Dec 6, 2014 | For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others |
Cindy Gustafson, born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania May 21, 1935; passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 3, 2014 in Pagosa Springs, Colorado at the age of 79
On the 2nd day sailing on the Alaska ferry, Wednesday, December 3rd:….. this evening 6 hours southbound from Ketchikan, destination Bellingham, Washington, when I entered my stateroom, I noticed a friend texted me that a dear friend Cindy Gustafson passed away last night in her sleep. I had just finished dinner with new-found friends and was planning on designing the next part of this child-size Chilkat robe; I also planned on finalizing my Power Point Presentation for the Portland Art Museum two nights from now; I was also planning on shaping the best part of my weaving. Oh well, as usual a death of a dear one takes precedence over commitments and goals. I put these all aside. I watched the darkness glide by outside the window for several hours until I laid myself to a still sleep. Without dreams.
Cindy Gustafson was a spunky elder right up there next to my Kate Terry who passed away over five years ago. I loved these gals. Both women were well known in our community; one wrote a “gossip column” for the local newspaper and the other had her own “gossip column” just by being a great listener.
Halloween was the last time I saw Cindy. We were at the monthly WHIPS luncheon (Women Helping In Pagosa Springs). I noticed she looked very radiant as if she were wearing a bit of blush and eyeliner, her bluest eyes sparked like sapphires, ah, but there was no trace of additions; her radiance was of the natural kind. As usual she wanted to know about my love life, my family life, and my business – I told her I was preparing to visit the latest additional grandchildren in Juneau and I was also finishing up the last of my products for the upcoming markets I was planning in Alaska during Thanksgiving weekend, and that I would be out of town until Christmas Eve so I would be missing all of the local holiday events that she had been planning for the community, and that Dan was going to be meeting me in Portland to play a live gig during my Power Point Presentation and that we would be driving back to Colorado together. She was happy to hear things were going well for me.
Cindy and I always remarked about the other’s attire; we always admired what the other was wearing. That day she was wearing one of her fantastic skirts, the Seminole Indian patchwork skirt I told her that she would willingly will me when she passed…I told her I would cherish the skirt forever and I would tell the world about the wonderful woman who once owned the skirt before me and I would say this with pride. Cindy thought I was a little crazy but I know she forgave me because we shared being Gemini’s which made it all the more reason why we had this common understanding of our character!
Now I imagine wearing that skirt, though I will most likely not inherit it and it is important to note the skirt means more than an object of desire. The skirt represented the passing of a beautiful thing to another with love, respect and honor. Whatever skirt I wear will always remind me of Cindy.
Cindy began the women helping women in Pagosa Springs. About 4 years ago, when I was still adjusting from several major life changes, I was a recipient of a WHIPS donation. I will always remember this. Here’s the link to the WHIPS: http://pagosawomen.com/sample-page/
Like our beloved Kate Terry, I will always remember our Cindy Gustafson!
Dec 2, 2014 | Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, Uncategorized |
Tlingit Carver, Wayne Price holds his hand-made Tlingit-style carving adze inside the Soboleff Cultural Center, Juneau, Alaska
It’s been a long time since a new building has been built in downtown Juneau; most likely since the Sealaska Corporation building was built (1971?) on the waterfront. Just a little ways behind Sealaska towards the mountainside, the Walter Soboleff Cultural Center is being built. As the construction crew works daily, so does master Tlingit carver Wayne Price. He’s chipping away at every exposed cedar plank, beam and column. Wayne has created many, many patterns in the wood; one of them is the “herring bone pattern” which is one of my favorite. He’s got his work cut out for him for several months. And I quote him: “….it all adze up!”
Wayne’s “work table” is located in what will be the “front stage” platform of the center
Wayne is from the Wooshkeetaan (Shark) Clan from Kake, Alaska; he lives in Haines with his wife, Cherri. They house the Silver Cloud Art Center in one of the big, white Ft. Seward (formerly captain quarters) homes on the hill overlooking Lynn Canal. They have held many classes and retreats in their home including: traditional dances and drumming, traditional food gathering and prep, carving, silver-smithing, and weaving. Wayne is one of the few Tlingit carvers who knows how to build the traditional dug-out cedar canoes…I quote him: “…and may I add that my canoes float, they are sturdy, ocean-going vessels…!”
