Today we’d like to introduce you to Leo Rucker.
Hi Leo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a little boy at the age of five, my journey began with a little notebook sketchpad using to render stick light figures of a next-door, neighbor husband who fought in war war two that would be my first commission yet not realizing that would later on in life lead to The Artist I am today. Between this would be several encounters throughout middle school high school working in art classes, being inspired by peers in the class and teachers who continue to push me to the next level by allow me to sometimes sit in the corner and be in my own world because I had such a focus. When I barely begin to find myself and tangled into the art world or my art because I want it to be as good as some of the other students in the class as I felt, I was not at that time. I continue to work hard day and night even at home working on pieces that would challenge me daily to work on improvement even as I also as a young adult or a young person enjoyed other activities like track cross country, softball and football, though I never play any professional or college football. It was something I enjoy with my friends, especially with one of my closest friend Johnny Hill, who I am still after many years from the first grade till today’s time we are very close. But over time Art took the place of me loving to run and exercise and it became my total focus in life as I pursue various galleries businesses and projects to expose my art with many doors that open up and opportunities presented themselves for me to become a establish Visual Artist, and even in today’s time a graphic artist who also utilized photography as a form of creativity to help capture images and moments through the lens so that I would later on create artwork from those documentations of photos. The journey has been and up and down process like many other artists throughout generations who careers have had ups and downs and challenges, I have been blessed with the desire and Will to work through those times to reach a plateau in my career as an artist working with various organizations and other Visual Artist to lead me into a major project that I’m currently working on today commission by Reynolds American Inc. along with a very talented artist Joey Allen, who has been detrimental to this 150th anniversary Mural Project to really come to life with both of our skills. Traditionally, I have been known as a portrait artist working in oils, pastels, acrylics, and graphite medium render mine, artistic projects, though over the last 10 years, I have expanded my ability to work in large scale projects like public art to take my art from being in local galleries to being exposed unto public buildings. This has allowed more of the community and the world to see my talent, along with many other artists talents, as public art has becoming big and popular thing for many cities to tell their stories and communities to tell their stories around the world. As I have gained experience over the last 30 years to create art that tell stories and capture moments in history I am still excited to continue to create those type of visual imagery on canvases and public places, even on Apparel that people can wear and connect to them as well and how my heart will hopefully leave a marking in history and my community. My passion is to create art that will inspire others for the next generation to create there own voice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
journey of an artist are created person with its visual musical dance theatrical however, you wanna select that medium, for an artist, we all have encountered challenges, and for me has been, of course, having resources to buy supplies having a place to do your artwork in time to do your artwork and along with their responsibility of maintaining and taking care of daily living responsibilities. At times I’ve had to walk Many Miles to get to work, getting to clients homes taking the bus, living in my workspace just to make it though I would still continue to have support from family and friends. Though challenges would continue to meet me head on as I continue to push forward in pursuit of the The Artist life
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My name is Leo Rucker, and I’m a visual artist, muralist, and creative storyteller based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. My work blends fine art, public art, portraiture, abstract expression, and cultural storytelling into experiences that connect people emotionally and historically. Over the years, I’ve developed a style that combines bold color, movement, texture, and narrative — allowing each piece to feel alive and rooted in meaning.
I specialize in large-scale murals, community-centered artwork, portrait commissions, and concept-driven visual storytelling. A lot of my work focuses on identity, heritage, music, faith, resilience, and the everyday stories that shape communities. Whether I’m painting on canvas or transforming a wall into a landmark piece, I aim to create artwork that sparks conversation and leaves a lasting emotional impact.
One of the things I’m most known for is my ability to merge realism with expressive, modern artistic techniques — blending mural work, pop-art influences, abstract textures, and layered symbolism into a signature visual language. My years working as a historical interpreter at Old Salem Museum and Gardens also helped shape how I approach storytelling through art. I learned how important it is to preserve culture, honor untold stories, and create work that connects generations.
What I’m most proud of is being able to use art not only as a creative outlet, but as a bridge between people, history, and inspiration. From community murals to personal commissions, I take pride in creating work that makes people feel seen, represented, and emotionally connected. I’m especially proud of projects that turn public spaces into meaningful visual experiences for the community.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine artistic versatility with authentic storytelling. I don’t just create images — I create experiences and visual conversations. My work is deeply personal, culturally aware, and emotionally intentional. I also bring a strong collaborative spirit to every project, making sure clients, communities, and viewers feel connected to the creative process. Whether it’s a mural, painting, design concept, or creative brand collaboration, my goal is always to make the work impactful, memorable, and meaningful.
What’s next?
Looking toward the future, my plans are centered around growth, legacy, and expanding the impact of my creativity beyond traditional artwork. I want to continue building a career where art becomes more than something people simply view — I want it to become an experience that inspires communities, tells stories, and creates opportunities for others.
One of my biggest goals is to continue growing as a large-scale muralist and public artist, creating landmark pieces throughout Winston-Salem and beyond that celebrate culture, history, music, faith, and community identity. I’m especially interested in projects that transform everyday spaces into meaningful destinations people remember and connect with emotionally.
I’m also focused on expanding my creative brand, “Make It Do What It Do,” into something much larger than apparel or merchandise. I see it evolving into a full creative movement that represents resilience, originality, motivation, and artistic expression through fashion, music, visual art, storytelling, and community engagement.
Another major part of my future plans is creating more opportunities for collaboration — working with cities, organizations, businesses, musicians, and other artists on projects that merge art, culture, and education. I want to continue mentoring and inspiring younger creatives while building projects that leave a lasting imprint on the next generation.
I’m also looking forward to pushing my work into new creative spaces, including multimedia experiences, gallery exhibitions, branded collaborations, public installations, and creative production that blends painting, music, film, and storytelling together in innovative ways.
What excites me most is the idea of building a lasting legacy through creativity — not just being known for individual paintings or murals, but for creating work that uplifts people, preserves stories, and encourages others to dream bigger creatively. My future is about continuing to evolve artistically while using my work to make a real impact on the community and culture around me.
Pricing:
- 500-20000 for commissions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativeonenessart.com/
- Instagram: @leorucker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leo.rucker.3
