New exhibit at Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Art Gallery
The work of artist Debbie Derrenbacher is on display through Sept. 29 in the Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Art Gallery at the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, 505 Gypsy Lane. A reception for the show, “Ikigai Doodle Inks,” will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9.
Ikigai (生き甲斐, lit. “a reason for being”) is a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living.
What motivated Debbie Derrenbacher?
Derrenbacher says her art has always given her purpose, meaning, and a sense of triumph.
“Every time I went for a ride in the car since I can remember, I have always taken the world as a lesson in art,” she says. “I have deeply studied the shapes of trees, the colors of the sky, and the lines of a fence, embedding the images as an accessible file in the back of my brain.”
During her working life, that joy of creativity always came out unexpectedly, randomly, and with the purpose of making something that would also bring joy to others. This art, this process, is a conflict within that wrestles her any time she creates, and she fights with the process until she’s satisfied.
“Art is not Zen for me; it is not calming; it is a fight I must pursue to prove I have Art Smarts,” she says. “This is joy; this is Ikigai for me. And I like to think everyone has some Art Smarts and purpose within.”
Derrenbacher has local ties
Debbie Derrenbacher, or “Mrs. D,” as many call her, is a local artist, published author, and illustrator. While most of her work incorporates zen doodles using alcohol inks and black markers, she also designs Japanese collages combining paper art forms to create symbolic pieces.
She is a retired director of discipleship and has worked in local churches for more than 15 years leading, designing, and teaching faith development programs through creativity. She is also an active member of Random Acts of Artists and For the Love of Writing (FLOW) groups.
Derrenbacher and her husband live in Sharpsville, Pa. They have four daughters and sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren.
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