For over three decades, Marilyn Reeman has been weaving narratives that span canvas and cloth, guided by intuition and a deeply rooted connection to the organic world. A multidisciplinary abstract painter, textile designer, and creative director, Reeman’s work explores themes of human fragility and the universe’s vast, unfathomable beauty. Her art is as much about the process as the outcome—a deliberate dialogue between emotion, material, and environment.

Her practice is defined by a commitment to experimentation and a palette inspired by nature's earthy hues. Whether painting with oils and acrylics or designing textiles that blend silk and linen, Reeman embraces imperfection, letting her creations evolve with an almost cosmic patience. From the muted tones of her early work in interior design to the rich textures of her textile collections, her career reflects a continuous journey of reinvention, always returning to her love for organic forms and natural landscapes. Now, as she prepares for a major solo exhibition, Reeman remains steadfast in her belief that art should transcend rules and reflect the truth of personal experience

How has your approach to creating work evolved overtime?

I follow my emotions in relation to things happening around me both political and
personal. Changing environments charged with progress and the need to slow down are pivotal. This has informed my use and exchange of materials both natural and man made.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Natural environments near ocean & bush are important stimulation but I seek many rock formations and constantly try to educate myself about time and the galaxies & planets of the cosmos. A reminder of human fragility.

How do you know when a work is finished?

Like an old love affair I’m not sure that all of them are truly over? I know I have a
point where I stop and they rest in their own time until they ask to be released. If they stay around too long they can disappear…..!

As a painter, what does the process look like from beginning to end?

An exciting, confronting & challenging at times mind blowing experience.

Oil or Acrylic?

I’m inclined to use both. I work a lot with mixed media.

Have you always worked with textiles & can you tell us how this came about?

Yes, textiles have always played a large part in my creative life, I haven’t formerly
shown them as yet but I will in the future. As a true Geminian I am always working
across more than one creative experience. When I was studying in Melbourne during the 70’s we had access to all departments including fashion. My mother was also a strong influence, making our clothing and introducing us to fabrics & textures.

In 2018 I did honour my love for textiles in a small way by designing a capsule
collection. Dune & Earth Collections were natural linen, hand stitched which was truly gratifying. The ‘Wild’ Collection was extremely rewarding being able to work with some incredible fabric producers and printers from Nepal. This collaboration resulted in a collection of scarves & kaftans in the most stunning fabric a combination of silk and linen. The printed design was from my original artwork.

Is there a difference between working on a painting vs working on a textile
Print? Does the process change at all?

My attention to detail remains the same and I don’t specifically design for a print
collection. Sometimes the work just speaks to you in a different way. Once in process it will change because in painting the materials are different. In print, there is another chapter to the story of the painted work relating to reproduction and fabrics which will express the design, light and shade differently, showing the end result in a compatible way with the fabric giving a three dimensional result.

Your work is almost entirely centered around organic colours and textures.
Can you talk about how this came about & why this is a consistent theme?

When I first started my career over 30 years ago I was heavily immersed in an
Interior Design career, working with Designers, Architects & Stylists. During that time I painted many highly coloured although not bright, but muted coloured works. These were highly desirable at the time. I became an Art Consultant, working with two designers which enabled me to introduce the works I wanted to produce at that time.

Although I loved my work with Design & Architecture and still have a high passion for all things of this nature it was after my work finished with design & I became a teacher that I had more time to address my work in a new direction.

From that time I found my love of a limited, earthy palette has stayed with me over
many years, it is a place in which I feel reflects the message I wish to convey.

Over the years did you explore different mediums of artistry? Tell us about
your journey as an artist?

I have been fortunate in being exposed to many forms of art expression.
Working with other artists and people in the art world has given me amazing
opportunities to try painting, drawing, ceramics, textiles and sculpture. I also had the opportunity to author two courses, for a college on Interior Design and Textile
Design.

I feel the most important part of being an artist is to accept that as a career choice it doesn’t align with normality as most people see it. As an artist you are affected by
everything around you often bereft of a place to work properly or confronting the
opinions of others that don’t understand your journey.

I had a wonderful tutor in the early days who said two things that have stayed with
me until today. The first “Forgive yourself for being an Artist’. Second .. There are no
rules!! This advice has carried me through many times when things were tenuous.
I feel grateful to age and feel more passionately about many things, this reflects in
my work today and I look forward to what will come in the future as I draw on the
truth of more personal emotions being expressed in the work.

What is a daily ritual that you regularly practice?

Breakfast in bed….
Read my morning mantra of positivity.

Describe your personal style?

Hmmm, I think I would describe my style as Classic with a Dark Minimal edge. I love to combine leather and silk with an industrial feel.
That is why I love Moss Living’s latest collection a combination of classic elegance.
High quality fabric, dark minimal lines.

What are your hopes for the future?

The future is exciting for me. There are new opportunities on the horizon while my
focus is on building a large body of work for a solo exhibition.