Bringing the Spooniverse to Life: A Collaboration with Alecia Vera

If you visited Whole Foods in Nashville over the past few months, you may have spotted a little burst of magic in their front window. We partnered with local artist Alecia Vera, whose playful, nature-inspired installation brought The Spooniverse to life—spotlighting local plant pals and celebrating our roots in the Southeast, where Lauren first began crafting herbal remedies in her Tennessee kitchen with abundant, native plants.

Alecia’s creative world goes far beyond window displays—be sure to check out her website for fun jewelry, prints, quirky knick-knacks, and even a custom oracle deck. We loved this collaboration so much that we sat down to chat about her inspiration, creative rituals, and what’s sparking her joy. Keep reading for a peek inside her whimsical world.

What or who are some of your biggest creative inspirations?

I’ve always been drawn to the weird, wacky, and wonderful. I was very early on inspired by the modern and post modern artists of our generation in the 60s and 70s with their radical use of free form and color. I currently stay inspired by fashion and interior design. I love brands that are thinking outside of the box and working with their hands to create a plethora of items that are not only functional but meant to invoke imagination and play within a space. I also get compared to Pee Wee’s Playhouse a lot and really, what a wonderful compliment that is.

What’s feeling creatively nourishing to you right now—any books, walks, tunes, or practices?

Music is my best friend and I am constantly consuming a myriad of tunes ranging from my faves from the 60s and 70s to LCD Soundsystem and freeing my body to dance along. I truly find that just by living presently and finding the beauty in the mundane is the most nourishing way to connect to my practice.

What’s your favorite way to reconnect with yourself when you’re feeling creatively stuck?

Oh man, the most important thing I can do is take a break and live my life. Stepping away is such a natural and underrated way to approach success in the creative process. Fueling myself in other areas of my life has a way of bringing me right back to being inspired and I’ll always trust that I’ll find my way back. It’s my North Star.

Do you have any creative rituals that ground or energize you?

DANCING. Oh how I love to move my body. There is nothing better than turning on my record player and letting my body just move to the rhythm. Oh, and looking at the sky. She’s always so lovely with her natural portraiture.

How does nature weave its way into your art practice?

I am so drawn to organic shapes and the sensations behind making my work. Everything from intuitively making a sculptural shape to using my hands to form the pulp that wraps around it. I think I rely heavily on my ability to connect to a piece in a way that feels as natural as a landscape. Going to the creek and being inspired by the simple shapes of Mother Nature and how fluid the natural world is. There are no confines in nature. Everything is intuitive.

Do you have a favorite Wooden Spoon Herbs product and way to use it?

I have been hooked and shook by the Tranquility Tonic lately. My nervous system and I have a touch and go relationship, so the tonic is such a beautiful way to connect with my body and calm my system so that we can work in tandem. 10/10 recommend for the somatic friends :)