Wendy Gold, creator of the Butterfly MOVA Globe and founder of ImagineNations™, redefines decorative art with her vintage-inspired, whimsical creations. Explore her creative process, inspirations, and love for storytelling in motion.
Meet Wendy Gold: The Artist Behind the Butterfly MOVA Globe
Wendy Gold is a decorative artist known for transforming vintage maps and materials into whimsical, story-driven artwork. Her Butterfly MOVA Globe beautifully captures her signature style—blending motion, nostalgia, and nature-inspired creativity.
Quick Facts About Wendy Gold
- Born in: Port Chester, New York
- Resides in: San Anselmo, California
- Profession: Decorative Artist
- Studied: Industrial Art
- Recognised by: CNN, NPR, Newsweek, USA Today, InStyle, Travel + Leisure
- MOVA Globe design: Butterfly MOVA Globe
- Website: wendygold.com
- Hobbies: Art projects with her daughter and treasure hunting at local flea markets
- Favourite artwork: Ink on Carpet by Andisheh Avini
“Creativity is following your inspiration wherever it leads you.” – Wendy Gold
The Artistic Journey
In 2010, Wendy Gold launched her brand ImagineNations™, a creative venture that reimagines vintage globes and maps into decorative, sustainable artworks. By repurposing recycled materials, she brings a fresh and whimsical perspective to traditional cartography.
Her designs span recycled lithographs, wooden canvas maps, and interactive push-pin travel maps—all infused with vintage charm and imaginative storytelling.
In 2016, Wendy opened her first physical studio and storefront in San Anselmo, California, allowing visitors to experience her work firsthand and even collaborate on custom pieces.
Inspiration and Themes
Wendy’s love for arts and crafts began in childhood, influenced by a creative babysitter. Her work often explores:
- Travel and adventure
- Nature’s beauty
- Nostalgic elements from bygone eras
Her style is playful, quirky, and always thought-provoking—offering a unique lens on the world.
Artistic Technique
Wendy is best known for her decoupage technique, layering vintage ephemera and mixed media onto moving surfaces like globes.
“I like to tell stories in motion.”
The Butterfly MOVA Globe exemplifies this philosophy, combining gentle motion with delicate butterfly imagery to symbolize transformation, freedom, and global unity.
Creative Habits and Inspiration
Creative fuel includes:
- Food: Sushi
- Drink: Green tea
- Music: The Grateful Dead
When facing creative blocks, Wendy steps back and allows time for a fresh perspective. She constantly seeks visual inspiration, often exploring flea markets and nature.
Time Travel & Artistic Influences
If she could live in another artistic era, Wendy would choose the 1970s, inspired by its music and eclectic creativity.
Her dream artist to spend a day with would be Andy Warhol.
“He is so interesting and a genius.”
The Perfectionist’s Eye
Despite her success, Wendy admits she often revisits her finished work.
“Sometimes I start over if the patterning doesn’t sit right with me.”
If she had to focus on one subject forever, it would be butterflies—a fitting symbol of transformation that perfectly aligns with her artistic vision.