Bringing the Outdoors In with Laurel Grey

Laurel Grey. Photo courtesy of Laurel Grey.

Laurel Grey lives in Sturgeon Bay, but her artistic influences come from across the globe. Her dad’s job in the Air Force brought her to Japan as a child, and the experience hasn’t quite left her.

“That aesthetic really stuck with me, of bringing the outdoors in,” Grey said. “The Japanese are very good at blending the two, and that just seems to come out naturally in my artwork.”

One way Grey does so is through mixed-media Christmas ornaments. Her ornaments assemble natural elements that Grey collects from Door County, like sea glass, driftwood and pebbles from local beaches. That way, every ornament is unique.

Grey realizes her works don’t look like traditional Christmas ornaments – but that way, people can display them year-round, not just around the holidays. 

Her own Christmas tree is full of them.

“Before I make these ornaments, I ask myself if it’s something I’m going to want on my own tree,” Grey said. Full of ornaments shaped like birds, squirrels and mushrooms, Grey’s tree embodies her love of bringing the natural world into the home.

In addition to providing inspiration for her work, Door County’s natural beauty is part of what keeps her here — even in the winter.

“I’m a California girl, so I love the snow,” Grey said. “It really hasn’t gotten old yet.” 

Grey’s ornaments are sold at one of Plum Bottom Gallery’s three locations, or online at plumbottomgallery.com.