Clarissa pounces the paper pattern of a button robe designed by fellow Tlingit artist Israel Shotridge as he points out making sure she does not veer off the lines!
There have been a few times I have collaborated with an artist; they design something and I make it, or I design something and they make it. In this case, I am preparing to transfer a design onto wool melton cloth to begin making a buttonrobe designed by Israel Shotridge for his daughter, Autumn.
While working on the pouncing (the wheel has many sharp, tiny spokes that punch tiny holes into the paper), Israel asked me if I come to other people’s homes and hang out with them. I laughed. Like what? Do you think I go to someone’s home and help them get a button robe made? No…
Going to the Shotridges’ house is a special treat. Why? Because Israel and Sue are quite the team and they are a kick in the pants to hang out with. And Israel’s wife, Sue is one of my best friends. Bottom line. We talk business, art, Native politics, spiritual stuff and of course, men. What else?