Deborah Kruger

Lives and works in Durham, NC

Artist statement

I use textiles to create intimate and monumental environmental artworks that focus on the tragic losses of the 21st century, specifically the impacts of human-induced climate change and relentless consumption on bird extinction and loss of indigenous languages.. I intentionally use recycled materials to encourage awareness about how we can preserve wild spaces, animals, especially vulnerable birds, and protect habitat for all species, including humans. Endangerment is not only the focus of my work, but it also drives my process. Handmade crafts are also disappearing in our fast fashion world. I incorporate vanishing skills like hand stitching, machine sewing, hand silk screening, cutting and wrapping. Making things by hand slows down the creative process and invites sacred time into our work and lives. I grew up learning about Tikkun Olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world. By incorporating images of endangered birds and languages in my artwork, I remind viewers that art, nature and culture all have the power to provoke creativity, activism and awe. Textiles are my artistic mother tongue and I use them to make art that is rich in materiality, dense in meaning and hopefully inspiring.

Artwork