Today we’d like to introduce you to Rei+ Manz.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born into a creative family in Germany, but in many ways, I always felt like the only one who was truly creative. My father saw it early—he supported and pushed me toward music, art, and painting, and while I didn’t fully understand it at the time, he saw a fire in me. On my mother’s side, my grandfather and great-grandfather were both artists too, so maybe it was just in my blood.
But like so many girls, I lost touch with that creative spark. As I got older, I was swept into the idea of what a girl “should” become—I chased modeling, acting, and everything the world told me was the definition of success. I was caught in the illusion of perfection, and for a while, I believed that was the life I wanted. But living in that world, especially after moving to LA, opened my eyes to something deeper; the people who succeed in that industry often do so by selling an idea of themselves that isn’t them – and I didn’t want to live a story that wasn’t mine.
I wanted to be real. Honest. Outgoing. Raw. German XD
And so I found my way back to painting. It started as a personal release, but it quickly became my voice. My work is rooted in that journey—the struggle of identity, the pressure to be flawless, the longing to connect with something real. I paint women not just as they appear, but as they feel. Strong, sensitive, layered, flawed, powerful. I bring in nature because that’s what we’re missing today—stillness, truth, something untouched by filters and perfection.
I create large, expressive paintings that are both dreamlike and grounded in emotion. They reflect the world we live in and the inner worlds we often hide. And honestly? I paint because it’s the most real version of me I’ve ever been.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To be honest, the road has been surprisingly smooth—at least creatively. Since returning to painting, I’ve received so much positive feedback and genuine connection from people who resonate with my work. That kind of response is incredibly motivating and has confirmed that I’m on the right path.
Of course, the hustle is real. I have to be proactive, seek out opportunities, pitch myself to galleries, and put in the work behind the scenes to make things happen. But when you’re doing something that feels this right—this aligned with who you are—it doesn’t feel like a burden. It’s energizing. It’s worth every step.
The real “struggle,” if anything, was the time before I started painting again. The years I spent chasing a version of success that wasn’t mine, trying to fit into molds that didn’t feel true. Coming back to art was like coming back to myself—and since then, the road has felt a lot more honest, and a lot more rewarding.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I create bold, feminine paintings that blend dreamlike beauty with emotional depth. My work often centers around women in surreal natural settings. Each piece is rich in detail, inviting the viewer to come closer because the closer you get, the more you see.
Though I work with acrylic, I’ve developed a technique that gives it the softness and richness of oil. It allows me to build intricate layers and subtle textures that bring my subjects to life. I want my art to stop people in their tracks—to make them feel something, and to create that moment of awe you don’t forget.
I believe what sets my work apart is the contrast I create: elegance and emotion, softness and strength, light and shadows. My paintings aren’t just made to be seen—they’re made to be felt.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
It turns out, some things do get better with age. Wine, wisdom… and apparently, me – when it comes to art XD.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.reiarts.com
- Instagram: rei_art
