Hello & Welcome.
Hi, I’m Marlena, an artist and mother from Brunswick Heads, NSW. I wanted to take some time, to tell you more of the Ruco story, how we’ve evolved and how we’ve stayed the same. I spent a very long time dreaming up Ruco Paints, first as and artist and then as a mother craving a purpose and a creatively inspiring way to stay home with my son. So when it actually came time to bring it into the world, I very clearly knew what I wanted it to look like. Everything handmade by us, using sustainable materials and sourcing them from other small businesses (preferably mother led) whenever possible. Paints that are not only high quality and vegan but that are also luxurious and unique. Every step of my process done with the careful intention of love, made to inspire the creativity we all hold, in everyone who uses them.
But, I also wanted Ruco to have another special quality, that is to be very limited. Each collection different from the last and made in very small batches. Not only does this keep me inspired in creating the best possible collections to share, but it also means when you own a set of Ruco paints you know you’re part of a very small bunch of people who have that same set, those same colours.
In line with these values, our binder is made in small fresh batches from only filtered rainwater, raw gum arabic crystals, glycerin and pure rosemary oil making it 100% natural and vegan. We are also proudly focused on using natural artist grade pigments and ethically sourced micas. Our beautiful paint pans are all hand built in small batches by us, double fired at a local kiln and glazed inside so they will last a lifetime with care. We offer refills if you mail back your empty pans at a reduced cost to further reduce waste. Our wooden boxes are completely handcrafted, they are cut, stained, assembled and finished by me and my husband from Tasmanian oak. The handles that adorn them change each release but are ethically hand dug Australian crystals - all unique and with their own magic from the earth. Each collection has its own theme and we imbune luxury and beauty into all the little details, always.
Our artists ceramics are made in a similar, slow an intentional way. We have curated a “core” range of mixing palettes and brush rests but they are all one of a kind and each hand built and glazed. They are made to not only be highly functional in your creative practice, but to inject it with beauty and appreciation for your tools and the journey of each artwork not just the end result. Our offerings evolve as we do, but they are always made in line with our values of quality, beauty and sustainability.
I am honestly so proud of what we’ve created here at Ruco and how it continues to evolve with time. Please know that however you support me, big or small, I am insanely grateful. You’re supporting a real person, a real family and a real dream come true. I know Ruco will inspire you to create from the heart and I’m so happy to see you all invest in your creativity in a sustainable way.
Lastly I want to leave you with this thought “I don’t want to make a living, I want to live a making” (Mark Nepo). This summarises my drive behind creating Ruco Paints - my strong and unwavering desire to live a making. Perhaps even more importantly to me, I want this to be the example I set for my children, that you can and should absolutely follow your heart and do whatever it is that lights your soul on fire. Thanks for being a part of that journey friend!
With love,