Visit Wayne’s website at: www.silvercloudart.com
Wayne stands amongst yellow cedar planks he still has to adze…He says “…look at all the boards… there so many of them yet to still carve…I’ve got my work cut out for me; it all adze up!”
I first met Wayne on the eve of Halloween 1981. He had come up to Sealaska Corporation offices to “sell some of his wares…” I bought a hand-carved and painted “Moon” mask and a silver bracelet. I remarked to Wayne that he had a resemblance to my younger brother, Tim to which he replied: “Really?…I look like a family member of YOURS….!?”— My Lily had just met Wayne then, she was not quite 2 years old. When I asked Lily if she knew Wayne, to our surprise, she replied: “Yes,….that’s Uncle Tim…!”
Wayne adzes one of the “long boards”
I would have posted close-up images of Wayne’s variety of adzed patterns, but I leave it up to my reader’s imagination. I would rather you see his patterns first hand, like I said, in every exposed piece of wood in the building; it’s quite spectacular. Sealaska Heritage Institute did right to include the talented hands of Wayne Price’s swing—for many generations, his example will spur future generations to expand on his work!
Oct 31, 2014 | Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
Kahlil Hudson on horseback in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado – photo by Tyler Hughen
I first attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in 1988-89 when my youngest was a year old. Then I went back to pursue a BFA in 2009-2010. Little would it come to pass that 4 years since my classes there, my son Kahlil Hudson would be hired to teach film! Huh? Yep, he’s qualified. He completed his MFA in cinematography, photography and film directing from UCLA and he’s made several award-winning films. You can check out his partnership website with one of his best friends, Tyler Hughen at www.lowandclear.com No, Kahlil doesn’t have his own personal business website YET because he’s too doggone particular about how and what he exactly wants on the site! So in the meantime, we know he’ll make up his mind, we know he’ll get it together, we know he’ll be happy with it when it does get done!
Kahlil on a walk, West San Francisco Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Kahlil has been teaching for a couple of months now; when I asked him how he liked his teaching job at IAIA, without hesitation with his big, relaxed smile he replied: “…I love it…! I had no idea I would love teaching what I love to do…the students are great to work with…! In fact, we are thinking of actually buying our home here in a year or two…!” (Hmmm….what does this mean for Grandma? Maybe I will have to position myself in my own new home between Santa Fe and Pagosa Springs — that would mean Geronimo country of Abiqui, New Mexico area. I love that country right up there in my heart next to the mouth of the Chilkat River on Mud Bay Road in Haines, Alaska!
Kahlil’s grandparents would have been proud of him reaching this point in his life, especially my Dad and Kahlil’s other Grandfather Bob Hudson. Bob was a school teacher his entire adult life and loved it. When video cameras first come on the market, my father bought one and took films of everything and anything wherever he went. Grandparents die way too soon; we could live to be in our 90s if we were taught how to take care of ourselves in many more ways than one. Why live that long? So we can see the fruits of our parenting/grand-parenting in the eyes and hearts of our grandchildren!
Oct 29, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, To See or Not to See |
Echo Canyon just a mile north of George O’Keefe’s Ghost Ranch — a great canyon to play my flutes or chant our Native songs…
The 2.5 hour drive from Santa Fe, New Mexico heading north on Hwy 84 to Pagosa Springs, Colorado is one of the most scenic west of the Mississippi. I am a fortunate one to experience this drive at least once a year, especially now since my son lives with his family in Santa Fe. The way I feel about this country is like when I drive along the Chilkat River, especially Mud Bay Road in Haines – my heart and spirit soars! No other place does this with me like the Chilkat River area in Haines, Alaska and the Chama River area in Geronimo Country in Northern New Mexico…!
The River Chama — my favorite overlook where I will pull out my ukelele and play westerns like “Ghost Riders in the Sky…!”
This country just about an hour north of Santa Fe and in the Abiqui area, in modern-day is nick-named “Georgia O’Keefe Country” – though back in the 1800’s, was known as Geronimo country. Geronimo was Apache; this is Chiricahua Apache country. He was born June 16, 1829 on the Chama River in this awesomely, beautiful land. There are many books on Georgia O’Keefe, her work, the landscape, her homes and even the interior decor of the way she kept her homes. If there were books on Geronimo that he actually wrote, I wonder what would be portrayed.
