Apr 11, 2012 | Honoring Others, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
Stroller Pack - invented and created by John Ingalls of Juneau, Alaska
Back in the early 80’s, John Ingalls had a shop where he designed and manufactured these Stroller Packs – a stroller that can glide over sand, snow, rock, gravel, wooded paths, tundra and any other Alaskan terrain. This stroller easily converts into a back pack (see photo below showing the straps). This is the most coveted stroller by mainly Juneau families who enjoy the ease of traveling with their toddlers in the great outdoors of Alaska.
Stroller Pack label
John Ingalls is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the great grandson of the great-grandpa Ingalls who was a co-inventor and best friend to Ben Franklin. John is a musician; he plays any kind of flute there is and also constructed large Andean panpipes made from titanium; pretty dang cool. When John’s kids were young, John saw the need for real stroller, one that can collapse and fits into the overhead compartment on the jet, one that can travel in any terrain whether natural or man-made, maneuvers and turns on a dime and one that is considerably lighter than any other stroller of its magnitude. So he began creating this stroller and pretty soon everyone in town wanted one. Then before you know it, the business took off. I consider John to be the “Godfather” of Juneau – my definition of a godfather is not the normal definition. My definition of godfather is the man who watches out and over the community in which he lives. A man with few words, he pays attention to the distinct characteristics of all the locals. Although known as being an eccentric, John has a heart of gold.
Stroller Pack - back showing the shoulder straps and waist strap
The Stroller Pack company was a family affair back in the 80’s. He designed and re-designed them, ordered all the fabrics, ordered all the parts, welded certain pieces together, and my son was the “fitter”, the guy who put the framework together, my Ex did the logo design, brochure layout, photography, etc., and I sewed all the parts that could be sewn.
Where can you buy one of these strollers or at least try one out? Well, if you live in Juneau and you see someone with one, stop and ask them about their StrollerPack; most owners are delighted to share their experiences. I also have this one in the photographs. I bought this one after I quit working for John on my move out of Alaska to Colorado back in 1993. I figured I would use it when I became a Grandma, however, 19 years later, now that I’m a 4-time Grandmother, my children would rather have me use their fancy $450 3-wheelers that are so stylish these days – the design and function of the Stroller Pack does not appeal to them. What!?–you mean there is such a thing as “stroller fads!?” Who woulda known!?
I cleaned out the entire attic’s worth of 18 years of family member’s piles. The Stroller Pack has been up there collecting dust; never been used but maybe once. If you are interested or know of someone else who is interested in this Pack, feel free to contact me. John no longer manufactures them anymore; I’ll let this one go for $350.00! Come on; go for it!
Apr 3, 2012 | Honoring Others, Poetry Alaskan, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Tlingit Elder Frank Johnson in 1972 - photo by Richard Dauenhauer
I first met Frank when I was 16 back in 1972. Gilbert Lucero (from Angoon, Alaska – originally from Salinas, California) was the director of the “Totem Center” (Juneau, Alaska), a place for young Native people to begin to learn more about their culture because at that time many of us didn’t even know we belonged to a distinct indigenous peoples. In fact, I didn’t even know there was a word called “native.” Gilbert had invited three men to spend a month teaching classes to young Native children; those three men were: Cy Peck, Sr. (from Angoon, who taught the Native history and ways of being; Cy was also Gilbert’s mentor), Harry K. Bremner, Sr. (from Yakutat, who taught native song and dances; I became an apprentice), and Frank Johnson (from Sitka, who taught Native/Western politics).
I will always remember Frank as an uplifting, inspiring soul; he wore a permanent smile no matter what, even when he spoke of the injustice amongst our people and one another! On the very first day of classes, when he first met me, his first words were: “Hey, Harry (he enthusiastically waved Harry Bremner, Sr. to come over and meet me)…come and look at this nose! You’ve got to meet this young girl and her nose!” Embarrassed as I was with this scene happening in front of at least 40 people, the two men checked out my nose, laughed to their heart’s content and each gave me a big hug. Little was I to know how these classes taught by these three men would impact the rest of my life! Many thanks to Gilbert Lucero for all his work bringing these elders into our lives at that time period with the resurgence of Native ways of being and doing.
