Laurel Gutenberg hold a PhD. in Earth Systems & GeoInformation Sci from George Mason University. Along with her interest in the natural world and ecology she has pursued various fine craft skills.

When making jewelry and working with dye and fibers, I am inspired by nature to create colorful, usually botanical, often wearable art. My professional background is in environmental science and ecology, and I use satellite imagery of the earth in my scientific work, which might be seen reflected in the complex swirls and patterns of the semi-precious gemstones in my jewelry, and in the flows of color in my fiber arts. I like to experiment with the goal of packing a lot of magic, beauty and nature into things I can hold, use, or wear. I’m drawn to incorporating items and materials that excite the imagination and have a story beyond aesthetics- like fossilized dinosaur bone, a button from my mother’s sweater, a pattern found on an archaeological artefact, or a leaf from a favorite tree. There’s also something meditative about swirling together pretty colors that make me happy, and being amazed by what they become.