Hi.
My name’s Aftyn, and I’m the printmaker and painter behind Rise + Wander. Most days, I work from a sunny studio in my home outside Chicago, where the rhythm of my creative practice is influenced and often interrupted by moments outside with my young sons (affectionately, “hobgoblins”). Being active and outdoors factors heavily into my process, and I try to spend part of the year on the road, working from the beaches of Michigan, the mountains of Colorado, or wherever we can find long days of inspiration—and no cell service.
With a background in communications and federal strategy consulting, my art practice emerged rather unexpectedly. After a life-changing car accident, living with the daily effects of a traumatic brain injury, while also navigating newly diagnosed ADHD and autism (a silver lining of seeing all those doctors!), my neurorehab counselor ordered me to get outside and to keep my hands busy. From those early, tentative weeks hiking and then coming home to carve linoleum blocks, nature and creativity became forever linked.
As a lifelong storyteller, much of my work involves some form of narrative—even if it’s only happening inside my head as I create.
The Reminder behind the Name
Rise + Wander started as a personal reminder to get up and outside, and has grown into a mission to move others. My hope is that everything I create inspires a sense of adventure and curiosity in your space, from the original artwork to the mug for your precious cup of coffee in the morning. I want to bring a little bit of the Great Outdoors inside, and believe it will remind you to pursue your own adventures, both big and small. Just as nature provided healing restoration and inspiration in my life, nature has the power to soothe and connect all of us.
I grew up overseas, living and traveling with my family, and collecting artwork directly from local artisans along the way. The chance to bring home special items and understand the craftsmanship behind them was powerful, and there’s a joy and connection that both come from owning original artwork touched by the artist. It’s one of my favorite elements of the printmaking process—the ability to create original artwork, sister pieces each touched by the artist, multiple times. Original, but accessible.
Ultimately, my mission is to stir your wandering spirit through beauty and connection.
Giving Back
Since day one, part of Rise + Wander’s goal has been to donate to the amazing organizations creating positive change in our communities and around the world. Each year, we donate a portion of our profits to a handful of organizations.
In the past, these organizations have focused on environmental conservation, creating inclusive space/accessibility for all in the outdoors (youth-focused), disaster relief, and supporting women through education and entrepreneurship.