Our Of Origin Exclusive with Marianne Roussety

Home for you seems to be the most beautiful part of Australia, how does living there inspire you?

Indeed where I live is a very beautiful part of Australia, but there are so many incredible places in this country! Living in Byron Bay is inspiring in many ways but nature is definitely what inspires me the most.

What drives you to live a sustainable life?

A few years ago I watched a documentary about the impacts of Fast Fashion and I was truly shocked. As humans, we have a responsibility to take care of the environment and it’s people, not just in the fashion industry but all areas of the society we live in. We can have a positive impact on the environment if we all do our bit to help and live more consciously.

Have you always been sustainably minded in the way you live your life or is this something that has evolved for you?

I have not, unfortunately! This is something forever evolving for me that I will always try to improve. I am not perfect when it comes to a sustainable life but I have come a long way to make better decisions for a more conscious life.

We at REV are huge fans of not only your beautiful art, but also the ethos behind it. Can you explain a bit more about what conscious artwork is for you?

Firstly, I try to source eco-friendly materials such as hemp (canvas) and earth pigments that I mix with low-toxicity paints. Secondly, when I can, I give a part of the proceeds to charities. I have just released a print for which I have donated 50% of the proceeds to Children’s Ground, an organisation to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island children and families. 

What are the particularities of finding eco friendly materials to work with?

Finding eco-friendly materials is definitely more work than sourcing conventional art supplies, but it’s definitely worth the extra work! 

 What is the inspiration behind your work?

How do you find subject matter who’s stories you want to tell? My style has evolved so much in the last few years but this year I am focusing on women. There is no better time to empower the women in our lives. I love painting women because they are so majestic.

How have you remained inspired and empowered throughout these difficult times of Covid?

I’ve had waves of inspiration and also waves of no inspiration whatsoever! So when I feel inspired, I take the opportunity to paint and when I am not, I find other empowering ways to create and express myself! Spending time in nature definitely always sparks inspiration for me. 

What are the environmental issues that concern you the most and how do you personally go about tackling them?

The fast fashion has major impacts on the environment and on people. I try to tackle it by educating myself and sharing with my audience and people around me. The impacts of single-use plastics, climate change, over-consumption of natural resources, systemic racism and more.. all fall under the category of environmental issues we currently face in this society! We need to educate ourselves so we can create positive changes within the system.

How do you inform yourself throughout the day? What are you listening to, watching, reading?

I like listening to podcasts about natural living and health and female empowerment. I also get a lot from following to the Holistic Psychologist on Instagram, I love her approach to helping people heal. I’m currently re-reading this book called ‘The Untethered Soul’ and it is amazing.

What are life’s small pleasures for you right now?

Enjoying time spent in nature, especially when the sun is shining. Spending quality time with my lover, family and friends! And painting of course. 

Do you have any health or wellness tips that you are following?

My partner and I try to eat mostly organic foods and incorporate movement to our daily life.

What has been your favourite thing to cook / eat that you would say is sustainably minded?

We buy most of our food at the farmers market or at our little organic fruits/vegetables store, and we also grow some greens in our little garden. We love our veggie soups these days as it’s a bit colder here in Australia! 

How are you winding down at the end of the day?

I like to enjoy a nice dinner at home with my lover.. and sometimes with a little glass of red wine too!

Finally, what does sustainability mean to you in these unprecedented times?

Doing our bit to help, educating ourselves on how to live more in connection with nature. 

Imagery from Marianne Roussety