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!

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!

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

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!

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.

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.....

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

Congrats Giveaway Winners!

Blessings to Marilyn Butler and Viola!!!! Each of you are my art blessing giveaway winners! Please take a moment to stop by each of their lovely blogs. Viola makes her home in Germany and her blog is a splash of gorgeous color and creativity! Marilyn's inspiring blog is delightful to stroll through! Thank you so much to each of you who participated and left such encouraging words! Be sure to check back as I love to have an "Art Blessing" at least once a month!

Lock and Key....

This new original art card can be found on Etsy today!

Be sure to sign up for my Art Blessings Giveaway! I will be drawing two names tonight to receive the free treasures shown in the post below! Hope you'll join in the fun!

Art Blessing Giveaways!

Its that time again and I thought I'd offer two "Art Blessing" giveaway sets! The first art blessing is a set of five greeting cards and the second is a set of five artist trading card magnets. Each are designed with prints of my original collage work that I hope will uplift your heart! If you would like to be included in the drawing for one of these sets just leave your name and email address in the comment section of this post and I will draw the names of two souls to bless on Wednesday, July 30! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Beautiful Bird....

Thought this was such a beautiful and meaningful song and video I came across today. Imagery and music entwined together are so intimate and moving. This one transported me today. Remember to turn the Playlist music from my blog off on the right lower sidebar before viewing!

God's Reality.....

We all have moments where a tiny voice breaks through the veneer and dares to ask the most vulnerable questions of God...if we are really honest with ourselves and our imperfect hearts...we wonder if God is real. Even the most perfect looking woman next to you at church or the one who seems to always have the "right christian thing" to say in response to your situation...even she will hear the question echo in her soul. We are only human. The hurts and dissapointments of this life can leave us on unsteady ground and hungering for what is real and solid...for a truth that won't change on us. Its so easy to forget the times He has shown His reality to us. As soon as heart wounds, struggles or loss appear on the horizon...the little voice whispers again...and wonders...and wrestles...and has to decide again to believe...God was real then and now.

You can scroll down and disable the music playing on my "Playlist" on the right side of my blog before you watch this. May this song and images speak to your heart today!

Lost Her Way....

It can happen to anyone...even the strongest of souls. We all have seasons where the questions are many, the answers are few and the way is uncertian. It can be disorienting when the road takes us to places we have never traveled...when our familiar ways of navigating our life fail us...and we feel profoundly and deeply lost. But to be lost holds the possibility of being found again. The state of being lost is an opportunity to walk towards a new place...make a new choice...risk shedding our old paradigm for one that might offer more freedom. Sometimes we need to toss out the old map, makes friends with our new surroundings and risk receiving a new set of directions. It means letting go of the old ways. Even in the darkest hours of being lost...there is a God who is always ready to find us...even when we don't want to be found.

New Art Card can be found here!

Be Yourself....

I worked on this piece most of the day yesterday. It was one of those creations I got a little lost in while working...slowed down...enjoyed the process of fussing on the details. Working as an artist can be such a tug of war between getting work made consistantly to sell and slowing down enough in the meantime to experience what happens inside as we create...to hear our thoughts and inner musings...to be changed and renewed by the artistic journey and to share our discoveries freely with others. Getting lost in a work reminds me why I love to play in the world of my imagination. I wonder if many of us would rather let an endless flow of art pour from our souls into the world and never worry about the business/promotion/selling side. It seems so much to get caught up in and lost in. The creative giver in me seems in a constant state of tension over the issue. But alas...that little money tree still hasn't sprouted in our backyard and practical matters must be attended too. So the big girl in me tries to do the responsible thing...while the little girl in me longs to just be herself...and move slowly and deeply in the place where God speaks to her in color, image and word. It is there she gets to wrap her treasures in pretty ribbons and tissue and drop them secretly on the doorsteps of those whose hearts need a little hope. In the purest part of her artist heart...that is all that has ever really mattered!

