ETS connected with Seattle-based muralist and visual artist Lis Rafailedes to learn more about her work and the paintings she created for and donated to ETS as part of her project Canvas for Change funded by King County 4Culture.
Lis, thanks for taking the time to connect with us today. Tell us more about yourself.
My name is Lis Rafailedes, and I am a mixed media artist and designer originally from Florida. I’ve lived in Seattle for the past ten years, where I’ve built a practice focused on murals and pattern design. My passion revolves around community collaboration, and creating colorful artwork that brings a sense of joy and optimism.
Tell us a little bit about your artwork style and process. Where are you at in your creative journey?
My work is colorful and playful, and I’m especially inspired by nature and botanical forms. I’m at a point in my art practice where I’m becoming more interested in how my artwork can serve a purpose beyond creating for myself. I want to create work that can build community and build connections and pride in shared spaces.
Tell us the backstory of how you received the grant from King County 4Culture and why you chose ETS as one of the recipients for this project.
Canvas for Change is the name that I gave the project. This project was made possible through a 4Culture grant that allowed me to create free, largescale artwork for local nonprofits serving our community. My family needed to utilize many social service organizations when I was younger. I remember studying the beige walls of some of these facilities, the cracks in the paint, and wishing I was somewhere brighter. Often times money and resources for social service organizations and non profits need to go to the valuable work that staff are providing.
“I hope that all ETS participants feel that they deserve to be surrounded by beautiful, joyful things.”
Lis Rafailedes
I want to use my art to help beautify spaces that are vital resources in our community. By donating bright, colorful art, I hope I am helping to make these spaces feel more humane. I chose Evergreen Treatment Services because I really wanted to create artwork for a space where people may be experiencing a difficult or transitional time in their lives. I felt that colorful, hopeful imagery could help make the environment feel a little more welcoming and uplifting.
A Cascade View is on display at South Sound Clinic
Puget Sound Tide Pools is on display at South King County Clinic
What have you learned in the process of creating these five 4×8 ft. paintings for ETS clinics and offices?
This project has reminded me how powerful art can be when it is created with a specific community and space in mind. I’ve also learned that creating something meaningful doesn’t always require a complicated message. Sometimes color and nature can simply give someone a moment of peace or something positive to focus on.
HOH Forest is on display at the Seattle Clinic
Franklin Falls is on display at our Admin office in SODO
What do you hope people will experience or feel when they see your paintings?
I was really grateful that ETS helped facilitate surveys for their clients and staff to ask some questions about what they would like to see in their clinics. More than anything, I hope the paintings make people feel a little bit of joy and peace. I wanted the artwork to feel bright and welcoming and to remind people that even during difficult periods of life, there can still be moments of hope and growth.
Mt. Rainier Wilderness is on display at our REACH office in Belltown
Is there anything you would like for ETS participants to know?
I would want them to know that these paintings were made with them in mind, and with a lot of care. I hope that all ETS participants feel that they deserve to be surrounded by beautiful, joyful things. I am also hopeful that this artwork can serve as a small reminder that change is possible and that no matter what hurdles folks may be facing, there are brighter chapters ahead.
Connect with Lis via Instagram (@lis.rafail) or her website at LisRafailedes.com.
