Apr 12, 2014 | Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects |
The beginning collection for a library…
A couple of weeks ago, I decided I would create a library for my team members in Worldventures, a network marketing company based in Dallas, Texas offering wholesale travel. For the past couple of months, I have been in my own personal training to become a network marketing professional — I’m “Going Pro”. I have read a number of books, listened to self-help CD’s, watched DVD’s and youtube videos — all quite inspiring and motivational with great trainings in techniques and personal development.
Before I begin inviting folks to take a look at our WV services, I want to provide a support system that would assist in the new member’s home-study course in network marketing and of course info on this specific company. I hired my daughter to create a blog website specifically for WV members of the Four Corners area. I typed out notes to my favorite network marketing professionals and xeroxed copies. I also created a library of books whose topics range from financial advice to personal growth and spirituality to network marketing. I collected most of these books from our local thrift shops at great deals, or in some cases, they were free!
Carving the book stamp…
I carved a small stamp from linoleum to mark the books that are “mine.” Just want to make sure that the books are returned. —- I love creating little libraries. There’s something about handling a hard copy book as opposed to the viral books on line, though there are wonderful reasons to have books to read on our latest technological devices!
Each book is stamped on the inside cover to provide identity and unity
If you would like to check out our company, visit my company page by clicking here. If you like what you see and want just the discount travel product, contact me; if you would like to join our exciting network marketing team, contact me; if you would like to do both, well then, what are you waiting for!?
Apr 1, 2014 | Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, Uncategorized |
Cheap Chilkat weaving in colors of red (a taboo), black, turquoise and cream — by Clarissa Rizal 1985
30 years ago, when there were less than a handful of weavers, I thought I’d try my hand at Chilkat weaving without an instructor. I wove this Chilkat sampler using cheap clothesline for warp and commercial 4-ply black, turquoise, cream and red (a taboo) weft yarns. Instead of using the traditional yellow, I thought red would be nifty because the rest of our traditional artwork uses these same colors, so why not?
According to a Chilkat weaving elder from Haines, Alaska, the late Maria Ackerman Miller warned me not to use red in the weaving because it signifies the weaver as being egotistical. Both Maria and the late Jennie Thlunaut said weavers only use red for example in the tongue of a wolf.
Cotton clothesline used as warp for a Chilkat sampler by Clarissa Rizal — 1985
I have never publicly shown this weaving until now. I’ve hidden it for 30 years and it is now coming out of the closet. I have reasons for this. I want to show an example of one of my very first attempts at Chilkat weaving, where I didn’t have some one to help “show me the way” nor receive proper instruction on using fine, traditional materials or to teach me the taboos…yet (not until my apprenticeship with Jennie Thlunaut the following year in 1986). I show this sampler here also to show any beginner students of Chilkat weaving to have compassion for self as you learn the intricacies of weaving in this style; you WILL become a better weaver — a few of us start out as perfect weavers, others like myself do not! Not until last year have I felt like I know what I am doing in Chilkat weaving… 30 years later! hello!
I also wanted to show my tendency to get a big head, especially when I was younger!
Teachings such as the ones I received from Maria Miller Ackerman and Jennie Thlunaut are invaluable; they help keep us on the right “spiritual” path. Our elders will tell us many things we do not understand, though we have the respect to follow through with their words and their example without question. In our culture, we do not ask the question “why?” A respectful Native (or non-Native) person will heed an elder’s lead.
It is good to be humbled now and then. Sometimes we do get big-headed; we forget the words of our Native mentors, though there are things that bring us back to “who we are.”
Feb 16, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
“Ishmael” – a novel by Daniel Quinn — 1st published in 1992
I highly recommend this novel. If there ever was a story that could help explain the differences between any of the Indigenous cultures around the world and the Western way of living, this is the story. After the first 40 years of my life I evolved into becoming aware of the differences; writer Daniel Quinn explains it eloquently and he tells it like the way our elders would have: through a written version of an “oral history” between a Gorilla and a man.
