Ikigai Doodle Inks

by Debra Derrenbacher

 Statement

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. My art has always given me 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. 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. The art forms wait until my next project; as I progress, they pop out with an uncanny vengeance. This is what I call "Art Smarts." All my 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 me any time I create--and I fight with the process until I'm satisfied. Art is not Zen for me; it is not calming; it is a fight I must pursue to prove I have Art Smarts! This is joy; this is Ikigai for me. And I like to think everyone has some Art Smarts and purpose within.

Artist Bio

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.

Mrs. D 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.

Mrs. D and her husband live in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. They have four daughters and sons-in-law, and nine grandchildren.