The work began as a tribute to Leslie. It quickly turned into a way of life.

     Laurie's first studio was an open-air work space facing Sacarma Bay on Cudjoe Key in the Florida Keys. Much of her work during that time reflected the serene oceanfront setting and the nature of the Florida Keys where she had lived for more than a decade.       

After her serenity - and studio - was shattered by several hurricanes in Fall 2005, Laurie headed for the Boston Mountains in Northwest Arkansas, where, in early 2007, she established a new studio. But while she may be far from the Florida Keys, much of her work continues to reflect the ocean side environment she loved.

     Specializing in carved fish, nudes and mermaids, Laurie does not use a potter's wheel, limiting herself to hand building. It's a time-intensive process. As one friend, a longtime potter put it, "I could make six cups on a wheel in the time it takes you to make one."

     But, says, Laurie, "The way I work is very Zenlike. It's detail-oriented, but at the same time, it's relaxed and individual. And each piece of clay, each shape, has a life of its own."

     Laurie also tends to make up her own rules, whether creating a wall hanging or a dinner plate.  

     "Having had no formal training in art or ceramics, I think I'm freer than some to take risks with the work. And I rely heavily on intuition and feel," she said. "That, and really good materials. It's just like cooking: good ingredients make better dishes."