Crossing the New Mexico/Colorado border…
If Geronimo had an iPad or at least an iPhone to take photos of his family, his tribe, his way of life, his landscape and the way he loved, what would we see? What would he have said regarding the U.S. Government and the wars. If he had Facebook, what would he have shared? What would he have written about himself? What would others have said about him?
When driving through this country, when walking on this land, when camping along the Chama River, only my imagination fills in the frame of each “photo.”
Oct 27, 2014 | Acting Out and Musical Chairs, Honoring Others |
Chris Eyre, Native American film-maker presents Actress/Writer Shirley McLaine with a gift of a belt made by jeweler Randall Moore honoring her with the Lifetime Achievement Award
My friend Johana Moore’s son, David Moore, is one of two co-founders for the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival 6 years running. Last week, Johana knew I was coming to Santa Fe for the weekend so she called me up the morning of my arrival and encouraged me to attend the 7pm ceremony honoring Shirley McLaine — she got me free tickets to attend the event which was followed by a recent heart-warming comedy featuring Shirley McLaine and Christopher Plummer in “Edie and Fred.” The Lensic Theatre on West San Francisco Street was beautiful on the inside; I enjoyed the architectural design. It was cool seeing Shirley in person; one of my favorite actresses, she just turned 80 in April this year – she sat in the audience with us! Uncanny, like Chris Eyre looks exactly like all the photos of him! Check out the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival on line. And next year when you are in Santa Fe during mid-October, come join the fun!
And by the way, did y’all know that Shirley McLaine lives in Santa Fe?
Oct 22, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, To Market To Market, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The “Intenders Handbook” by Tony Burroughs
Quoting author, Tony: “The Mighty Manifesters — The purpose of this handbook is to help you make your life better. The Intenders of the Highest Good will show you how to make your dreams come true easily and with the least amount of effort. We’ve been practicing the ideas that are given in this handbook for several years and have found that the laws of manifestation work very efficiently for us when we do two simple things: 1. We say our intentions out loud everyday; 2. We meet together with like-minded friends in an Intenders Circle once a week.
This is all that needs to be done for us to start getting everything that we desire out of life. We must be willing to take a few moments away from our busy routines for these two important things (or something similar that may be called by another name) so that we can consciously turn our deepest desires into real-life experiences. Otherwise, we will remain unempowered and at the mercy of the every changing world we live in.
To the men and women who can manifest whatever is needed in their lives, it doesn’t matter how scarce things appear to be or what the newspapers and TV are saying. Self-empowered people simply observe the day-to-day challenges that are going on all around them, while manifesting a world of their own choosing – a world of peace and comfort. They live happily because that’s what they’ve intended to do.”
You may wonder why I include a number of other things that do not seem to be directly related to the design and production of art (and music) on my blog. My personal philosophy is that everything in my life affects everything else, no matter the topic, the breadth, the depth, the timing. Creating art and music is my method of maintaining my self-sanity. I don’t know about any other artists, but life is not a bowl of cherries all the time. There are so many ups and downs of which we are not in control, and of course I cannot help but respond. Art and music helps me to process the negative circumstances. I also welcome methods of self-help processes.
This book is one of those items that not only validates what I have been naturally working on in my own personal life, the information expands my horizons of thinking and being. I appreciate this. I welcome the guidance and forthright words.
I came across this book last week while heading out the door at the doctor’s office; hey what’s that little book about? The doc replied “…take a copy!” I enjoyed the read so much, I decided this was something I wanted to share with anyone and everyone, especially my kids and close friends. I called the number at the back of the book to make an order; it turns out that the author lives in this same little town out here in the mountains of Colorado! Like what are the chances for that!?
AND when I met up with him to buy more copies of this book, we exchanged business cards and eventually he invited me to the local “Intenders Circle” held every Thursday night starting with a potluck meal…! Am I going? Well,…I normally shy away from consistent, organized, on-going “groups.” I don’t know why I initially shy away from “organizations” but like I mentioned earlier, I intend on making changes in my life and this is one of those opportunities to make a change, right? If I don’t like the group for whatever reason(s), I don’t have to go anymore!
