Know him better via Sketch, Workplace Tour, and In-Depth Interview!

■Rafayel · Sketch

Rafayel's paintings always leave a profound impression on people. Most of his paintings are centered on Lemuria, a civilization conceived by the oceans. His art style is like an inferno—passionate and fiery.

He has a unique and particular approach to his work and a distinctive viewpoint on art. It's said that he makes his own paints and must find a color he likes before he begins painting.

He set up Mo Art Studio in Whitesand Bay. It's his private art studio in Linkon City.

"The roots of Romanticism can be found in paintings, but its influence goes beyond art."

■Rafayel · Workplace Tour Report

Rafayel's Mo Art Studio is located in Whitesand Bay, where the only thing one can see is the blue sea.

According to our sources, the first floor serves as Rafayel's exhibition hall, but it's usually not open to the public. It's more of a place for him to store his personal work. The second floor is his private studio as well as his living room.

When we arrived at Mo Art Studio, the front door was tightly shut, and there was no response when we rang the doorbell.

While we were at a loss, another person arrived and began knocking on the door. We assumed he was a reporter or an industry professional also here to meet with Rafayel. However, he turned out to be Rafayel's longtime friend and agent, Thomas.

We explained our goal to Thomas and expressed our desire to learn more about Rafayel. Surprisingly, Thomas, who was also unsuccessful in seeing the artist, immediately started sharing information with us.

We've compiled some excerpts from the conversation. An unexpected side of Rafayel has been revealed.

Interviewee: Thomas, Rafayel's old friend and art gallery manager

"You're here for Rafayel? Don't bother. Even I, his art gallery manager, can't find him most of the time."

Hmm...

"An interview? Tch... He won't even go to his own art exhibition on the opening day! He's either in a creative retreat or collecting materials... What's wrong with appointments? That's part of his job! He just doesn't want to work."

Uh...

"Speaking of which, he has a lot of paintings, but nobody knows when he finishes them. It's strange. Every day he's either bathing or on his way to the bathroom. He forgets easily. His memory is like a goldfish. He's also impatient. Can't sit for more than 30 minutes unless he's painting. Wait, I almost forgot about seafood. You can't get him away from his stool when he's eating seafood! Well, you could, but... you're just asking for trouble."

...Is he that hard to get along with?

■Rafayel · In-Depth Interview

Having gathered intel from various sources, we visited Mo Art Studio at times that could give us a chance to encounter Rafayel. We were hoping Lady Luck would smile upon us.

It was an early morning at Whitesand Bay. We stumbled upon Rafayel, who had just finished painting after a night of creative fervor.

He seemed to be in a good mood. And surprisingly, he agreed to do an interview.

■Rafayel · Interview Collection

Opening: I'd like to thank Mr. Rafayel for this interview. Please say hello to our readers!

"Hi everyone, I'm Rafayel. R-A-F-A-Y-E-L."

"What? Talk more about myself? Well... I'm 24 years old, probably. I guess I can be called a painter."

"Yeah, that's about it."

Q1: After returning from abroad, why did you choose the location of your gallery to be next to Whitesand Bay in Linkon City?

"The sea here gives off a very cozy vibe. I like it a lot."

But your gallery is not open to the public. Is there any special reason for that?

"For the most part, paintings are how I express myself. I don't like having strangers go in and out of my heart, you know."

Q2:What left a deep impression on you during your time abroad?

"I appreciated many different styles of art, but the most memorable thing was the seafood..."

"Once I went to a fishing village on an island. Did you know they actually make lobster with leaves native to the area? (You wrap it up first, and then...)"

Details of cooking lobsters are omitted for limited space.

"After that, I could never eat such a delicious lobster ever again. And I don’t even know the island’s location now..."

Q3: Do you like to travel a lot?

"Not really, but I've been to every place you can get to. By ship."

You emphasized the "by ship" part. Is it because you're scared of flying in an airplane?

"That gravity-defying vehicle goes against nature! I'd rather walk than risk falling onto a cloud..."

"What's the next question?"

Q4: Most artists have a high EQ. What kind of person are you in a relationship? Do you prefer to take the lead or...

"A passive, small fish will not only fail to eat the shrimp, but also be devoured by a big fish."

"Isn't it better to take the initiative to get what you want?"

Q5: I heard you just finished a month-long creative retreat. What else do you have planned?

"My plans?"

"Go pick up a new batch of lapis lazuli that arrived, order some new painting materials. Oh, and that hermit crab on the beach is about to have its third birthday…"

△ There is the sound of a growling stomach.

"You must be hungry."

△ It's Mr. Rafayel's stomach that's growling.

"Huh? Oh... I might have forgotten to eat..."

"Do you have any other questions? I'm going to get some food."

Q6: Do you have anything else you want to say to our readers?

"Uh... Don't pay too much attention to me, and you don't have to pay special attention to my work either."

"Life is precious, you know. Paint your story with your own colors."