My son-in-law, Ishmael Hope has a wonderful blog featuring various Native elders of present including those who have passed. Ishmael is an excellent writer; he has recently posted a blog on the Clan Conference, featuring Tlingit elder Frank Johnson. Ishmael has several blog entries featuring Frank Johnson. Check out writings including Frank at: http://alaskanativestoryteller.com/blog/
Apr 1, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, Showing Off |
“Big Blue Whale” was his full name; we all called him “Big Blue” for short. A pale blue-green, 1965 Ford pick-up, ¾ ton sporting a 351 engine (coveted by mechanics knowing the value of this type of engine), Big Blue was “born and bred” in Georgia and made his way up to Alaska in the early 80’s driven by the original owner, an airplane mechanic who kept this babe in great shape. Big Blue was happiest humming down the highway at 85mph best with a ton of gravel – his engine “purred!” I bought Big Blue in July 1985 for my landscape company when he was just 20 years old. It was love at first sight!
Firefighters put out the last remaining life of "Big Blue" - photo by Ursala Hudson
27 years later, Big Blue passed away today on April Fool’s Day. When my son-in-law was going up the hill towards home, suddenly the truck died and when he jumped out to check what happened, suddenly the engine began to smoke and burst into flames – luckily Chris had not had the chance to open the hood!!! 911 came to the rescue and put out the last life of Big Blue. When all had died down, the fire chief examined the engine and showed us the broken fuel line figuring this was what started the fire.
The passing of Big Blue was very sad; for me it was the completion of an era allowed to live only once. As I mentioned earlier, when I first saw this truck many years ago, it was “love at first sight.” My personal experience of “love at first sight” is a feeling of deep gratitude upon the sight of something, or someone, or somewhere. This feeling has nothing to do with want, lust, desire, must have; it is full body experience of being in awe, feeling a deep appreciation of what is before me. I loved this machine at first sight in 1985.
I was a landscape gardener; boss of my “Kahtahah Landscape Gardeners”, every season I’d hire a new group of adventurous young folk who didn’t mind working hard in the Southeastern Alaskan weather from April 1st through October 31st in wind, sleet, snow flurries, rain (of course!), and yet any fine, rare sunny day, we were out and about, we soaked up the shine, all of it! Kept in lean shape sportin’ mighty fine tans, we did, yessirreee!
Instead of buying a company truck, I rented one from June Dawson’s vehicle rental company. (And if any of you living in Juneau remember June, she was a hoot – one of the happiest redheads I’ve ever known – a generous woman who implored me to dig up the best peatmossy loamy soil on this side of the planet! (which happened to be located in what is now the Lemon Creek Industrial area where COSTCO and all those other brand names hang out together…we hand-dug truckloads and truckloads to the Sealaska Corporation plaza’s garden beds – there were nights I couldn’t sleep cuz I had threats by passer-bys who were coveting the soil – I was never sure if I’d return to work the next day and find the piles gone, so we quickly worked the soil into the poor soil already existing at Sealaska.
(Why did I rent a truck instead of buying one? I was waiting for the right one to come around. I didn’t want just any ole truck; I wanted a specific type. And the moment I wished for it out loud, not even 5 minutes later, there he was at the garbage dump in all his fine glory! Hallelujiah!)
My 1985 crew members included 5 neighbors. They had just moved to Juneau from Nebraska and Kansas, looking for the “Alaskan experience” and were out looking for a job. Being the kind of neighbor that I am, I asked them if they were interested in working for me. They jumped for it. One day, the five of us were jammed packed into the cab of the truck heading to the garbage dump to look for an old refigerator to use as a smokehouse. One crew member asked: “Hey Clarissa, when are you going to buy your own truck?” They all chimed in: “Yeah, you’ve got to get your own truck, how come you gotta be so picky, like what kind of truck do you want?”
I replied: “I want an old truck, one from the 60’s, can’t be older than ’69. I want a Chevy or Ford pick-up, you know, the kind with the rounded fronts with a big bed, not one of those ½ ton, but ¾ ton. I want him in excellent condition…I’m waiting for the right one!”
Everyone’s reply: “oh golly, that’s wishful thinking, where you gonna find one in Juneau, those types are rare, especially those without any rust in excellent shape…!?”
Within 5 minutes of the conversation, as we had come around the corner, there at the dump, was “Big Blue!” – the owners were visiting the dump too! My crew members and I gawked “Clarissa! There’s YOUR truck!” — and sure enough, there was a “For Sale” sign on the rear window!
The rest is 27 years of history and fantastic memories.
Mar 19, 2012 | Honoring Others, Showing Off |
"Low and Clear" Documentary by Tyler Hughen and Kahlil Hudson
My son, Kahlil Hudson and his life-long friend, Tyler Hughen directed and produced their most recent film “Low and Clear”, a documentary currently making its rounds in the Film Festivals around the country and internationally. Check out the trailer at: http://www.kahlilhudson.com/trailer.html I am happy for my son who is living his livelihood backed by a wonderful wife, Mikiko and his daughter, Violet Sol. Yeah, Tyler and Kahlil, and all those who made this film happen!
