NATURE’S BOUNTY

We catch up with Tatum Lataste of WildRhubarb, the creator of unique, handmade textiles and décor pieces inspired by the natural beauty of her home town, Knysna.

Your drawings are so beautiful. Did you always plan on turning this skill into a career?

I have always drawn, pretty much from the moment I could hold a pencil. After living overseas and working in the fashion industry, I returned to Knysna about 15 years ago and made some art and décor fabrics for my mother’s restaurant. My pieces started selling off the walls and tables, even though they weren’t actually for sale. That’s where it all began.

What’s behind the name, WildRhubarb? I lived in Paris in my 20s. I adored France, the lifestyle and of course the food. I lived close to a gorgeous bakery that made the best rhubarb tart, which became my all-time favourite dessert. Rhubarb also has associations with my late grandfather who was an actor and made me laugh 24/7. The Wild part was because my design focus is mainly on the natural world.

Considering your design focus, does living on the Garden Route influence your work? Definitely. We are blessed to live in this paradise. Constantly surrounded by nature, seas, lagoon, mountains and forest. I am very inspired by these things.

Your pieces are all bespoke. For you, what do handmade goods add to a room? They bring the maker’s love for what they do and their inspiration into a space. The move towards handmade is huge. I think people are fascinated with the story behind the making of the product and enjoy having that direct connection with the items they own.

What are the biggest frustrations or challenges with making handmade goods? Creating an understanding that a handmade product is never going to be able to compete price-wise with a mass-produced item.

Lagoons, mountains, forests . . . I am inspired by these things

That said, years ago, this challenge was much greater — nowadays I think people are starting to accept this.

And the biggest rewards? One of the biggest rewards is seeing people respond to your products and loving them as much as you do! Also, seeing something that starts as an idea in your head manifest as a product is a very satisfying process.

What can we expect from future ranges?

I am launching a completely eco range. Although I already source only natural textiles and locally produced cottons, I am about to take the next step in using only organic cottons and sustainable crops such as hemp, as well as 100% environmentally friendly textile inks.