Handmade soft sculpture depicting a bevy of birds of a feather.  This piece was inspired by Baroness Bertha Von Suttner who influenced Alfred Nobel to initiate the Nobel Peace Prize.  Bertha was the first woman to be awarded the prize in 1905 for her novel, "Lay Down Your Arms" and her efforts to organize an International peace movement.  "Baroness" honors all women with a "heart for peace."

15"H x 19"W x 16"D

The body of work Debra refers to as “Birds of a Feather” is a collection she started while getting her MFA in the late 70’s. The collection’s work commemorates women: women of accomplishment, women in her family and friends. The pieces show gratitude to the women they represent, for their contributions, struggles, love and support. These creations have taken on many forms: metal and wood sculptures, paintings and most recently sculptural textile birds using repurposed materials.

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About “Birds of a Feather” from Karen Vander Werp - Grand Rapids, MI K LINN Interiors Grand Rapids, MI:

Debra always has a deliberate message behind her creative projects. I love her mission to acknowledge women of accomplishment in the form of birds. From fabric, shapes and fringe detail to beads and leg materials all are selected with relevance depicting the women they represent. These selections define their purpose, personalities and accomplishments.