Feb 6, 2012 | Acting Out and Musical Chairs, Honoring Others |
Alaskan singer and songwriter, Buddy Tabor
Although this particular blog entry was first posted on August 22, 2010 directly after Buddy’s Juneau concert, I’m posting it here again because it’s one of of the last times I had seen Buddy; he passed away last night, February 5th, 2012, in the comfort of his home in Juneau surrounded by his wife, Jeanette, family and close friends.
The big wave of Buddy’s passing will move throughout Alaska, Canada and parts of the Lower 48. His music, life and character touched many lives; we will greatly miss this man! The following was the original blog entry a year and a half ago:
To tell the truth, I was never a fan of Buddy’s, even with all his CD’s of songs, his practicing in the living room, on the front porch, back porch and garden, with his quirky sense of humor. I wasn’t a fan until years later in 2006 when he was warming up for the upcoming house concert we were sponsoring; I walked into my kitchen and he was sitting on a high stool playing this song: “Box of Pain.” He had his eyes closed; the lyrics, tune and guitar picking bowled me over. I was stunned. I burst into tears. I’ve been bowled over since. How is it that it took almost 30 years of hearing his music that I couldn’t really HEAR his music? I guess I was too close to the guy or something, I dunno.
Buddy is an old family friend – met him way back in 1972 at the Zach Gordon’s Teenage Club where I used to play racketball and developed my black & whites in their darkroom; I was standing next to Buddy whom I had never met or seen before and asked him: “Well, who are you, buddy?” He answered nonchalantly: “Buddy.” And I said to myself “Yeah, sure…!” and I walked away. The next time I saw him was a couple of years later at the underground coffee shop called “Gandolf’s.” He was playing out of tune to a small crowd. He became friends with my then boyfriend, Bill, and since then our families grew up with one another and I came to know him, his wife Jeanette and their two sons Jesse and Joshua.
Under Artstream Cultural Resources, we sponsored the first Whistlepig House Concert in Pagosa Springs, Colorado in 2000; Buddy was our first performer. Every year when he would make his road trip to the Lower 48, he’d book a concert at my home in Pagosa. Fall wasn’t Fall without Buddy’s annual visit and music. In exchange or us producing the house concert and housing him for a week to a month, because he was a house-painter (as his 2nd job; music was his 1st!), he would paint our house every other year.
Because of back problems, Buddy isn’t able to travel long distances anymore and I don’t have my home in Colorado anymore, so I’m not able to sponsor concerts in my home, BUT I have had good timing to attend a few of Buddy’s local concerts at the Lutheran Church in Juneau. It was a pleasant sight to see a packed house for Buddy…I know it made him and his fellow musicians feel downright good!
Buddy Tabor sings to a full house in Juneau's Lutheran Church on West 10th
Buddy Tabor was born March 12, 1948 in Roanoke, Virginia. He started playing guitar at age seventeen after he first heard Bob Dylan. His musical and poetical influences are Bob Dylan, Hank Williams, John Prine, Johnny Cash, Leonard Cohen, Hazel Dickens, and Townes Van Zandt.
Buddy hitchhiked to Alaska in 1967. He worked in salmon canneries, on fishing boats, the Alaska Pipeline, and as a house-painting contractor. In 1976, he met his wife, Jeannette Chee, while working on the pipeline. Jeannette is a Navajo from White Water, New Mexico. Her Native and Western culture has greatly influenced his writing.
His song “Get Up Dogs” was used in several documentaries and by ABC’s Wide World of Sports. His work has also appeared on numerous NPR stations. The Undertakin’ Daddies, a Juno Award nominated Canadian roots band, recorded Buddy’s “New Fallen Snow” for their 2001 album, Post Atomic Hillbilly.
Buddy is a veteran of the Alaska Folk Festival, Dawson City Music Festival, and Yukon Frostbite Music Festival.
Vocalist Betsy Sims, bass player Albert McDonald and lead guitarist Jason Caputo accompany Buddy
Dobro player Paul Disdier joins Besty, Albert and Buddy
Back Row: Paul Disdier, Terry and Frederick Hoskinson, Greg McLaughlin, Betsey Sims, Albert McDonald, Lis Saya, John Ingalls, Jason Caputo Front Row: June Hall, Buddy, and Rainee Godwin
The above photo of Buddy Tabor with some of his musician friends and producers who have supported him in his career. Terry and Frederick Hoskinson have produced many of his local concerts here in Juneau. Local musicians Lis Saya, John Ingalls an Rainee Godwin have been Buddy’s sidekicks for almost 30 years.
