Torrie Rebuck, founder of Rebuck Artistic Photography, has a body of work that includes colorful acrylic mixed media paintings. “The layers of paints, pastels, charcoal, and colored pencils create a texture and depth significant to the work [and] my formula for success rests in God who holds my hand while I paint,” she explains.
“As a photographer, there is an incredible joy when I am able to capture that greatest moment in someone’s life. I take the artist in me and combine it with photography, which drives me to create artistic photography. There’s an excitement, passion, significance and special meaning behind every photo, and gives me great pleasure in knowing that you will have that memory for a lifetime.”
Read what she has to say about her “amazing” paintings and a recognition she received from President Barack Obama.
How did you arrive at this career choice? Was it a deliberate decision or a gradual and natural evolution?
This was a natural evolution. I started painting at the age of 13. One day I got in trouble by my parents for having a disagreement with my brothers and sisters and my punishment was not to play outside for the day and stay in my room. It was the best day of my life not knowing at the time. I was so bored that I focused on a poster that I had hanging on my wall. I took a piece of paper and pencil and sketched on the paper identical to what I saw. Since then I have never put the pencil down, this was truly a blessing from God and it has been my goal to use my blessing and share with others.
What separates you from others in your field? What is unique to the experience that you create?
I paint from the soul and I feel when I paint you see life in my paintings. Each one of them has history and tells a story in my life so that when others see them it may do the same for them.
For those considering entering this arena, what skill sets do you recommend mastering? What traits are most conducive to success?
I believe you need to paint what you love and what inspires you to be creative from spiritual, to guidance or personal life experience. You cannot please everyone but the ones who love your work and your creativity will be inspired.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
Paint as often as I can by coming up with creative new ideas that will catch others’ eye. Doing a variety to me is always best. You’re not reaching out to just one culture, you are reaching out to all.
Do you think that there are any widely held misconceptions about what you do? If so, what are they and how do you work to dispel them?
Yes, some people look at me as only what they would call “a black artist.” But I’m an artist. I have learned to paint what I love and not what everyone else wants me to paint. I have also learned over the years that I cannot please everyone and also that there are people out there who will always find something negative to say. But what they don’t realize is that they are the ones that make me stronger and want me to paint more and be more creative. The ones who appreciate it, I thank them for their kind words but most important God who put them in my path and continue to thank him for my blessing “I will always continue to keep my head up, stay focused, and keep myself around positive people.
How do you map out your goals? How do you measure your success?
I map out my goals by completing what I started. I’m my own worst enemy and I’m a perfectionist. I stay motivated and focused which keeps me on track., when I know where I’m going, and how much progress I have made, it creates anticipation and excitement for me. I stay positive and have energy to stay consistent that keeps me going in the right direction for my goals
Name two of your top role models: one from your industry and one from outside of it.
My first role model would be my niece who is thirteen, the exact same age I was when I started sketching. The exact same patterns that I did she does. It’s as though I’m looking at myself back in time and I couldn’t be more proud of her. Another blessing passed on to someone who is very dear to my heart. My second would be Tyler Perry, I admire his work as a film artist and my goal is to have my paintings in his films. I admire him because he worked so hard to accomplish what he has done and when that door got shut he always believed another would come and be opened for him. “God holds my hand when I paint, he holds his hand when he writes.”
What affirmations do you repeat to yourself that contribute to your success?
Never say can’t and always say I can. I always believe in myself.
What role does technology play in your day-to-day life? How do you utilize it?
Networking! It’s the best way to reach out by letting others know who you are and what you do. Because of it, I sent an email to our president and first lady and received a letter from President Obama who gave me recognition for my painting ” A Cry for a Fallen Soldier” and for supporting our men and women serving in the armed forces.
Please define your personal brand.
“Rebuck Artistic Photography” as an artist and photographer — it’s one of my highlights to meet people whose lives I have touched through my work. I love the challenge and I love the idea that art can be fun. It makes me smile and I enjoy the awesome response that I receive when people see my work. As a child growing up I always had the passion to draw and paint but that only gave me direction, patience, practice and curiosity. The most important part was recognizing that it was a gift from God. I create artistic paintings and photos for everyone to enjoy! My paintings and photos tell a story and have history to them, having an artistic soul and a photographic eye I always strive for that unique way of creating that special painting and/or photo for someone.
What keeps you inspired?
Knowing that the artistic side of me was a gift and that it’s not meant for me to keep it to myself but to share it with anyone who would love to have a piece of my work
What Scripture(s) are you leaning on?
Philippians 4:6 – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.
How do you stay connected with fans?
Facebook and Instagram
What’s on your goal map?
Continue to create amazing paintings that others will love. My goal is to work harder to reach them, by using my sports paintings to connect with the sports industry; my jazz and musical paintings by connecting with the music industry and film industry and art galleries. My painting, “A Cry for a Fallen Soldier,” is a work that I painted in dedication to a dear friend who died while serving for our country. My prayer is to get my print of the painting that I created out to everyone who has or who still is serving in the armed forces.
