From deep in the mountains...
Wanderite is an eco-friendly line of herb + mushroom inspired art. All pieces are drawn by hand by founder and botanical illustrator, Lorrin, a life-long artist with a deep love of the mountains and its bounty of flora + fungi + fauna.
Our thoughtfully crafted goods are made in small batches in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southern Virginia and are found in apothecaries, plant shops, boutiques, nature shops, cafes and co-ops from coast to coast.
We also curate local art pop-up's and vend our goods at music + art festivals across the country.
RESPECT FOR NATURE
Emphasis on plant and fungi imagery is intended to educate the individual of their inherent connection to the natural world, without the need to uproot or unearth a single thing.
Since the beginning, we have prioritized creating art in the most sustainable, responsible ways possible.
Here are the ways we do this:
Responsibly-sourced materials made in the USA.
US made / organic cotton, printed with water-based inks for all bandanas, flags, apparel & altar cloths.
Sweatshop-free garments with water-based screen printing in small batches by local, independent printers.
Wildflower seed paper and 100% post-consumer recycled paper and/or recycled shipping supplies used for all packaging.
100% compostable / reusable mailers.
Clear sleeves for all cards and art prints are made from biodegradable plant cellulose with recycled paper board backing or recycled paper envelope.
Plant dyed bandanas made in small batches using plant extracts. Minimal water consumptive dyeing process to reduce energy consumption and waste.
GIVING BACK
A portion of all proceeds goes to the non-profit group Herbalists Without Borders, helping make herbal medicine more accessible to all through a variety of local efforts including community gardens + clinics, and so much more.
Going Back...
Wanderite was inspired by my (Lorrin, hi!) nerdish love of stones, gems and minerals. It all started in middle-of-nowhere Mississippi, early 90's, sitting in a long gravel drive way, bucket in tow, probably whistling, sifting through each and every rock for the special ones that sparkled, encased a fossil, or could be seen through either in translucency or rain-made hole.
WANDERITE HAS A DOUBLE MEANING
In mineralogy, 'ite' is the suffix added to crystals when named. Wanderite is a fictional stone that seamlessly weaves together the two most inspiring sources in my life, spirituality and exploring nature. I am most at peace and alive in the belly of the forest, and I am fascinated by gems and minerals and how they have been utilized by humans for healing and ornament since prehistoric times.
Many stones have metaphysical properties. If I were to describe Wanderite in terms of its metaphysical properties, they would include:
-an activated wandering spirit
-an increased groundedness and simplicity
-the ability to be at home wherever one goes
-a greater acceptance of unknown situations
-an unwavering ability to be present in the traverse of life
The second meaning of Wanderite is to 'wander right', or as a wise one once said,
"It is better to travel well than to arrive"
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Living simply, in harmony with others and the environment, is of the greatest value to me. In my little corner of the cosmos, living simply means promoting well being by way of the things I create.
Anyone can see the havoc wreaked on our planet and humanity by the loss of eco-friendly, altruistic business practices. Sustainable business practices are intrinsically valuable, and directly benefit future generations. It is my pleasure to be a member of the creative community that is making a conscious effort to turn self-centered, inhumane practices around.
I am among the growing number of folks that value quality and craftsmanship over cheap labor and materials. I make in order to inspire others to be more mindful of their innate ability to be in accord rather than discord, creative rather than destructive, and to consume in a way that is beneficial to all (or at least does no harm!).
