Check Out Deborah Kruger’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Kruger. 

Hi Deborah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before I moved to Durham, I had a home and studio in Western Mass. When I sold my home and business, I moved to Raleigh/Durham where I have family and where there is a lively art community. Up north, I had managed a small medical billing company, and now that I am a full-time artist, the business skills that I needed in that stage of my life come in very handy in marketing myself as an artist. I found a studio in a church which had converted some of its classrooms into art studios. 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that all artists struggle at some point with confidence and all of us are constantly figuring out finances. Now that I am older, I realize that my artwork is unique, and I feel much more confident about showing it and selling it. I have never catered to the whims of the marketplace and as a result, I have not sold enough work to break even. However, now that I have the time to devote myself full-time to my studio practice, I am showing internationally and selling much more work, getting commissions, and even having my work acquired by museums. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been concerned about the environment since I was a young woman. Rachel Carson’s germinal book “Silent Spring” had a lasting impact, especially her warnings about how our rampant use of DDT was threatening birds. All of my work now falls into the category of environmental art. I have developed a distinct body of work that is an homage to endangered birds. To carry my theme, I work exclusively with recycled materials, especially recycled plastic bags. I am pleased that I have put my early training in textile design to good use. My artwork is both decorative and colorful, yet it carries a sober message warning us that our beautiful birds are all at risk due to habitat fragmentation and relentless consumption. I am especially proud that one of my favorite museums in New York City, the Museum of Art and Design, has just acquired two of my large-scale environmental pieces. They will be exhibited in 2024. 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I was a dreamy child and I loved climbing trees and hiding in the foliage looking at the land and listening to birds 

Pricing:

• Framed giclee prints $150 – $300
• Small framed work $500 – $1000
• Commissions for the home $2000 – $5000
• Unframed wall pieces $4000 – $8000
• Murals and other large wall pieces $10,000 and up

Contact Info:

• Website: https://deborahkruger.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborahkrugerstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deborahkrugerartist
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzm3cdSdew8AIkyfOwuxVPQ
• Other: https://www.deborahkrugerdesigns.com 

Image Credits
Carlos Diaz Corona