We’re missing you, Buddy!
View Buddy’s “Black Crow Night” music video by Riley Woodford and Buddy at: http://wholewheatradio.org/wiki/index.php/Artists:Buddy_Tabor
Jan 5, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Jennie Weaves An Apprentice” Chilkat robe was on my weaving loom for 5 years. I’ve never had a robe take so long in the weaving, however, I’ve never had the kind of journey I’ve experienced in the past 5 years either! The following is a pictoral journey of the life of this robe reflecting the journey of its maker.
Apprentice Bev Morris from Teslin, Yukon Territory and Clarissa begin weaving their Chilkat robes - Pagosa Springs, Colorado - September 2006
Directly after my apprenticeship in Chilkat weaving with 95-year-old Jennie Thlunaut from Klukwan, Alaska, I began designing a Chilkat robe in honor of the gift she had entrusted me with and the 6 weeks we had together in 1986. I had silk-screened a limited edition of the design, painted a “fake” robe for a collector, and the design was also the cover and name of my Chilkat Weaver’s handbook that I printed myself; yet it wasn’t until 20 years later after my apprenticeship with Jennie I had begun weaving the robe in September 2006 upon the arrival of an apprentice from Teslin, Yukon Territory, Bev Morris. I demonstrated Chilkat weaving techniques on my robe while Bev learned on hers.
Chilkat robe at the Auke Bay condo - September 2010
Chilkat robe in my new room at my mother and father's house - November 2010
Chilkat weaving demonstration during Gallery Walk at the Juneau Arts Center - musician/singer/songwriter Archie Cavanaugh and his grandson stopped by for a visit
Chilkat weaving demonstration during the "Time Warp" exhibit of Northwest Coast weavers at the Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver, B.C. - March 2011
While visiting my daughter and granddaughter in Pagosa Springs, Colorado - April 2011
Many braids and weavers to keep track - common folk wonder about Chilkat weaver's sanity
Rented another apartment for the Summer 2011 - the turquoise couch, the black loveseat and the Chilkat rug (woven in Tibet) were all color-coordinated beautifully - June 2011
Patrice DeAsis and Lily Hope were two of my assistants who helped me complete this robe by its designated delivery date! - June 2011
Close-up of Teacher "Jennie Thlunaut" (in green mask) and "Clarissa" in blue mask
Demonstrating Chilkat weaving at the Teslin Cultural Center's boat building - July 2011
Inside the Teslin Cultural Center's boat building - Chilkat robe is off to the far right - July 2011
Weaving in a perfect room while overnighting at the Skagway Inn - granddaughter Bette Hope enjoys the view! - July 2011
While on return ferry from Skagway to Juneau, Lily Hope and Clarissa weave in the cafeteria - July 31, 2011
In the stateroom on the MV Columbia sail from Juneau to Bellingham - August 2,2011
With fellow Chilkat weaver Nishga'a elder, Louise Dangeli, in th stateroom on board the MV Columbia sail from Juneau to Bellingham - August 4, 2011
Nite weave In Colorado studio - August 11, 2011
Almost complete Chilkat robe on display in Clarissa's booth at the 2011 Santa Fe Indian Market - far right is Ravenstail woven ensemble of "Copper Child" woven by Lily Hope and Clarissa - August 20, 2011
Fellow Chilkat weaver Suzi Williams and Clarissa needle up the ends in the back of Chilkat robe - Sunday morning, August 21, 2011
Although neither Crystal Worl (wearing cedar bark hat) and Beckie Etukeok have never woven Chilkat, they help put up the ends in the back of this Chilkat robe - Afternoon of Sunday, August 21, 2011
"Jennie Weaves An Apprentice" Chilkat robe designed and woven by Clarissa Rizal with help from several of her weaving students - August 22, 2011
Nov 11, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
nDigiDreams videography class - Institute of American Indian Arts - Santa Fe, NM September 2011
Spearheaded by Jennifer Coots, Business Program Professor, the Institute of American Indian Arts Indigenous Studies Department sponsored a class, for those of us interested in being introduced to creating 5-minute videos. Each of us told a personal story related to our cross-cultural upbringing and experiences leading to how we were led to attend The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Our teachers were Carmen and Brenda from nDigiDreams. nDigiDreams conducts community-based digital storytelling training workshops. “We believe our diverse cultures, identities, histories and stories hold enormous strength and beauty and we seek to train and empower indigenous individuals and communities with new media tools to realize optimal health and wellness.” Carmen and Brenda have conducted workshops in Indian Country; think about hosting a workshop in your community. You may check out their website (and view other storytelling videos) at: http://www.ndigidreams.com/
Brenda Manuelito, Jennifer Coots (IAIA Business Professor) and Carmen Rodriquez
You may view my very first video entitled “Generations of Love Made Visible” along with some of the students’ videos on U-tube. Cut and past this link onto your browser: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBF1FA84C49C930F7
Thank you very much for visiting!
