Kori Johnsen

Artist by land, biologist by sea. Kori Johnsen is a wildlife nature artist and sea turtle biologist, born and raised in Florida, who grew up surfing and exploring the state’s wild spaces and coastlines.

Art That Returns to the Wild:

Kori creates wildlife portraits from natural materials like acorns and leaves, then lets nature reclaim them in the garden or along forest trails, always hoping someone stumbles across one. Before that, Kori spent 20 years painting wildlife on canvas, along with a few murals.

In the Water:

Kori’s other life happens along Florida’s coasts and springs, working with sea turtles and exploring shallow reefs, estuaries, and spring runs. A favorite memory: snorkeling in a natural spring when two river otters appeared, weaving and bouncing off the rocks against the current before vanishing into the grass.

What She Brings to Wild Florida:

Art that sparks curiosity and honors the animals that make Florida wild, from roseate spoonbills and black bears to gopher tortoises emerging from their burrows. Kori wants to protect the places they depend on, including the Florida Reef Tract, mangrove tunnels, estuary nurseries, springs, scrub, and wildlife corridors.

Find Kori: artistkori.com · Instagram · TikTok · YouTube