While escaping from the cold in Alaska and Colorado and healing at my friend’s home in the 80 degree warmth of Scottsdale, Arizona this past month, I had some time to actually read because I had to do what is called “bed rest.” Doctor’s orders. There are only a couple of things that can keep me in bed, and book-reading is one of them! Since I was required to rest because of that past bout with Pneumonia, I raided my friend’s bookshelf! Golly, what a feast!
I cannot remember the last time I created the luxury of reading books. It’s been at least 4 or 5 years. “Ishmael” kept me rested!
To purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, please click here
Feb 5, 2014 | For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
Buddy Tabor – Castle Valley, Moab, Utah – 2006 – I imagine that if he saw this particular photo, he may have used it for an album cover
I don’t think Buddy saw any of these photos I took of him. I think this series of photos in this blog entry he would have enjoyed seeing. It’s been two years since his passing on February 5, 2012. This blog entry is in honorable memory of him.
Buddy with friends Connie and Phil – 2006
Every year in the Falltime he would make his annual visit. He always encouraged us to take a weekend trip somewhere in the Southwest. One year he rented a real jeep and we went into Canyonlands National Park just south of Moab, Utah. Gawd, what an adventure! Something I had never done before or since! The photos here in the Southwest were taken in Castle Valley, near Moab, Utah.
Buddy Tabor Running Rocks – Utah – 2006 – this could have been an album cover too
There are many of us across this continent who miss Buddy. An unforgettable singer-songwriter gone with a blinding flash of light!
Buddy Tabor – 2006
Buddy Tabor with my lovebird, Kiwi – 2005 – though I’d like to think that this photo and the next could have been album covers too!
Buddy Tabor Bear – 2005 – this could have been an album cover for his 2nd children’s album!
Feb 4, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
Clarissa’s four grandchildren, Bette, Louis Violet and Amelie – with another on its way due at end of July 2014
When we are young, we don’t think about the things middle-agedness and old-age may bring us. We are thinking about getting through the day-by-day stuff and we may plan a little bit into the future maybe 5 years down the road. The thoughts about preparing for being middle-aged and old-aged are the farthest things from our minds let alone taking action to prepare for it. That’s like doing everything you can now to prepare for having the perfect experiences in having a baby and raising that kid! uh-huh. Live is an ever-changing, ever-learning experience as we grow up, plateau and then “grow-down.” We learn as we go.
I thought that possibly I would have grandchildren but I really didn’t know what that would look like, nor did I know how I would feel once these kids came into being. With the addition of these young souls in my life, I’m doing things right now to help provide me with the feeling that I have the time to truly be with my kids. I say “feeling” because much of the time, when I am with them, I might be there in person, but because I am a full-time artist and the income I make is entirely from my art business, I’m always thinking of my work. (And all of you who have been a full-time, self-employed artist know exactly what I am talking about—-we do not have the luxury of leaving the office and the rest of the night or weekend is free—-that’s because we ARE the office and we carry our business mind-set wherever we go!).
So for me to FEEL the freedom of truly hanging out with my grandchildren, I’ve got to know that every month my bills will be paid. That is hard to do with sporadic income. So I am making attempts to diversify my income. Diversification doesn’t mean that I will quit doing art for income; it means that I am adding other ways to make income.
Like I said, I am making additions to my life so that I can feel the freedom of truly being with the greatest of all my additions: my grandchildren!
Jan 30, 2014 | Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, Uncategorized |
Lily Lalanya Hudson Hope and her mother, Clarissa – December 2013 – Juneau, Alaskaphoto by Kelly Burnett
The moment Lily was born the morning of January 30, 1980, my condemning, self-judgments began to cease. This thing called “love of self” was felt in every cell of my body; I remember it quite well. I feel this is the gift she gave to her mother and this is the gift she gives to the rest of the world – it is also the gift in and of herself.
Lily is all kinds of things, but first and foremost the past six years, she is a mother of two of my favorite people in the world, Bette (Grandma’s nickname for her is “SikiKwaan”) and Louis (Grandma’s nickname for him is “Ajuju”). She enjoys homeschooling her kids; being a full-time mother right now is her favorite job, though for her sanity, she has her own weaving/sewing/beadworking room!
