Pulled to the El Paso–Juárez borderlands by her West Texas roots, Laurie photographs the migration crisis on both sides of the Rio Grande and the environmental impact of the border wall cutting through the Chihuahuan Desert. As an art activist, Laurie aims to make people care—evoking compassion and challenging complacency. By highlighting the moral and social divisions of today, she encourages dialogue about legal, fact-based solutions. Laurie approaches her subjects honestly, with only her Leica and a monopod over her shoulder as she documents the unfolding story.

Living in Colorado, Laurie is often on the road heading to the borderlands, specifically the El Paso Sector of the Wall, to chronicle the expansion of the wall and the immigration story, while advocating for positive change. Since most people can’t visit the Wall in person, her photographs are critical for showing the realities on both sides. Her work has been exhibited in installations across the U.S. and featured in publications that address social issues.

For over 30 years, before starting this project, Laurie traveled the world photographing food and travel narratives for magazines and cookbooks.