Art and environmental conservation

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Hali MacLaren, the founder and artist behind HKM Jewelry, a brand dedicated to creating heirloom-quality, ocean-inspired jewelry while promoting environmental conservation. In our conversation, Hali shared the story of how the ocean became such a central theme in her work, her passion for sustainable practices, and what participants can expect from her upcoming jewelry-making workshop.

The Journey of a Nautical Jewelry Artist

When asked to share the story behind her journey as a nautical jewelry artist, Hali reflected on her deep connection with nature that began in her childhood. “Growing up, I was always a nature lover,” she explained. “We had a creek in our backyard, and I spent summers on my family’s boat off the New Jersey coast, fishing and collecting seashells.”

It wasn’t until Hali took a jewelry-making class at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia that she discovered her passion for metalsmithing. “I was initially more interested in painting and drawing, but when I held the torch for the first time in that class, I was hooked,” she recalls. From that moment, she began channeling her love of the ocean into wearable art, creating intricate pieces that capture the beauty of marine life.

Sustainability in Jewelry Making

Hali’s work is not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in her commitment to sustainability. When I asked how she incorporates sustainability into her jewelry-making process, she explained, “All of my materials are recycled sterling silver and gold, and I save every scrap of metal. I either melt it down to make new pieces myself, or I send it to a refiner who repurposes it.” Hali also meticulously collects dust, sandpaper, and floor sweeps that contain tiny pieces of precious metal, which are sent to refiners for reuse.

This eco-conscious approach extends to her designs as well. One example is her coral-inspired ear climbers, where 50% of the profits go to Reef Relief, an organization dedicated to conserving coral reefs in the Florida Keys. “I try to make pieces that are tied to specific causes,” Hali shared. “It’s important to me that my jewelry isn’t just about aesthetics but also about making a positive impact.”

Jewelry-Making Workshop at “Nature’s Table”

Hali is set to host a jewelry-making workshop during the upcoming Nature’s Table show at Art Works Gallery, and I was eager to learn more about what participants can expect. “It’s a three-hour class where everyone will make two sterling silver stackable rings,” Hali said. “I break down the process into bite-sized steps, so even beginners will feel confident. It’s a hands-on, skill-based craft, and by the end, everyone will leave with their own creations.” Grab your ticket here.

Beyond learning the technical skills, Hali hopes the workshop provides a deeper experience. “Jewelry making has this way of drawing people in because it’s both tactile and creative. There’s something special about making something with your own hands that will last forever.”

The Deeper Impact of Craft

I asked Hali what it is about jewelry making that resonates with her and her students on a deeper level. “It’s a process-driven craft that connects us to history,” she said. “We’re using tools that have been around for centuries, and there’s something incredibly grounding about that. Students come in hesitant at first, but once they start, they realize they can do it. It’s rewarding to see them leave with a sense of accomplishment and confidence.”

Hali also sees jewelry making as a form of mindfulness. “When I’m working, I get into a flow state. I’m not thinking about anything else, just the task at hand, and I see that happen with my students too. It’s a great way to slow down and enjoy the moment.”

Designing with Purpose: Protecting the Ocean

Hali’s love for the ocean is evident in both her designs and her materials. When I asked how her mission to protect the ocean influences her work, she explained, “Every piece I create is tied to my passion for marine life. For example, my ‘swimmers’ collection features sea glass shards transformed into creatures like jellyfish and whales. I want my work to tell a story about the ocean and its beauty.”

Hali’s commitment to conservation goes beyond design; she’s actively involved with nonprofit organizations that focus on marine protection. “I donate a portion of my profits to groups like the Cape May Nature Center and the Wetlands Institute. My goal is to not only create beautiful pieces but also to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our oceans.”

Recent Projects and Collaborations

One of the projects Hali is particularly excited about is her collaboration with the Cape May Point Science Center, where she’ll be teaching a jewelry-making workshop as part of their conservation efforts. “I’m working on specific pieces for their auctions, and I love that I can support these causes in a tangible way through my art.”

Hali’s dedication to aligning her work with environmental organizations has led her to create pieces that directly support conservation. “For example, my horseshoe crab designs benefit the Wetlands Institute, which is involved in horseshoe crab research. It’s exciting to see my work contributing to something bigger.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists

To close out our conversation, I asked Hali what advice she would give to aspiring artists looking to incorporate environmental activism into their creative work. Her advice was simple yet profound: “Just start. Even if it feels like you’re only making a small impact, it adds up over time. Find a local organization that aligns with your values, get involved, and share what you learn with others. You’ll be surprised at how many connections you can make.”

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Find Hali MacLaren and HKM Jewelry:

• Website: hkmjewelry.com
• Instagram: @hkmjewelry
• Facebook: HKM Jewelry
• Join us at the workshop Hali’s hosting during the Nature’s Table Exhibit