Lily has done all kinds of jobs, she always went “up the ladder” in no time due to her organizational abilities, her mathematical mind and her love to just be busy making people happy. When she was 18, after only a month, she became the manager of McDonald’s in Pagosa Springs, Colorado; then at 20 she became the Marketing Director for Whole Foods in Santa Fe, New Mexico and a beadwork artist for an internationally-famous mask-maker out of New Orleans. When she returned to her hometown of Juneau, Alaska 10 years ago to help take care of her Grandma Irene, she was led back into her Native roots.
She received her Bachelors Degree from the University of Alaska Southeast in 2005. By way of Perseverance Theatre in Douglas, she became an actress and with the assistance of her Grandpa Bob Hudson attended the San Francisco School of Acting. She also became an award-winning storyteller, winning top awards in the All-Alaska Storytelling competition; she and her husband, Ishmael Hope have performed at the Smithsonian. She got back into Ravenstail and Chilkat weaving and won 1st Place for the 4-piece, child-size woven ensemble in the Traditional Arts category of the Sealaska Juried Art Show. She used to have a website under Lily Hudson, but her name changed when she married Ishmael and she hasn’t gotten her younger sister, Ursala the web-designer to create a new website just yet. Although you can visit Ishmael’s superb website at: www.alaskanativestoryteller.com
Ishmael, Lily and their two children live happily in Douglas, Alaska.
Happy Birthday, my Nina!
Jan 19, 2014 | Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
Kahlil Lampe Hudson – 37 years old on January 19, 2014
37 years ago today, my son Kahlil Lampe Hudson was born. Strong-willed and energetic about everything, he was always a handsome one; I remember Grandma Shirley Hudson warning us “oh he’s a real looker…the girls are gonna flock all over him…!” He was the first grandchild on both sides. The only grandson on my side of the family, my parents spoiled him rotten.
Kahlil’s gift to me the moment he was born was patience. I sure wasn’t born with patience, but this boy is all about patience. He is one of the most patient people I know (and I know he didn’t get it from my side of the family!). I first developed patience with Kahlil; I have been learning patience since. Kahlil and I butt heads while we were growing up until he was 16 and I was 36; we had our last argument in this incidence: I snapped a kids-size broomstick over his right shoulder, and while I was in shock at my behavior, I told myself that whatever topic he and I didn’t agree on, just leave it alone, it ain’t worth it! And that was the end of our dumb bickering.
Kahlil is a professional film-maker/cinematographer/photographer receiving his Masters Degree from UCLA. His work has led him all over the world, from India to British Columbia to France and Africa, throughout the U.S. and the most interesting project yet, the Missionary Children on the Pine Ridge Reservation. With his best friend Tyler Hughen, Finback Films was created – they won numerous awards from the Film Festival circuit around the world for their documentary film “Low and Clear” – click here to trailer on website. And if you’d like to buy a copy of the film via Amazon, click here.
Kahlil was also the cinematographer for a feature film “Kumare” – a documentary by a friend who became a self-proclaimed guru. A must-see, very interesting film. You can rent it on Netflix or you can buy it for $2.99 on Amazon by clicking here.
With his wife, Mikiko Ellis, who was born and bred in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, they have a six-year old daughter, Violet, who is one of the best grand-daughters in the world! — They presently live in Denver, Colorado.
Happy Birthday, Kahlil – let’s see what you continue to be and do in the next 37+ years!
Dec 22, 2013 | Acting Out and Musical Chairs, Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Preston’s new band tentatively called “Koo.eex” L to R: Gene Tagaban, Clarissa Rizal, Bernie Worrell, Skerik, Stanton Moore & Preston Singletary
Back in October on a Friday night, out of the blue, I received a text from Preston: “…will you be a back-up singer in my band? We will be recording a CD this coming December.” — “Huh? Like who does he think I am; a singer? What makes him think I can sing? He’s gotta be kidding….” —- So, I didn’t answer him. Four days later on the following Monday I got a call from Preston:
“Well hey, Clarissa, uh,…did you get my text?” —
“Yes.” —
“Uh, well, what do you think? (and like how come you didn’t answer…!?)
