Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lis Rafailedes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Lis thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I had the pleasure of working on a really meaningful project this year. This mural project was for FamilyWorks in Seattle, Washington.

They are an amazing organization that serves the community by providing food bank services, drop in playgroups, and parenting classes. Their offices were cramped together in a small food bank until this year when they received funding to open a new office space.

They welcomed me into their space to create a bright, cheery mural to make clients and employees feel warm and welcome. While I was growing up, my family desperately needed access to some go these services. To be able to provide a mural for their space made me feel like I could give back to the community in some way.

Marcia, Theresa, and Marlo were wonderful and supportive every step of the way. It was a joy to organize a community paint day and paint alongside their volunteers, families. employees, and board members. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity FamilyWorks!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always had a passion for the arts. I was never incredibly extroverted, so I used music or art to express myself. I played in a band in college and wrote songs as a creative outlet. When I moved from Florida to Seattle, I began spending more time on painting and fine arts as an outlet to express myself.

I spent the first few years out of college working as a Preschool Director. I loved doing arts and crafts with the kids and enjoying their unhindered creativity.

After I had my daughter, in 2017, I began taking classes and pursuing digital art and design. In 2020 I had my first large design project with a Seattle based non-profit called Urban ArtWorks. They reached out and asked me to design panels for a community based painting project. These panels would go on to sit outside of the Climate Pledge Arena while it was under construction, This was my first large scale, community based art project, and I quickly fell in love with public art.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the opportunity to share a little love and light with the world. Life is HARD. As much as I love to center my art around positivity and optimism, the world we live in is not always bright. Engaging in public art projects visibly gives others joy. I’ve worked on countless murals and public art projects, and have had so many wonderful people stop and say “Thank you! Seeing this brightened my day”. That is one of the best comments to hear as an artist.

A large part of my work centers around the creation of community based murals and painting projects. I absolutely love seeing the joy on people’s faces as they create and transform a public space. It is one of the rare times in life where I see people young and old, of various cultural backgrounds, and political beliefs, come together with a common goal in mind- to work together to beautify their neighborhoods.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I have a hard time verbally expressing myself. I have always been one to keep in pain, sadness, anxieties, and other emotions. Creating art is a true outlet and healing experience for me. The main goal of my creative journey is to inspire other artists to do the same. The world is a bit brighter when we express ourselves in positive ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: LisRafailedes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lis.rafail/

Image Credits
Alicia Diamond