Tony continues with “Reference Points”: “From the beginning of the Intenders, we have been guided by three reference points. A reference point for us is something that we know we can count on. The courageous mariners of old knew all about using points of reference. They would pick out certain starts, or a spot on the distant shoreline, and they would refer to these points when they wanted to know where they were and where they were going. Likewise, we Intenders also want to know where we are going in our lives.
Our three main points of reference are: 1). Our desires are in us to be fulfilled; 2. Our thoughts create our world; and 3). Our intentions must serve the highest and best good of the Universe, as well as the highest and best good of ourselves and others.”
Tony told a story of someone who had not stated the third intention of “must serve the highest and best good of the Universe…” That importance of why we must include this 3rd intention in every one of our requests was summarized at the end of the story. Fetch a copy of this book for yourself and you will understand why!
I will have limited copies of this little handbook available for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market at Centennial Hall during Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska. Come by Booth #P-15 in the main hall ! They are only $4/book.
I will also have these books available for sale during any of my upcoming classes, and art markets coming up within this next year in 2015.
You may also order these little books directly from Tony by giving him a call at his toll-free number: 1-888-422-2420 or visit the website at: www.intenders.com Let go of your shyness; give him a call and order your book(s) – the guy is a warm, caring person… Tell him that Clarissa sent ya!
Oct 11, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Tools-of-the-Trade |
“Sharing the Skies: Navajo Astronomy” by Nancy C. Maryboy, PhD and David Begay, PhD
I find these kinds of books fascinating because they provide us another indigenous perspective outside of the western mindset. I see similarities amongst the Navajo and our own people, the Tlingit. The Navajo stories like our own are inspirational; more often than not they lead me to envision a robe or painting or some form of art piece.
This book provides a cross-cultural view of Navajo and Western astronomy. “Sharing the Skies” provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy, including the constellations and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it. In addition, this book offers a comparison of the Navajo astronomy with the Greek (Western) perceptions. Beautifully illustrated with original paintings from a Navajo artist and scientifically enhanced with NASA photography.
The authors are Nancy C. Maryboy and David Begay. Marboy is a Cherokee/Navajo scholar working in the area of Indigenous Science, with a focus on astronomy. she is the President and Executive Director of the Indigenous Education Institute located in Bluff, Utah and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She teaches Indigenous Astronomy at Northern Arizona University. She works with NASA educational outreach projects and with University of California, Berkeley, Space Science Labs on National Science Foundation projects. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and San Juan Island, Washington.
David Begay is a scholar and member of the Navajo Nation, and one of the founders of the Indigenous Education Institute. He works with University of California Berkeley, Space Science Labs in areas of Western and Indigenous science with support from NASA and the National Science Foundation. He lives on the Navajo Nation and works as an independent contractor with federal, state, tribal and corporate entities.
You may purchase a copy of this book for $14.95 from Rio Nuevo Publishers in Tucson, Arizona (www.rionuevo.com) or when you visit the Mesa Verde National Park visitor’s center gift shop, like I did !
Oct 9, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Book cover of Stanton Englehart’s “A Life on Canvas” published by the Spiralbound Studio Publishing in Durango, Colorado — Detail of Stanton’s painting entitled “Season on the Plateau”
Last week, when Dan, his parents and I were in the Toh-Atin Gallery of Native American Art in Durango, I came across this book and said to Dan that I totally admire this guy’s paintings; over the past few years every time I’ve seen this man’s work, just makes my heart pitter-patter…and I know that when I feel that feeling, it’s called love.
And then without even opening the book, I said to Dan “…can you show me what is your favorite piece of art in this gallery…?” (I asked him that because every time Dan and I go to an art show, an art fair, an art market, or to any gallery, anywhere, we always like the same exact piece(s) of art…!” So Dan led me directly to a large painting towards the back of the Toh-Atin gallery above a stairwell. Low and behold, it was a Stanton Englehart—! What did I tell ya!? After checking out the rest of the gallery art works in Navajo rugs, jewelry, pottery, sculpture and other paintings, again, Dan and I like the same exact piece of art picked out of thousands in a gallery! So of course, I had to buy the book because I will study every painting in this book and Stanton’s painting style will influence my next set of paintings!
