Is it gonna inhibit you or is it going to push you past your limits?
Diego Rafael
Diego went to Pomona High School and started his graffiti art style once he began to hang with a crowd that encouraged him to step out of the realm of black and white sketches. You see, Diego has Deutan Color Blindness (AKA deuteranomaly), it is the more common type of color blindness that effects the way he sees his reds, greens, etc. In his adolescents, he was ashamed of his “limitation” so sticking to what he knew was the safest option up until high school.
* Deuteranomaly “is the most common type of red-green color blindness in which the green cones in the eye detect too much red light and not enough green light. In other words, the sensitivity of the green cone is shifted toward longer wavelengths, becoming more overlapping with its neighboring red cone. It is estimated that 75% of people with color blindness are “Deutans”. As a result of the overlap, red, yellow, green, and brown can appear similar, especially in low light. It may also be difficult to tell the difference between blues and purples, or pinks and grays.”-Enchroma
It’s rather obvious that even though he endured struggles with his perception of colors, it hasn’t taken away from his passion to create some quality pieces. Throughout the years, Diego Rafael has maintained a very supportive group of people that encouraged him to keep evolving in his abilities to create. One being his brother, helped him along the way in distinguishing what colors to use in his paintings, and others such as his parents that let him pursue his passion. Diego currently works at a Target Distribution Center and the majority of the products he handles is affiliated with the Disney corporation. He makes a steady income to pay for a comfortable artist lifestyle in which we can all appreciate. The way Diego describes his passion for graffiti brings light to urbanism where in some eyes, it is still viewed as vandalistic. “Graffiti has no rules.” and in that alone drove him to discover his style.
Diego doesn’t limit himself to canvas work, but also skateboards, apparel and extraordinary framework. At one point, he decided to try tattooing and that’s where he learned how to have a steadier hand to ensure the art he created on skin was nothing less than perfection.
Diego named his biggest inspirations to be: Derek Hess, an artist who struggles but prevails through mental illness and alcoholism. Atlas, who is a graffiti artist that is based out in Los Angeles, CA and Revoke, who is a former graffiti artist, but is now pursuing a career in the realm of fine arts.
Diego has been featured in LA Artist Podcast hosted by Los Ruano Gallery a few times where they discuss art and other plans that they have for future events, including a non-profit organization where they will host workshops for beginners. It will mainly consist of how to price your art, teaching kids how to paint, etc.
Since schools have defunded most art programs, Diego and his friends are determined to ignite the artistic spark in children, encouraging them to become the “next Picasso,” as he puts it. They believe that creativity is essential for personal development and critical thinking, so they have taken it upon themselves to organize workshops filled with various artistic activities, ranging from painting to line work. I will be sure to keep the audience informed about the details regarding when and where this upcoming event will occur, as well as spreading the word for anyone interested in joining the festivities, which promise to be not only fun but also transformative for the young participants who will have the opportunity to express themselves freely and explore their imaginations.
Diego’s main focus is the people and how he can enliven others to become greater than what they believe themselves to be. From color blindness to an enriching artist, he is proof that you can overcome whatever obstacles that life throws at you. To be the next Picasso. My closing statement is if Beethoven can make beautiful music while deaf, an artist with color blindness can create beautiful masterpieces.
If you would like to listen to a more in depth conversation I had with Diego, I encourage you all to play the voice clip. He goes over in detail about his background, his future endeavors, and much much more. Check out these pages for more of his content:
P.S. Don’t mind my crazy family featured in the clip LOL
Thank you all for taking the time to read my blog! Will be posting another interview with an artist by this week! Good night!
Peanuts & Bologna Studios 
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