Handmade button with copper, silver and brass with a technique called "marriage of metal."

Frustrated over chipped dinnerware Josephine Cochrane thought there must be a better way to wash dishes and in 1886 patented her solution, " The Modern day Dishwasher"

7 years later in 1893 at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, IL, she won the prize for the "Best Mechanical Construction, durability and adaption to it's line of work."

Against the odds and overcoming obstacles she perservered

10"H x 12"W x 4"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.