seek Support and Share
I’m fortunate to have a wonderful partner, Klee, and a community of fellow artists and friends with whom I can share my feelings of overwhelm. Sometimes, just voicing what you’re going through can lighten the feeling of burden. Never underestimate the power of support and connection.
Advice for Navigating Overwhelm
For anyone feeling overwhelmed, remember, it’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone. My advice is to acknowledge the feeling, take intentional steps to care for yourself, and try to pinpoint the root cause. Is it a specific project? An unrealistic deadline? Once you understand the source, you can begin to address it more effectively.
Remember to celebrate your progress and be kind to yourself. Creativity is not a resource that can be depleted, but it does require space to breathe and grow. Give yourself that space, and trust that you will navigate through the overwhelm with newfound insight and strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rafiandklee.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rafiwashere/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rafiwashere
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafiperezart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rafiwashere
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RafiwashereUS
Image Credits
Rafi And Klee Studios
