Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Zne Convenzione 2008.......

I have some wonderful pictures to share of my memorable trip to Pleasanton, California for the four day ZNE Convenzione 2008! I had to take a couple days to unwind from a whirlwind of artistic activities! It was truly a blessing to meet in person many artists I have been speaking with by phone or on-line these last five years. I missed my original flight and ended up in San Fransisco rather than Oakland. So after an $80.00 cab ride (eek!) to the Oakland airport, I met up with Dawn Devries Sokol for a winding and steep drive up to our gorgeous accomodations high atop the hills in Pleasanton. I was so excited to hug long time friends JoAnna Perotti and Kris Hubick. It was such fun having a nightly artist slumber party with the group of eight of us that stayed up at this amazing house!




I truly enjoyed getting to know Dawn. She brought many of the original journal pages from her newly published book "1000 Artist Journal Pages" and shared them at the Vendor Faire. Her art journaling work was a true inspiration! We all sat up late nights at the house looking through her own original art journals as she inspired and encouraged us all to risk the blank page!

Sharing a meal before the opening night show with JoAnna, Kris, Patty, Lisa, Kathryn and Dawn! There is never a lack for conversation with a gathering of creative souls!








Pleasanton was the most charming town filled with wonderful places to eat and shop. It was standing room only at the "American Harvest", on Main Street, owned by Sharon and Rodger Mattern. What an incredible shop filled with the most unique mixed media and vintage treasures. I was blessed by meeting Sharon and excited she would like to carry my work soon in her shop!


Thanks Chelise Hery Stroud (ZNE Founder and event Coordinator) for my beautiful bouquet of roses!







I was honored to sing for the opening night, hear the heartfelt music of Jon Troast and see the incredibly moving and deeply thought provoking documentary "1000 Journals Project". After the screening, the film's producer and director, Andrea Kruezhage, spoke passionately about the project and was truly an inspiration to hear and be in the presence of.

The home we stayed in was absolutely stunning. I have never seen such a breathtaking view. The sunrise in the morning was spectacular. There was a morning haze of clouds that blanketed the valleys. We were so high up that we were above the clouds surrounded by brilliant blue sky and watched as the clouds dispursed to reveal the hills below. Our beds were fit for a queen and we got lost in the fluffy down comforters.















I had the most relaxng and wonderful day creating with all these amazing women (Dori, Kathryn Virello, Kris Hubick, Bonnie Rathjen, Danielle Muller and sweet Patti V. Crump). We took JoAnna's class on creating nests within canvas shadowboxes. The class took place inside the fabulous house we were staying in for the event !It never ceases to amaze me all the many styles and inspired ideas that emerge from each artist and the unique direction they take their projects!


















I was so inpsired by all the cool techniques JoAnna shared with us. After a full day of creating, and lots of M&M eating...this was my finished project!


















The Blue Agave Club was host to an evening banquet in a lovely outdoor setting. It was s joy to meet Lisa Kaus for the first time and hang with my roomies, Tina, Kris and JoAnna! I was so blessed that evening to sit and talk with such a sweet kindred spirit as Susan Tuttle.















The Vendor Faire about put me in creative overload! It was pretty hard not to spend all your profits when you are surrounded by some of the most incredible mixed media artists and their original work! I so enjoyed meeting and talking with all who stopped by! What a treat to get to hug in person my sweet artist friend Zorana.






















I was thrilled to come home with one of JoAnna Perotti's amazing art dolls. This one just spoke to my heart. JoAnna attaches such sentimental trinkets and vintage accents to her dolls and each one has unique and special meaning! She is such a dear woman and friend! Also came home with an adorable collage from Cindy Deluz . She was such as sweetheart and joy to meet! We all agreed the entire event was incredible and everyone hopes to see each other again in April for the ZNE Convenzione 2009!




















Sunday, August 17, 2008

Honor the Pain, Set Free the Soul....





Some pieces I lose myself in while creating... and this was one of them. I love the depth in assemblage and shadowbox work. There is a silent story that echoes behind the images, textures and found objects that lay nestled inside...beyond the words that are seen...in and through the doorway...a personal story only the viewer can interpret. I find it only takes a simple phrase to stir memories and images to life...to begin the weaving of a personal narrative that connects to my own history...my unique experiences. What story echoes back to you through the doorway of your soul.....