This new Art Doll Block Asssembage can be found here on my website! It features another sweet paper doll dress design from Moss Hill Studios!

Faith and Hope....

A simple yet gentle reminder about the heart benefits of faith. In my own life there seems a direct connection between the two...Faith and Hope. When one eludes me or is clouded in darkness it seems the other is near to the shadows as well...as if holding hands...side by side. The challenge on some days is to get one of them strong enough to walk out into the light...so her friend will follow. Hope and Faith are kindred souls...inseparable friends. One nurtures and encourages the other. The longer the light is shared between the two of them...the stronger the heart becomes...and the shadows become a distant home.

This new art card can be found here on ebay and has been created with another image from the new Collage sheets by JoAnna Periotti at Moss Hill Studios. I love the innocent face on this little girl. She exudes the childlike faith I long to have...and the hope that anything is possible for her.

Playing with blocks again.....

I can get lost in a childlike place when I start playing with art blocks again! I love the layering of messages and the surprising combinations that emerge. These two new sets can be found here and here on ebay where you can see many more pictures of the multitude of reflections that are possible from each set. May you discover something surprising today...look at your surroundings or curcumstances from a new angle or perspective...let your view be enlarged.

Childlike Hope...

I was so excited to receive my first collage sheets from JoAnna Periotti of Moss Hill Studios. This piece is my first submission as part of her Design Team. It had been dancing in my thoughts since the first time I saw JoAnna's sweet paper doll dress designs. You'll have to take a peek at her website as she will be continuing to add adding beautiful new designs to inspire your creativity! More pictures of this work can be found here on ebay! Well I am headed into the studio. I have made a new committment to myself...first thing in the morning....before chores...before bills...before the to-do list kicks in...(and should be before I get on to check email and end up in blogland...haha)...to start the day by creating one piece of art no matter how big...or small! Releasing the inner musings of my creative world at the dawning of a new day always seems to ease the shadows from the night and put my heart in a hopeful place!

Free My Soul.....

Free My Soul.....

to fully live...

to move without fear....

to create

with uninhibited abandon...

unleash my imagination

to dance in color....

free my heart to love...

and express my passion...

move my being towards

those that will illuminate

my path....

and breathe hope into

the broken places...

Free my mind and body...

to walk through

the open doors...

through risk and into

boldness and courage....

Free all that it is within me

to openly embrace

this gift of life.....

Lani Kent Copyright 2008

New ACEO Dangle on Ebay!

Masquerade.....

"Behind rose-colored glass

and masks that

hide the truth......

awaits the multitude of colors

that reflect from a heart

yet unveiled....

...wrestling...

....yearning for release....

For it is in the setting free

of all that is secret....

all pretense....

that which shields

the soul from light...that a heart's true journey can finally take flight"

Poetry by Lani

Copyright 2008

Original Art Card now on Ebay!

Love Heals.....

"Love Heals"...New Original Art Card Assemblage on Ebay!

Days of healing and new opportunity.....

Thank you so much for all of your heartfelt prayers for my son! Yesterday we finally got the news we had been hoping for that the infection from his surgery has cleared. He is home now recovering and it seems we are out of the woods! We are now focusing on his weight loss and already making gains there as well! He is anxious to join his friends in summertime fun and finally celebrate his graduation!

These last weeks reminded me of a beautiful original canvas I purchased from artist Sharon Tomlinson. You can see more of her beautiful work at AllNorahsArt. I was drawn to this piece as it spoke to me about the common thread of struggle and pain we all share at one time or another and how we can support and encourage each other by offering to carry some of the heartache for a season....that a caring community is a catalyst for healing. I know we experienced that throughout this ordeal with our son and are so grateful for all the prayers, cards, meals, hospital visits, childcare and shoulders to lean on!

