May 5, 2011

Around here, one thing we love more than just about anything is amazing artwork! We love filling our cottages with the work of local and regional artists, and we are always on the lookout for fabulous creations. One of our favorite Georgia artists is Laurel Johns and her Grey Dog Studio!

Laurel makes hand crafted sea glass and stained glass artwork, as well as wonderfully unique functional pieces, like night lights, home decor, and utensils! She is super talented, making the fact that she was named the 2010 Artist of the Year at the 15th Annual Arts in the Park in Belfast, Maine no surprise! She, her work, and her home have also been featured in Water’s Edge magazine (check out the article here)!

Laurel has spent most of her life on the Georgia coast and attended the University of Georgia in Athens. She initially intended to study biology, but instead, followed her “heart and grades” and switched her studies to the arts, where she formally trained in painting, sculpture, and jewelry making.

Laurel first began her work in stained glass in Athens, and though she still paints, she feels glass allows her to more freely express her love of color and light. She had no idea when she started working with glass that it would one day become her business. “I just started making things that I enjoyed looking at.” Then, she says, it occurred to her that others might enjoy as well. And of course…we do! Each piece Laurel crafts is hand-constructed and no two are alike. We adore her coastal inspired style and unique work!

Laurel is also a fellow dog lover (check out our Beach Bum Biscuits post about her pups here) and works under the watchful eyes of her beloved Weimaraners, Tucker and Oliver. Laurel, her husband, Tucker and Oliver make their home on Hird Island here on the Georgia coast, and also spend their summers in Tenants Harbor, Maine. For more information about Laurel and her art, make sure to visit the Grey Dog Studio website! Brower her Collections tab and fall in love! You can also follow Grey Dog Studio on Facebook, and even purchase Laurel’s work online at her Grey Dog Studio Esty shop! We have fallen in love with Laurel’s art, and we are just sure you will, too!