meet the makers
tucked away in a rural studio of talented hands and wild hearts brings each rachael wild piece to life.
our artists are more than ceramicists — they’re storytellers and protectors of culture and wildlife. with limited tools and endless skill, they craft every bowl and platter with care and pride.
every piece supports local livelihoods and helps protect south africa’s endangered animals — beauty with real impact.
victor
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victor established the studio 10 years ago, as a sanctuary where art and purpose intertwine. under victor's guidance, the studio has become a beacon of hope, empowering local artisans and fostering a deep connection between people, nature, and creativity.
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as victor passionately shares, "every piece we create holds a story, a purpose, and a commitment—to our heritage, our community, and the wildlife we strive to protect."
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starting with just two bags of clay and a used kiln, he established his own studio, training and mentoring local artisans to create vibrant, nature-inspired ceramics.
jack of all trades
petros
petros plays a vital role in our studio — part teacher, part fixer, part artist-extraordinaire. he has a natural gift for sculpting, painting, and drawing, and a quiet way of guiding new artists as they find their feet (and paws).
whether he’s restoring a broken piece or adding the perfect detail to a wild dog’s ear, petros brings warmth and sunshine into our space. he’s one of the lucky few who’s seen a rhino and an elephant in the wild — and you can feel that wild magic in his work.
the matriarch of the brush
nompilo
with over ten years at the studio, nompilo plays a major role in the heart of rachael wild. a skilled painter and steady presence, she carries both experience and vision. married with four children, she dreams of building a future of financial stability — for her family and for the studio — through the power of art and community.
the painter of quiet dreams
nokubonga
nokubonga butalezi has been part of the team for over two years and dreams of becoming an exceptional painter. a proud mother to a five-year-old daughter, she hasn’t yet seen wildlife in real life but has a soft spot for painting giraffes.
the artist of organisation
makhosana
joined the studio in june 2024 after working as an hr training officer and a teaching assistant in computers and english. having moved between joburg and kwazulu-natal for much of his career, he recently completed his first ceramic piece—a bowl featuring an orange rose and two sunbirds—which he’s incredibly proud of. he’s also seen wild animals in person, a rare and cherished experience.
the sculptor with painted dreams
wandile
wandile (on the left) is one of those rare artists who seems to carry a thousand stories in his hands. an exceptional sculptor by trade, he once painted years ago — but recently, when rachael wild gifted him a small set of watercolour tools, something quietly powerful was reignited.
he’s begun creating the most breathtaking artwork for rachael wild — wild dogs with soul, pangolins that almost move. the kind of talent that doesn’t need to shout to be seen.
he is open, eager, and endlessly willing — a reminder that when passion is nurtured, and tools are placed in the right hands, anything becomes possible.
the clay shaper of tomorrow
mbekezeli
mbekezeli (on the right) joined the studio in march 2023.
he’s the youngest member of the clay family — a sculptor full of energy, talent, and quiet determination.
he lives with his mother and two sisters, and carries big dreams for his craft and his future.
the painter of pace
mpilo
part of the studio for over 9 years, mpilo is known for her speed and precision. when time is tight and deadlines are near, she’s our go-to artist — calm, capable, and incredibly efficient with her hands.
the painter of scaled strength
snenhlanhla
a mother of three — twin sons and a daughter — snenhlanhla began her artistic journey just two years ago, and already she paints with remarkable sensitivity. her pangolins and lions carry something soulful, something seen. raised by relatives after losing her mother at the age of seven, she brings quiet strength and care to every piece she touches. we’re proud to call her our ‘pangolin specialist.’
the wise painter
lindiwe
a seasoned artist with deep roots, lindi began painting at the same renowned studio that trained victor. steady and generous, she’s not only a reliable painter, but a gifted teacher — always guiding others in the team with patience and care.