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Orlando Torres' interest in designing began early in life.
Under the heavy influences of his father who was an architect
and grandfather who was a carpenter, it was only natural that
he would follow in the family tradition. Receiving his first
airbrush from his farther at the age of nine, Orlando began
experimenting with his new found love. Soon afterwards, Orlando
attended I.S.88; a Brooklyn based Junior High School. It is
here where New York's art movement, known as "Graffiti"
thrived during the late seventies. Surrounded by Graffiti artist,
Orlando immediately became involved in the art form, which set
him on a path, that later paved the road to his future career
as a designer. Given the name RINE, by a leading talent from
the movement who went by the name NAS, Orlando headed to the
streets to make a name for himself as an artist.
Art and Design High School changed everything; Graffiti artists
from all five boroughs attended this prestigious school during
the early eighties, which was documented in the book, Hip Hop
Files by Martha Cooper. He soon joined forces with
talented artists such as PASE, SCORE, RAL, and REMO. Orlando
aka RINE then explored the ideas of taking his work from the
streets to canvas, clothing, and murals. The partnership of
these five artists brought about the creation of CB5 (Creative
By Five), where a mixture of styles became the catalyst for
them to all be recognized for their ability to create amazing
works, which incorporated fine art and Graffiti. Murals such
as the one completed at John Jay High School, 1981, helped
launch Orlando's career. After several murals and exhibitions,
his talent began to bring him the exposure needed to establish
himself as an artist and designer. Orlando "RINE"
Torres became a respected talent in his community. His work
as an artist had soon opened the doors for an opportunity to
become an apprentice jeweler at the age of seventeen. Orlando's
artistic abilities have been acknowledged in several New York
City and Florida based publications, such as The Prospect Press,
and The Village Voice, and The Miami Herald. Press coverage
included several murals and community participation in New York
City and Miami Florida.
As recently as 2002, The Miami Herald recognized Orlando as
he led an instructional workshop for a Miami based Girl Scout
troop. His workshop covered topics such as: concepts of jewelry
design, precious metals, and precious stones. Orlando has also
donated many artworks to several church based organizations.
In 2006, Flamingo Road Church located in Broward County, commissioned
Orlando to design a logo for their kindergarten program; the
design became the children's mascot, class murals, and program
theme. In addition, the church known as Faith that Pleases God,
which is locate in Brooklyn New York, commissioned Orlando to
design t-shirts for their Youth Fellowship program. Additionally,
Orlando has instructed and lectured jewelry designs concepts
at Miami-Dade College, North Campus and The Gemological Institute
of America, located in New York City, and has been a member
of The Manufacturers Jewelers and Silversmiths of America organization.
Currently Orlando is an active member and holds the position
of Communication Secretary for the Florida chapter of The National
Congress for Puerto Rican Rights.
After 33 years of designing and manufacturing in the jewelry
industry, Orlando has reached a milestone, over three decades
have passed since receiving his first airbrush. Orlando has
refined his skills as an artist, jeweler, and now a digital
designer. From New York City to Miami Florida, Orlando "RINE"
Torres continues today to dedicate himself to the art of design.
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