Descended from Scots papermakers, Welsh creatives, and Polish clay artisans, Laurel grew up amongst farmers, orchardists, artists, readers, foresters, sawyers, and land conservationists. Her first serious career job was pre-computer as a graphic artist, page layout artist, proofreader and camera/darkroom supervisor for a commercial printer. Years later, a wide range of jobs as a single parent, but primarily professional gardening and garden design with emphasis on using native plants and trees for bee and wildlife support.

Laurel says, “About 25 years ago I had a little series of Unfortunate Events which all involved head injuries. After the worst of these I had months at home doing my own phys. rehab. because I’d lost the use of my dominant arm and hand. It took months before I could hold a pencil or pen or brush, let alone actually do anything with them. I couldn’t write my own name to say nothing of trying to create images. I did get somewhere using my other hand; however, control was not in the cards and abstract images emerged. I’m self-taught and had always been a strict Realist, so this accidental foray into abstractism was interesting and lots of fun. Head injuries have a habit of rewiring you - since then, to this day, I never know how anything I’m doing will turn out. You learn to roll with the brainchanges, see what happens on your paper or board or canvas, and just embrace the freedom of that. There’s always the circular file if something goes too sideways for words. It’s okay. 

The natural world, history, people of positive accomplishment are usually my subjects. I hope people will enjoy them. Art like writing is by definition solitary - connecting with an audience, even if only an audience of one, is beyond gratifying."