“What am I supposed to think? I do not recall ever indicating that I am a singer to nobody, like what makes you think that I can even sing, much less be a back-up singer in a band that is going to record it’s first CD!?”
“Hahaha. Hey I remember those songs you sang around the campfire at the end of the two-week work session completing the glass and wood totem pole at Pilchuck…you blew everyone away…!”
“Preston, that doesn’t count…those were dirty songs…!”
“Yeah, well…it’s how you presented them,…it’s the way you sang. I want that kind of energy in my band…will you join us?”
One of Preston’s bass’
Preston’s first love is music. Not glass blowing. How can I tell? He gets that look in his eyes. It’s that true musician’s look as if they are in another time and place; smiling inside out. I grew up with a musician. I’ve been around musicians. Some of my best friends are musicians and although some don’t necessarily “make a living” creating music, there’s that “way of being”….So for those of you who think Preston is a hot glass blower and that is his first love, you got it all wrong. I don’t care if the dude makes thousands on his work and thousands of art collectors have a piece of his work, his true love is music. Bottom line. — But if you must check out Preston’s glass blowing website: www.prestonsingletary.com
Bernie Worrell on keyboards – check out Bernie Worrell website at: http://www.bernieworrell.com/ This guy is no ordinary keyboard player! He is all over the board!
So Preston gathered together his friends, Gene Tagaban, Skerik and I along with two big name musicians (that at the time I didn’t know were big names), Stanton Moore and Bernie Worrell. For the past eight years, Preston had imagined putting together a jazz/funk rock fusion band to record a CD. He saved up money to do so; this December with the help of us buddies, he made his dream come true. The sound that came out of this band was so fantastic and fun, it blew all of us away! The music had become so much a part of me in just three short days, I barely slept. I began to understand why musicians “move to a different drum.” I began to understand why they stay up late into the wee hours of the morning. I also understand why some become drug addicts or are alcoholics or at least have a stiff drink before they go to bed. IT IS HARD TO GO TO SLEEP AFTER FEELING THE MUSIC IN YOUR BONES AND EVERY NERVE OF YOUR BODY!!! Holy cow!
Gene Tagaban on Native flute, Skerik on sax
Who is that drummer, Stanton Moore? Gawd, the guy can drum. Like I thought my friend D.C. Duncan could drum and for the past 20 years I’ve always enjoyed D.C., but man, this Stanton guy is something else!!! When I got back home after the recording sessions, I saw D.C. and asked him if he knew Stanton Moore. He said “well, hell yeah, I have bought his CD’s and have made myself a better drummer through his instructions over the years, the dude is goooood! The guy is THE drummer of all drummers – like he is #2 in the entire world – Why do you ask?”
Stanton Moore on drums — check out the Stanton Moore Trio on youtube and if you are a drummer or wanna-be-drummer, this is the man to hang with; New Orleans born and bred – check out his website at: www.stantonmoore.com
So, we spent three days improvising songs. A total blast. These songs were based on traditional Native songs of the Northwest Coast; we started out with the chants, then the band would slide on in and take off! It was a honor to play with these guys; thanks for the invite, Preston. I have appreciated every moment in actual time and now in memory!
Preston begins with a traditional tune – notice the child-size Chilkat robe in the background – I’d weave when I wasn’t singing…
Gene Tagaban has definitely made his way in the world with his storytelling and musical talents. I had no idea the extent of his talent until this recording session. He topped off these songs; he added so much depth and meaning. His contributions rounded everything out, like bringing the entire fusion together full circle. These are just my opinions folks, you do not have to believe everything I say here. Just make sure you buy the CD when it comes out by the Fall of 2014; it’s nothing like you’ve ever heard!
