Featured image: Victoria Rose, Debbie Vogel, 2023, mosaic, 31 x 14 x 10 in. / 78.74 x 35.56 x 25.4 cm.
Debbie Vogel’s intricate mosaic sculptures pay tribute to her ancestral lineage, blending vintage materials, jewelry, and buttons into stunning artistic tributes.
Debbie Vogel is a mosaic artist whose intricate sculptures use vintage materials, jewelry, and buttons to honor heritage, femininity, and cultural identity.
Each of her pieces reflects the stories of powerful women in her family, incorporating cultural heritage and traditional motifs into unique, textural compositions. Vogel has an ability to merge historical narratives with contemporary artistry, resulting in breathtaking works that celebrate resilience, femininity, and identity.
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Leonore May, Debbie Vogel, 2023, mosaic, 24 x 17 in. / 60.96 x 43.18 cm.
Leonore May (2023) is a mosaic bust that embodies the life and journey of Vogel’s great-grandmother, who immigrated to America from England in 1911. The sculpture is composed of vintage jewelry and a rich collection of red buttons, symbolizing strength, passion, and endurance. The deep crimson hues contrast against black accents, creating a regal and commanding presence. Each button and jewelry piece was carefully selected to evoke a sense of time, history, and personal memory, paying homage to the strength of women who navigate new worlds in pursuit of a better future.
Leonore May, Debbie Vogel, 2023, mosaic, 24 x 17 in. / 60.96 x 43.18 cm.
Inspired by her Creole great-grandmother, Marie Elodie (2024) exudes elegance and refinement, crafted using pearls, antique jewelry, and abalone buttons. This full-body mosaic sculpture stands tall, draped in layers of luminous whites and shimmering mother-of-pearl elements, reminiscent of the timeless beauty and grace of her ancestor. The careful arrangement of buttons and pearls creates a sense of movement, almost as if the figure is wrapped in a luxurious garment. This piece is a reflection of Creole heritage, showcasing a blend of European and African influences in a striking, sculptural form.
Philomena, Debbie Vogel, 2023, mosaic, 31 x 16 x 10 in. / 78.74 x 40.64 x 25.4 cm.
With Philomena (2023), Vogel delves into her Native American roots, honoring her great-great-grandmother of the Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Southwest Louisiana. This mosaic bust is adorned with turquoise, coral, bone beads, sterling silver, and vintage buttons, forming a striking representation of Indigenous artistry. Leather and fringe elements further enhance the Southwestern aesthetic, making this piece a powerful homage to the traditions and resilience of Native culture. The warm earth tones and intricate beadwork create a sense of deep-rooted connection to nature and ancestral wisdom.
Debbie Vogel’s mosaic sculptures are more than just visually striking—they are deeply personal, each piece weaving together heritage, craftsmanship, and storytelling. By utilizing vintage buttons, jewelry, and beads, Vogel reclaims and repurposes materials that hold sentimental value, embedding history into every layer of her work. Whether honoring European immigrants, Creole ancestors, or Indigenous lineage, her art serves as a celebration of feminine strength and cultural identity.
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