About Clarissa
Clarissa Rizal weaves a Raven
Chilkat robe for Anne Gould-Hauberg (co-founder of the Pilchuck School of Glass in Washington State), 2001. |
Biography | Resumé | Artist Statement
The T'ak Dein Taan Clan (Black-legged Kittywake) Clan members from Glacier Bay National Park and Hoonah, Alaska are known for their Native songs; many are noted for their artistry. Clarissa Rizal holds true to her clan identity as a multi-faceted artist working in fiber, painting, music, print-making, landscaping and sculpture. Born to William and Irene Lampe, and raised in Juneau, Alaska, she has been attending the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau, Alaska and the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico to complete her BFA..
"I naturally share with others many aspects of my world. I enjoy assisting and inspiring others to pursue their own dreams. I delight in gathering people together to create and re-create, whether it be a project such as a play, a gathering of artists, a dance, a concert, or a weaving class. I want people to live their lives to the fullest so when they reach each decade in their lives, they can reflect back and enjoy it all over again! This is one of my basic philosophies: what I want for my self, I want for others.
My greatest natural resources have been those who gave of themselves. It is so natural I do the same; creating a continuum of inspiration, abundance, well-being and comraderie.
Clarissa with Harry K. Bremner, Sr. just outside the Yakutat airport in 1975. |
Reflecting back over 30 years as a professional artist, I see many good things have come to me. I am blessed and honored with the teachings and guidance from many Native and non-Native elders who have long since passed. Some of these elders include my maternal grandmother and grandfather, Mary Wilson Sarabia and Juan Sarabia; my father and mother William and Irene Lampe; 6th-grade teacher, Leroy Cyr, Sr.; my first boss, Executive Director of the Alaska Home-makers Home Health Aide, Dove Kull; high school teachers including mountain climber/folk-dance/artist Max Lewis; photographer/historian Paul Sincic; and Native art teacher, Peter Bibb; boatbuilder, mandolin-player, Native regalia-maker, dancer and chief, Harry K. Bremner, Sr.; and last of the traditional Chilkat weavers and basket weaver, Jennie Thlunaut. These are to name a a few prominent beings, those who took me "under their wing" and encouraged me in their own way to be what they saw was natural in me: an artist.
At present, I have had the honor to work with some of the finest Northwest Coast artists who have become good friends and since 1989,I have had the honor to teach Chilkat weaving to over 100 Native women, several of whom have become close friends. As I am the so-called "teacher" more often than not, I learn so much from my students. I continue to learn how to become a better human being, better teacher and a better weaver. Like the manner in which Jennie responded when someone called her a master weaver: "What? Me a master weaver? I am still learning!"
Another very important way I value my life as an artist is through the lives of our children, grand children and future generations. Watching their lives unfold as young creative adults is awesome, exciting and rewarding!"
