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.

The exhibition is called “Ikigai Doodle Inks.” Ikigai is a Japanese concept referring to something that gives a person a sense of purpose or a reason for living.

According to Derrenbacher, “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.”

During her working life, that joy of creativity always came out unexpectedly, randomly and with the purpose of making something that also would 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 said. “This is joy. This is Ikigai for me. And I like to think everyone has some art smarts and purpose within.”

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.

The Sharpsville, Pa., artist 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 also is an active member of Random Acts of Artists and For the Love of Writing (FLOW) groups.

The gallery is located in the Jewish Community Center of Youngstown, 505 Gypsy Lane. A reception for the show is scheduld 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.