FEATURES • DESTINATIONS
Roots of Renewal:
The Art and Soul of
TianTaru
January 2025
Words & Photography by The Punch
TianTaru is a small, family-run studio dedicated to the art of indigo dyeing. 12 years ago, three small indigo cuttings were gifted to the family, who nurtured them into a flourishing 4.9-acre plantation on once-depleted land enclosed and withdrawn from the outside. Now, the indigo grows with nature, untouched by artificial hands. Their minimalist, Japanese-inspired studio is nestled deep within the pristine jungle, surrounded by the thriving plantation. Every element of this space is thoughtfully handcrafted–from the reclaimed hardwood to the clay vats embedded in the earthen floors, allowing the raw elements to take center stage–as if you could hear the earth breathing.
Sebastian Mesdag, TianTaru’s textile artist and designer, did his fine arts studies in Europe, where he found himself disconnected from the use of chemical dyes. It was a trip to India in 1998 that awakened his passion for natural dyes. Living with the Santal Tribe, he learned the ancient ways of transforming plants into vibrant colors.
FROM BARREN LAND TO THRIVING FOREST
Sebastian’s journey with TianTaru began with a profound connection to Bali, during his first visit at just 14 years old. Years of return visits created a collection of memories and dreams, leading him to discover a piece of land in 2003–once over-farmed and desolate. Recognizing its untapped potential, he took on the challenge, purchasing the land and embarking on a mission of reforestation. Ferns that aren’t taller than three feet and are rare to see and with each local sapling planted, he breathed new life into the earth, transforming it into a forest that shows the remarkable power of rejuvenation within Bali’s climate. This lush haven is the groundwork for cultivating indigo, as the flourishing trees create an ideal sanctuary for the plant, making nature and purpose an inspiring symbiosis.
CRAFTING DYE FROM NATURE'S BOUNTY
The art of crafting dye from indigo is intricate and requires a lot of patience and care. Spanning a couple of acres, the plantation flourishes beneath the protective canopy of trees, thriving without the need for irrigation. Every few months, the leaves call for harvest, while the resilient stems find new life–either replanted or transformed into lye water for the dyeing process. This alchemy is done through a ritual of soaking, squeezing, and blending the leaves with limestone and sugar, each step a reflection of nature’s generosity. Currently, Sebastian finds himself in the wisdom of traditional fermentation methods inspired by his trip to Bhutan, aiming for a fully self-sustaining, organic dyeing journey that honors the earth and its timeless cycles.
BALANCING DEMAND AND SUSTAINABILITY
Despite countless requests for dyeing services, TianTaru stands firm to sustainability, consciously limiting production. The process of indigo dyeing demands a generous flow of water, prompting them to make unique, limited-edition pieces that resonate with purpose. This mindful approach supports local wildlife and steers clear of deforestation, while their on-site water access highlights the urgent need for innovative conservation methods in large-scale endeavors. By intertwining responsibility with community support, they help the landscape and offer job opportunities, creating a future where villagers engage in planting indigo–transforming the land into a new source of income and hope.
FROM WORKSHOPS TO IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES
In the beginning, TianTaru focused on the simplicity of one-day workshops, gently introducing the art of indigo dyeing. Yet, as they dived deeper into the world of creativity, they recognized the transformative power of immersive experiences. This realization marked a shift toward artistic collaboration. The success of these overnight retreats, graced by visionary artists like Spencer Balmore, fueled their passion to offer unique opportunities for a profound engagement with indigo.
These two-night residencies invite artists to explore indigo’s magic across diverse materials–wood, leather, canvas–set against the backdrop of Bali’s enchanting landscapes, including serene waterfalls. Each retreat seeks to rekindle creativity, inspire fresh ideas, and broaden the horizons of artistic expression, further encouraging a vibrant dialogue between nature and artistry.
HONOURING BALI'S TRUE ESSENCE
Although the family resides in Ubud, the TianTaru studio welcomes visitors upon request to invite them to get to know the Bali they cherish. Despite a world of constant change, Bali remains home, and with this sense of belonging comes a profound responsibility to protect its culture. By sharing the island’s authentic essence, the team at TianTaru wants to inspire creativity and create a mindful, positive impact. Their goal is to cultivate a deeper connection with Bali, honoring its unique beauty and its preservation while promoting simpler, yet impactful approaches that resonate through generations.
HERITAGE AND THE FUTURE OF INDIGO
Sebastian’s experience in Bhutan where he explored local indigo techniques is a part of TianTaru’s commitment to refining their craft. With an eye toward adaptation, he wants to use these methods in the practices, envisioning a future where local farmers cultivate indigo and produce dye. Though Indonesia brims with potential for natural dyes, the shadows of chemical alternatives and fast fashion have dimmed traditional knowledge. TianTaru aspires to breathe new life into Indonesia’s textile heritage, crafting garments that celebrate natural dyes and show a profound connection to clothing–transforming it from a fleeting trend into a treasured legacy.
EXPLORE THE FULL STORY IN UNCOVERED BALI BOOK
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
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