“Coming Home,” through November 6

Exhibit: Through Friday, November 6

Closing Reception and Artist Talk: Thursday, November 5, 4 – 5:15 p.m.

Black Hawk College ArtSpace Gallery, Building 4, 6600 34th Avenue, Moline IL

Presenting a fascinating display of sumi-e art, the traditional Japanese form of ink-was painting that uses black ink, water, and minimalist brush strokes to capture the inner spirit of natural subjects, Karen Kurka Jensen's Coming Home will be on display in Black Hawk College's ArtSpace Gallery through November 6, a closing reception and artist talk scheduled at the Moline gallery on November 5.

Kurka Jensen studied for 10 years with American sumi-e masters Susan Frame and Susan Christie shortly after they returned from formal studies overseas in China and Japan studying classical sumi-e with masters Zhuo He-Jun and Lu Yen Shao. They continue to be her mentors, teachers and close friends. She has taken workshops with Cheng Khee Chee, Lok Tok and has continued research studies on her own from renown sumi-e artists such as Diana Kan and Gao Xingjian. Kurka Jensen has exhibited across the country in galleries, museums, and juried exhibitions, and her work is in museums, businesses, and private collections.

In Kurka Jensen's artist statement, she says: "As an artist who specializes in sumi-e art, I am deeply passionate about exploring the relationship between art and spirituality. My artwork is a reflection of my innermost thoughts, feelings and beliefs, and is intended to serve as a vehicle for self-expression, meditation, and contemplation. For me, sumi-e is the perfect medium."

"Sumi-e, also known as Japanese ink painting, is a traditional art form that is deeply rooted in heart and vision. In my art, I strive to capture the spiritual essence of my subject. Whether I’m painting a landscape or an abstract expression, my goal is to create a piece of art that speaks to the viewer on a deeper level.

"Ultimately, my expressive and spiritual sumi-e art is a reflection of my own personal journey. Through my artwork, I seek to explore and express my own thoughts, feelings, and spirituality, while also providing a source of inspiration and reflection for others. Whether viewed as a simple piece of art, or as a vehicle for meditation and contemplation, I hope that my work serves to uplift and inspire all who encounter it."

A closing reception and artist talk for Coming Home will be held at Black Hawk College's ArtSpace Gallery on November 5 from 4 to 5:15 p.m., with light refreshments provided and Karen Kurka Jensen's presentation starting at 4:15 p.m. The exhibit itself will be on display through November 6, gallery admission is free, and more information is available by emailing ArtDesign@bhc.edu and visiting Facebook.com/BHCArtDesign.