My Soul Glorifies The Lord 2021 Exhibit: Karen Kurka Jensen
September see’s the Monastery reopening. And to welcome you back a new art exhibit from sumi-e artist Karen Kurka Jensen will grace our gallery.
Creations Dawn, Morning Stars Still Sing Together
I love how the fingers of the sky in this piece are reaching towards each other. It made me think of Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” oddly enough. And the words of John Muir echoed in my head, “Creations dawn. Morning stars still sing together and the world, not yet half made, becomes more beautiful every day.”
Artist Karen Kurka Jensen
Not My Home
I have dreams. Dreams that tell me things and give me images and ideas.
I initially thought this piece was done, finished. One night, in my dreams, I found myself drawing one long red horizontal brush stroke through the vertical red one already there. When I awoke I went down to my studio and drew that brush stroke across the paper. It was done. And I knew, I knew that the title of this piece should honor the one who gave so much. Who died for us to give us a new life and a new home.
Artist Karen Kurka Jensen
Endless Songs of Heaven & Earth
Once I had finished this abstract waterfall rolling down the mountain, I noticed that it seemed to reach up into the heavens as well. I saw water falling out of the heavens, tumbling down and blessing the earth. I love the songs of rivers and waterfalls. Much of my landscape work opens the door to imagination to allow for vision and inspiration to fall down, cascading over and through the viewer.
Artist Karen Kurka Jensen
City of Lights
This painting began without thought, simply starting with a feeling through colors, black ink and gold paint. Later on I took a fresh look at it and thought, this is the city on the hill that in the Bible brings light, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)
I have always hoped that my work would bring inspiration to those that view it and to bring about thoughtfulness, even joy. With this one I am happy.
Artist Karen Kurka Jensen