Mobile Arts Council is proud to present a group show by the Shibui Chapter of the Sume-i Society of America The Essence of Ink in conjunction with H2O by Tom Telhiard and Faye Earnest for the month of April.

The Shibui Chapter of the Sumi-e Society of America presents The Essence of Ink. Dedicated to the tradition of Asian brush painting, the society, founded in 1985, fosters the study and practice of Sumi-e, a centuries-old technique that emphasizes simplicity, fluidity, and expressive brushwork. Meeting twice a month in Mobile, AL, members explore the delicate balance of ink and water to capture nature’s essence in its most distilled form.

H2O explores the essence of water through abstraction, offering distinct perspectives that shift from aerial views to more grounded interpretations. As the journey unfolds, the vantage point moves closer to Earth, revealing water’s depth, movement, and presence in new ways. Faye’s work is defined by bold colors and rich textures. From her early landscapes to her evolving aerial interpretations of geological formations, she continues to push the boundaries of abstraction. 

Growing up on the Gulf Coast, water has always been central to Tom’s life. His oil paintings capture the coastal interplay of light, color, and atmosphere from a grounded, eye-level perspective. Together, this two-person exhibit presents a striking contrast—Faye’s expansive aerial abstractions alongside Tom’s immersive coastal views—offering a multifaceted interpretation of water’s ever-changing presence.

Together, these works celebrate water’s universal significance across cultures and artistic traditions. Whether through bold, layered oil paintings or the refined minimalism of Sumi-e, H2O and The Essence of Ink honor the beauty, power, and tranquility of water through both Western and Eastern artistic perspectives.