Deborah Koff-Chapin ~ Originator of the Process of Touch Drawing, International Artist, Vocalist, Author, Facilitator and founder of the Center for Touch Drawing

Deborah discovered Touch Drawing in a moment of creative exploration. She was in the print shop on her last day at Cooper Union in 1974. Instead of wiping an inked plate with a paper towel, she placed it down and moved her fingertips upon it. Lifting the paper, she saw marks on the underside created by the pressure of her touch. Her hands danced upon one paper towel after another in a joyous opening to the flow of energy. What resulted was a series of organic, primal drawings. Although this experience had an element of play, Deborah had a profound sense that this process had much greater potential than her own personal use. It was aligned with a fluid human consciousness that was to emerge in the future. It felt like she was receiving a gift meant to be shared with the world.

From that time on, Deborah poured her soul into Touch Drawing. Over the years her work developed from simple primal marks to rich evocative images. In 1995 and 2000 she published SoulCards 1 & 2. SoulCards are used worldwide by a broad range of people including therapists, workshop leaders, creative writers, and intuitives. In 2021 Deborah published a new deck; Portals of Presence: Faces Drawn from the Subtle Realms. Deborah has also developed the art of Interpretive Touch Drawing. During lectures and presentations, she translates the content into poetic imagery. She has drawn at numerous events, including the Parliament of the World’s Religions. In private sessions, Deborah creates Inner Portraits that bring into form many dimensions of an individual’s soul.

Deborah has followed her calling to share Touch Drawing. She has presented workshops at conferences, educational institutions and online. Deborah crafts each workshop as a transformative experience. She holds a sacred sound field for drawing sessions with voice, drum, chimes and singing bowls. In recent years she has brought her music to the fore with Song Bath Sanctuary, which she now offers online weekly.

Deborah is founding director of The Center for Touch Drawing, a networking point for the dissemination of the process into artistic, therapeutic, and spiritual practices. She has taught at numerous conferences and educational institutions and served on the board of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association. Deborah is the author of Drawing Out Your Soul and the Touch Drawing Facilitator Workbook. Each summer since 1997 (except for the covid years) she has convened the Annual Touch Drawing Gathering, See Deborah’s Curriculum Vitae.