What are Wayfinding Friends, and How do I use them?

1) Enjoy them as original, tactile works of art — wonderful both to look at and to hold! Learn more about Maria’s artwork and her process here. These blocks of wood were custom-cut by a masterful woodworker; each block offers a unique interaction between grain and ink.

2) Be inspired by their stories. Each piece comes with a quote from the Saint and a short biography, printed on a small card which you can keep with the artwork.

3) Use them as symbols. Wayfinding Friends are appropriate for all ages, but we might look to children for our cues. Kids impart meaning to all manner of objects — from rocks to stuff toys — that help them navigate the world in imaginative (and often amazingly empathetic) ways. What might these Saints represent for you?

4) Pray with them. As with our “Littlegies,” our Wayfinding Friends are not seeking equivalence with nor replacing the sacred objects and actions of communities of faith. Maria created these pieces as Icons, but that word might have a different meaning for you. On the accompanying card we’ve offered some simple contemplative questions we hope can awaken the imagination of anyone, regardless of your starting point.

Additional notes

• This artwork is copyright Maria Mulder. Please don’t reproduce without permission.
• Each piece is unique and will not exactly match what you see in the photos. If you have a preference for tone or thickness (0.5, 0.75, or 1.25 inches), attach a note to your order and we’ll do our best to match your request.
• Your piece is created with care; small imperfections are part of the medium!
• We were grateful to work with designer Céline Chuang on the cards and packaging. Find her here.