Stanton’s paintings are not acrylics on canvas; they are oil on canvas. My daughter Ursala, who has been working in oil paintings for the past couple of years since her classes at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, has been encouraging me to drop acrylics and go into oils. I will do so after I use up my $500 worth of acrylic paints; I refuse to let them go to waste!
Who is Stanton Englehart? Stanton is a dedicated prolific artist for over 50 years. He is a celebrated painter of the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. Englehart’s vision has been carried worldwide. His vividly hued paintings are held in collections in Germany, Canada and across the U.S.
He is known for his passion as an educator. Throughout his thirty-year teaching career at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, Engleheart inspired students and faculty alike. Upon his retirement, he was granted the title of Professor Emeritus of Art.
This book project was initiated by the Durango Arts Center and brought into print by Durango-based Spiralbound Studio Publishing in association with the Ft. Lewis College Foundation. Proceeds from book sales will benefit the Stanton Englehart Scholarship Fund for art students at Ft. Lewis College.
Oct 4, 2014 | Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Chilkat and Raventail weaver Lily Hope, and carver silversmith Wayne Price – Adaka Festival – Whitehorse, Yukon– June 2014
My daughter Lily Hope did a wonderful presentation on Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving at the Clan Conference in Juneau, Alaska in November 2013. Watch the 45-minute youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4x-BcKuMwPI
Sep 24, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
![PaversFinished]](http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/PaversFinished.jpg)
I finished laying the paving stones at Jeannette’s! —
How many of you have lived in the American Southwest? (Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico? If you have lived in the SW, then you know all about the mud sticking to the bottom of your feet after a drenching rain! And how many of you remember when I had a landscaping company in Juneau back in 1981 through 1993? It was called Kahtahah Landscape Company; it was mainly just me the designer/boss/landscaper who hired a different crew of workers every year. Kahtahah in our Tlingit language translates as: “She who plants” or “planting time” (depending on how you use it in a sentence). Although I landscaped here and there in Juneau, I was the gardener/landscaper for Sealaska Corporation 1981-1993. With the exception of the birch trees, I planted all the trees and shrubs down at the Plaza — they have gotten so big now — though sadly some of the bestest, healthiest trees were removed because of technological stuff replacing them (i.e. ATM machine, the energy tower, etc.).
Anyway, back to the American Southwest. Last weekend I drove down to my friend’s home 20 miles south of Gallup, NM, to a her homeland called Vanderwagon. Yes, she’s Navajo. She is preparing her house for whenever she moves back after 40+ years in Alaska; she is going to move back whether it be full time or part-time. I wanted to see her homeland, meet her family members and welcome her home by bring her some household goods I had been collecting to help start her off. And because I love to garden and landscape, my favorite part was setting the paving stones! When I arrived, it had just rained so we were tracking in all the mud! And the remedy was sitting right outside her door, so I got to work!
Jeanette was given about 80 stones from a sister-in-law who didn’t need them. They sat outside her front door for a year…until I came along! I just finished laying the pavers yesterday! Now I want to lay paving stones set like this for my outdoor fire pit; I’ve been wanting to do this for the past 20 years, but I have to wait until I have the extra cash to pay for the pavers! Doggone, how long must I wait!?
After a couple of days work on setting the pavers, I relaxed in Jeannette’s truck on our way to order washed 3/4″ gravel for the driveway and to lay in between the pavers…I kinda look like Yoko Ono in this shot, don’t I ?
Pendleton Blanket purchased from the Navajo Shopping Center, Gallup, NM
So while on our way to order gravel, the truck started to act up badly. We took it into the nearby car repair shop. While waiting for the truck to be repaired, we went to the “Navajo Shopping Center” in business for 50 years — wow, what a place! It is like a general store that provides most everything that Navajo people are used to buying for every day life, special occasions and the arts. They have gently-used Pendleton blankets for half off the normal price of the new robes. I bought one. As some of you know, I have designed and sewn button robes using these Pendleton blankets as the body of the robe. I am excited about the design I will do for this robe!
