Wanderland Collective is not only the home of stylish silks, luxury homeware and irresistibly beautiful art pieces. It is also a platform that empowers South African women in the art and design space. “Art is the way I communicate and make sense of things. I think it grew with me like an auxiliary limb,” are the words of Anastasia Pather, a visual artist who has found a place of expression through the female-owned luxury design brand. For the award-winning artist, being a part of Wanderland Collective has come with room for creative freedom and the opportunity to work with phenomenal women. 

Anastasia Pather

“I believe in making art approachable and affordable. Galleries can often be intimidating, but Wanderland allows you to enter the art world. It’s easy to work with businesswomen you respect and contribute to a project you believe in,”  she added. With the firm belief that Africa is home to some of the best designers and artists in the world, Wanderland Collective is a brand that makes way for the magic that takes place when creatives collaborate. 

Kalika Painter

According to the co-owner Kalika Painter, Wanderland Collective (founded by Carike Greffrath in 2018), is merely an extension of her passion for art and design. “I’ve always had an appreciation for beautiful things but the moment that art history was introduced to me, a whole new perspective on art as a reflection of the socio-political environment of its time can help us to understand how societies have changed and evolved over the centuries unfolded. This knowledge is essential for us today, as we face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Art is not just an object, but a product of serious internal and external conversations.” Being part of that life force in the current SA climate with an all-female collective is an absolute privilege.

Since student days Painter has grown and developed creatively, while also helping develop a powerful brand over the last 18 months. When asked about the most significant accomplishment for Wanderland Collective thus far, she mentions their involvement in the revamp of the One & Only Hotel in Cape Town and the work that they continually do with artists. At the moment, the collective comprises 11 female South African artists. Two are normally onboarded each year and the process of bringing a selected artwork to life on the chosen luxury product can take up to 6 months. In doing this, Wanderland Collective offers a platform for South African female artists to introduce their work into the homes and lives of art and design lovers. 

Outside of being part of a team running a successful collective, Painter has also discovered the fun which exists in the great outdoors and the joy that comes with moving her body.  “I have entered myself into my first-ever trail run for this October so there’s no backing out now! Since my kids are a little older, I have made moving my body a priority. Whether it’s running, lifting weights or dancing. Learning to appreciate the things we so easily take for granted!” she added.

Through mothering her two wonderful daughters, Painter has learnt many important lessons including patience – a virtue which has come in handy with building and growing various businesses she has been involved in from an interior design firm, retail spaces and now a top textile design studio. With plenty achieved and much to be grateful for, the interior designer and luxury brand co-owner believes there are still many mountains to climb. 

Photo Credit: Elsa Young (Anastasia Pather’s Numbi fabric)

“We are busy building lasting relationships with some of Africa’s top architects and designers that understand the value that South African artists bring to both local and international projects”.  She also added that Wanderland Collective would love to be viewed as the champion of South African artists in the design realm, especially on a global stage. Going forward, the brand aims to be recognised for its sophisticated design sense and the telling of a truly contemporary South African story.