I also wanted to share some exciting news! I am honored to have been asked to become a part of the design team for Moss Hill Studios. Artist and friend JoAnna Pierotti has long been a creative inspiration and I absolutely adore her work. She has launched a new line of collage sheets that can be found on her website and in her Etsy store. I just I can't wait to see what creations will be inspired by her sweet designs! So stop by, meet the other design team members and take a peek at JoAnna's blog. I will be sharing more about this new journey as soon as my collage sheets arrive and I have a chance to see where the muse takes me! Hope you all have a safe and relaxing holiday weekend!

Honor and Give Voice.....

Thank you everyone for your continued prayers and sweet comments as my son is back in the hospital and dealing with complications from his previous surgery. My heart is so heavy for him today and it is so hard to watch your child in pain. Many wonderful friends keep reminding me to take care of myself during this difficult time. The best way I have found to do that is to put my fears and heart struggles into art. I found a brief moment of quiet in between trips to the hospital and created another mini ACEO journal as a reminder....that all of our deepest feelings deserve a voice...and a place of honor. This new little journal can be found here on ebay today. May you have the company of a kindred soul today to remind you that you are not alone and always loved!

Share Your Feelings......

Its been hard to squeeze in some time to create lately but my soul desparately needed that release today! The mini journal is actually designed with a sweet little composition book and has an original ATC on the cover and little collage tags inside too. I also played with another set of inspirational art blocks! Both of these new pieces can be found here on ebay! Hopefully next week after hubby's vacation is over (he is in major project mode around the house and backyard), I will find my way back into the studio!




Thought I'd share a little of my husband's garden artistry! His love of gardening always brightens my world and creates a wonderful place to relax and gather your thoughts! May the sun be shining in your corner of the world and if things have been hard...and there have been shadows....may the suns rays usher in warmth and bring light to the darkness!

Seasons of change....

Its been a busy and emotional week! Thanks for all your sweet emails and well wishes for my son! He is doing better every day and was able to attend his graduation ceremony! I know it is such a cliche..but I am really living it....I just can't believe my first born has reached this milestone! During the ceremony, I had this surreal moment when I looked up to the stage and saw the great big sign "Class of 2008". I felt myself floating back to the delivery room and holding my new baby boy in my arms. I remember calculating what year it would be when he graduated high school...the year 2008...which at the time felt like a lifetime away! It was the oddest sensation that swept over me....that he and I had traveled 18 years together! I can feel the whirl of emotions beginning to wash over me these days of what this transition will mean. Whether I am ready or not it is upon me and we are beginning another season. I keep telling him he has time to continue searching for who he wants to be...to figure out what he wants to be. It seems to be the question of the hour from the world when you are eighteen. Its seems so unfair to me that they should feel like they need a neat and tidy answer. I keep reminding him even those of us who are in our late 40's (Ok...that is surreal too!), are still trying to figure that out...are still growing, changing and discovering new things about ourselves....and trying to decide what we want to be when we grow up!

Eight months pregnant and a serious shoulder pad addict! Was I the only one who wore these things under every conceivable piece of clothing...haha! Some merciful soul should have quietly and kindly let me know I looked like a football player! OH my sweet baby...I just can't believe that child is now a young man!

I AM WHAT I AM.....

"He sees the me no one sees...and yet He loves me....and chooses me anyway....His heart reaches for my soul...."

Out of Hiding.....

"You invite my fearful heart out of hiding.....to reclaim my dormant wings and risk the soaring heights of healing"

I wanted to share a new card found here on ebay. I haven't had much time for creating art as our life took an unexpected turn a week ago. I have been staying up at the hospital with my oldest son who had emergency surgery. His spirits are slowly rising and his body recovering. Its amazing how quickly life refocuses and what reallly matters becomes crystal clear. The to-do lists go out the window, little things don't matter and all that does matter is being there for your family! Its been a blessing to have this time with him to just sit and quietly be together as he continues to heal. Hopefully we will be back home by the weekend where his recovery can be bathed in the comforts of home!