Oct 29, 2011 | Honoring Others, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Cecil Touchon in his studio - February 2007 (photo courtesy CecilTouchon.com)
Interviewers and others have asked how and when I came into creating contemporary paintings and collages with Northwest Coast Native art imagery. I refer them to my friend and fellow artist Cecil Touchon at www.ceciltouchon.com. Back in ’93 Cecil and I met in his then gallery he had recently opened in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. His daughter Brittany was drawing at the drafting table and his wife (and assistant), Rosalia was just running out the door to do an errand. After a lengthy conversation about art, families and life as an artist, I purchased the first item sold from the gallery: an antique wooden hat form. That was the beginning of our life-long friendship.
After visiting me in my studio working on button blankets and a Chilkat robe, Cecil thought it would be cool if I did Northwest Coast imagery in contemporary works in paintings and collages. I thought I’d give it a go; I spent a few days in his studio where he taught me the essence of cubism without even realizing it. Finally, about 5 years later in 2000, I got off my duff and created a painting based on one of my button blankets called “Wrestling With Angels” and created my first 10 collages that I immediately sold at the Santa Fe Indian Market. Since, I’ve been having fun with exploring Northwest Coast Native art in cubist-style paintings and collages.
Cecil's exhibit opening Friday, October 28 in Atlanta, Georgia
Last night Cecil had a show opening in Atlanta, Georgia. Click the link to view his show:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrykearns/sets/72157627876660361/show/
Check out the variety of Cecil’s work and writings on his website’s blog: http://ceciltouchon.blogspot.com
Aug 25, 2011 | Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
During the Santa Fe Indian Market Sealaska stage, Likoodzi modelled the 4-piece Ravenstail ensemble "Copper Child" (a collaboration of mother and daughter Lily Hope and Clarissa Rizal) and Crystal Rogers modelled "Jennie Weaves An Apprentice" Chilkat robe (hot off the loom) handwoven by Clarissa Rizal
Likoodzi and Crystal smile at a full audience at the Santa Fe Indian Market - August 20-21 - The beaded deerskin dress and hi-top moccasins were made 30 years ago by Kate Waters Boyan for our mother Irene Lampe
Watch the Fashion Show of Northwest Coast Tlingit regalia at Sante Fe Indian Market August 2011 – video courtesy of Lee Cooper
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrc0iXy9EE>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrc0iXy9EE
The Chilkat robe pattern board designed by Clarissa Rizal painted on canvas applied to wooden frame - Photo by Lee Cooper
Crystal Worl and Beckie Etukeok assist in putting up the ends in the back of the robe
Close-up of the braid ends in the back of the robe
Crystal Worl and Clarissa put up the ends in the back - photo by Lee Cooper
Clarissa's booth at the Santa Fe Indian Market 2011
St. Frances Cathedral Park the morning after Indian Market - photo by Lee Cooper
Here are three more videos taken by Lee Cooper at the Santa Fe Indian Market 2011:
“Jeanie Weaves an Apprentice” Chilkat robe being taken down from the loom (before completion of putting up the ends in the back) for the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s fashion show of Tlingit regalia 1 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RW6-CPYYIY>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RW6-CPYYIY
Fashion Show of Northwest Coast Tlingit regalia at Sante Fe Indian Market August 2011 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrc0iXy9EE>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrc0iXy9EE
The beginning of the flash flood as the completed Chilkat robe is removed from the loom. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuZT4LOU5bc>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuZT4LOU5bc
Aug 12, 2011 | Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa with one of her first Chilkat weaving apprentices, Louise Dangeli, Nisga'a from Kinkolith on the Nass River, British Columbia - Clarissa's Chilkat robe in the stateroom on board the ferry heading to Bellingham, Washington with a stopover in Ketchikan where Louise will be disembarking to attend her grandson, Michael Dangeli's wedding in Metlakatla - August 2011
