About the Artist - Karen McGovern

Artist Statement: Art and nature are one and the same to me. You cannot have one without the other. My goal is to create art that represents this link and raises awareness and funds for wildlife conservation.

"When I moved to a remote town in Florida at the age of ten, my whole world changed and I became enthralled with wildlife, and wild art. With alligators in my backyard and wood storks in the trees, I embraced the natural world around me and never looked back."

Karen McGovern is no stranger to wild living. Growing up in Florida wilderness shaped every aspect of her life. A career in conservation biology was almost pre-destined, and her work allows her to travel to Caribbean islands, African savannas, and Mexican jungles--not to mention living every day with endangered parrots, primates, and African antelope in the 28-acre wildlife preserve she calls home. Her work as an artist and jewelry designer directly reflects her deep respect for nature, and passion to preserve creatures living wild in the world.

Recently featured in Step-by-Step Beads Magazine, Wellington Magazine, and the Palm Beach Post, Karen's work is noteworthy--she donates most of her proceeds to support wildlife conservation programs through the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation.

Her latest endeavor is a themed series called "Sacred Salvage" that includes "Story Book" and "Poetry Piece" mixed media necklaces and lockets. The designs are created around original short stories and poems written by Karen which are included with each piece. Printed on parchment paper, these stories or "imaginings" as Karen likes to call them, are a delightful peek into her vivid imagination and are an obvious reflection of her passion for art, nature, mythology, and folklore. Each design is singular and unique, incorporating intricate hand made polymer clay pendants and beads, hand made brass and copper lockets, vintage photographs, antiquities, sterling silver, and found objects. A unique example of wearable art, many of her creations are offered with a wood and glass shadow box for display when not being worn.

Click here to see some of these unique designs.


What People Are Saying

"Oh how I love this ring. It is more lovely in person than I imagined! The way you placed the wings is perfect. It fits like a glove. Thank you so much for doing this for me, I will cherish this ring always and I have already referred my nature loving friends to visit your shop/blog."

"Incredible necklace-love, love, love it!"

"What a amazing and spiritual work of art. This artist can work with you to make an absolutely beautiful and personal piece!"

"Return customer. This pendant is so refreshing, and I love the intended meaning behind it."

"Completely crazy about this necklace!!! It is so unique and stunning, and I love the intended meaning behind it. Karen’s shop is exotic, original and full of her fantastic creations. Visiting the place is like a treasures hunt, simply the best!"

" LOVE this ring. The Sterling Silver is beautifully hammered. It fits my finger perfectly and smoothly. The colorful butterfly ring glimmers gently inside the large glass and silver bezel. I love it! It's my new favorite piece and I will definately be back for more!"

"Thank you for creating this custom piece for me! It is exactly what I wanted - and very quickly! Absolutely beautiful work!"

"Something unique and precious. Lovely craftsmanship from nature and you!"