Rafael Acosta was born in the coastal city of Manzanillo in the province of Oriente, Cuba on January 3rd, 1937. He is the youngest of 6 siblings. Rafael began to demonstrate his artistic prowess at the tender age of 4. Rafael would draw whatever he saw.  Rafael once copied a Cuban money bill, it was identical to original notes and he even was reprimanded for the creation, he was only six years old. Later in life after some touch up work and changes he sold the bill. During his childhood he struggled in school sometimes not being able to attend. Rafael used whatever medium he could find, since his father left his mother when he was a child and she had to raise her 6 children, but Rafael's imagination was unlimited and even if he didn't get a Christmas present his drawings were his most precious gifts. 

Rafael was married in Cuba in 1961 with Carmen Hernandez with whom he had his first two children, Rafael and Odalis. His son was born in Cuba In 1964 and two years later Rafael and his family immigrated to the United States of America.  He arrived to Newark, New Jersey with his family in 1966 the same year Odalis, his first daughter, was born. He lived there for one year and then he moved to Miami, Fl.  He divorced in 1979. Years later he met Rosario Acosta with whom he married on November 9th, 1982 and with whom he had three beautiful children, Monica, Michelle and Sergio Andres. In 1987 Rafael suffered a terrible accident while he was working as a foreman that left him paraplegic and in a wheelchair bound unable to walk for the rest of his life. Those were difficult moments but their family support, and the birth of his third daughter Michelle in December of 1987 helped him overcome this situation, but it was actually the painting that comforted him during this difficult time. Painting was very easy for him but now he had to adapt every tool he had, the space and surface to his reality. This was a challenge that he could accomplish very well. Whoever sees one of his painting would imagine that he had no physical limitation, but the power of his mind overcome any physical limitation and for Rafael imagination is limitless. 

Rafael lived in Barranquilla, Colombia two years in 1999. During these years Rafael got in deepest touch with this city culture and got inspired by its traditions and customs.  It was in Barranquilla where he painted Las Vasijas, Cocos, El Bote and Domadora paintings among others. But this was not the first time in this city or country. Rafael had participated in 1989 in a painting contest held by the main theater of the city, The Amira de La Rosa Theater, where he obtained first place. Rafael donated his wining painting for a fundraising auction. 

Rafael has now four grand-children and he is great – grandfather of three children. He is full of energy and desire of helping other in his condition. He is very generous, humble and affectionate. 

Rafael is currently 76. He has survived his work accident, four heart attacks that lead him to open heart surgery and has courageously fought cancer, which led to a colon cancer surgery in 2012. Rafael is an excellent example of life, courage and overcoming. 

Join Rafael in his life long fight against so many obstacles and purchase one of his beautiful works of art. Proceeds from all his works that are sold will go to St Jude Children Hospital and La Liga Contra el Cancer. 

                                                                                          See Rafael's  original artwork and giclee prints available.