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 38-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.
One of her
latest endeavors 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.