You may find more out about this original shodowbox on my website!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Does Anybody Hear Her.....

Before viewing disable music playing on blog (lower right sidebar)...


Just something to let our hearts consider....with eyes open to really see....ears listening and really hearing....to not turn away or judge....they might just need hope....direction....a kind word....an open door....an invitation out of the darkness....

She is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction
She is trying
But the canyon's ever widening
In the depths of her cold heart
So she sets out on another misadventure just to find
She's another two years older
And she's three more steps behind

Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?
Or does anybody even knows she's going down today
Under the shadow of our steeple
With all the lost and lonely people
Searching for the hope that's tucked away in you and me
Does anybody hear her? Can anybody see?

She is yearning
For shelter and affection
That she never found at home
She is searching
For a hero to ride in
To ride in and save the day
And in walks her prince charming
And he knows just what to say
Momentary lapse of reason
And she gives herself away

If judgement looms under every steeple
If lofty glances from lofty people
Can't see past her scarlet letter
And we never even met her

He is running
A hundred miles an hour in the wrong direction

Monday, August 11, 2008

New work to share.....



Two new pieces to share today. One is a sweet little altered art doll mini journal and the other an assemblage piece on canvas board. Both of these can be found here. I am on the countdown to get ready to share my work at the Vendor faire at the ZNE Convention in Pleasanton, California next week. So many details to take care of but I look forward to meeting many the artists who will be in town for the event! Thanks for stopping by and for all the well wishes and encouragement for my new website journey!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Soul Searching and Website Journey.....



There are times when we sense a change on the horizon and that it is time to walk through a new door and risk revealing more of who we are and what we are passionate about. A little over a year ago, when I began my blog, I had also had my website designed but had not "moved in" there yet. I have always had a vision for what I hoped it might be. I am happy to share the news that I have officially moved in and am making a home there to welcome those who might need encouragement and hope. I have always had a heart for those that have gone through difficult life experiences and I hope my website will be an extension of that vision. So I invite you to come stroll the doors and take a peek at healingexpressionsbylani.com

This original, journal art ensemble, "Soul Searching" can be found for sale on my website. I hope to be offering new work each week on the website and adding new "Soul Reflections" and "Poetic Expressions" as they are inspired. I am sure it will be a gentle process and evolve over time but I hope you'll join me on the journey and share the site with a friend or loved one who may find its pages nurturing and healing.

Monday, August 4, 2008

Moment of Rest....






Encouraging a moment of rest right where you are. Before the day gets too busy and you can't hear yourself think. Maybe just listen to the music, sip a cup of tea, pray, express gratitude or release a burden and shed a tear....close your eyes and breathe in that air that might surround you in these scenes. What private thoughts might they stir in your soul if you began to journal? What does it sound like...how does it feel...what would you do if you were there? What does it make you long for or want to celebrate? Just a simple invitation to take a moment and listen for the answers.....

Friday, August 1, 2008

Poetic Reflections.......


..Stained Glass...

Shattered, distorted, painfully sharp
innocent colors scattered
around my still and grieving heart
pieces of a glass puzzle
lay in confusing disarray
whispering of shame...brokenness...dark hurt

I numbly stare in disbelief...
then anger...then deep sadness
beauty so carelessly scarred
each shining remnant reflects
a faint image once known to this child
niave perfection...pure design...a Master's touch

As the last of the sharpest fragments
fall near enough to cut
I must pause to honor
the small, welling voice within
release the anguish of her soul
the silence pierced...a screaming question...."Why?"

A new design awaits it's birth
fresh tears need time to fall
upon the jagged crystal
perhaps to cleanse, refine...restore
beauty is to be found here
amidst what appears destroyed..useless...beyond repair

Where does one begin in the gathering
of a stained and shattered soul
one so weary and little and sad
Help me, Master of the fragile brillance surrounding me
In your strength can we
lift each broken piece to the light...and mend...and heal

Copyright 2000
Lani Kent