Gene Tagaban adds a story of Raven…walking along a beach…check out Gene’s website at: http://www.storytellingraven.com/
- Preston Singletary on bass
Bernie Worrell’s keyboarding hands
After the excitement of the first song the entire band played, Stanton and Bernie vigorously shook hands, honored to play with one another
Skerik on sax – this guy rips — Skerik is an American saxophonist from Seattle, Washington. Performing on the tenor and baritone saxophone, often with electronics and loops, Skerik is a pioneer in a playing style that has been dubbed saxophonics. Check out Skerik’s FB page at: https://www.facebook.com/skerik
In the sound room, Gene Tagaban, Bernie Worrell and Preston Singletary listen to the second day’s improv recordings
Sound engineer, Randall at the 1969 “board”
In the dining room kitchen, sound technicians and band members share home-made squash pie and baked apples hosted by Stuart, the owner of the “Avante!” recording studio – YUM!
Dinner at the Bitterroot Restaurant
After a fine day and night of playing together, and sharing a late dinner, Bernie Worrell and Preston Singletary share a bench and a smoke already reminiscing the “old days”…and the next project!
Nov 12, 2013 | Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Resilience” Chilkat robe with Christian symbol and filler U-shapes
When you catch the “weaver’s bug”, all you wanna do is weave, weave, weave. We can get so obsessive about weaving that we will tend to neglect the rest of our life and all the things that need tending (i.e. family, relationships, body, house, other business, etc.). My teacher, the late Jennie Thlunaut brought this challenge to my attention. She did not explain what would happen to me when I caught the “weaver’s bug”, she explained things like this: “…you be good to your husband…!” or “…take time out to eat and sleep!” or “…be good to your kids!”
Yep, that’s all I wanna do is weave. Alas….sigh….there are other things I love just as much!
Thank you Jennie, for taking me under your wings to teach me more than just weaving! You changed my life in many more ways than just being a weaver!
This Chilkat “Resilience” robe is a “document” depicting icons of Western influences that changed our Northwest Coast indigenous peoples during the past 300+ years; this design includes Native logos reflecting cultural integration and strength.
The Icons and their meanings:
• ships – Russians, Spanish and English explorers/traders
• double doors flanked by columns – museums, collectors, anthropologists
• pair of hands holding the gold pan – mining, western monetary system
• Christian symbol – Christianity, missionaries, organized religions, boarding schools
The Logos and meanings:
• Eagle and Raven represents the clan system-the fundamental foundation of the culture; also represents the Tlingit and Haida Central Council (logo) established in 1935
• Within each wing, logos of the ANB (Alaska Native Brotherhood) established 101 years ago in 1912 and the ANS (Alaska Native Sisterhood) were first indigenous civil rights groups in the U.S. – these two organizations gave “flight” for indigenous rights
• Within the chest of the Eagle and Raven, the Sealaska Corporation logo, 1 of 13 Regional Native Corporations of Alaska spawned from the passing of the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971 – these organizations reflect the “heart” of the present-day cultures’ integrating western ways of living and conducting western business while maintaining cultural values and ethics
• Tail – the new “rudders”; the new institutions created to assist in archiving, preserving and perpetuating the Native cultures of today; depicted is the Sealaska Heritage Institute (logo) established in 1980.
I am using Ravenstail techniques on the left and right sides of the robe. I’ll also weave Ravenstail here and there in the central design field of the robe. It’s fun to incorporate the Ravenstail weaving patterns into the Chilkat robes.
Nov 12, 2013 | For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others |
“Father Cyril Bulashevich in the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Juneau, Alaska” Chilkat woven wall pouch – 1990 – 16″w x 24″h – Private Collection, Denver, CO
Even though the above Chilkat weaving is in honor of the priest I grew up with, Father Cyril Bulashevich, I use this image here in honor of Walter Porter from Yakutat, Alaska. In his own way, because he was what I would regard as a spiritual man, Walter Porter was “priestly.” It’s really the only way I have known him. (The first time I met his wife, MaryAnn Porter, was at the Chilkat weaving class taught by Jennie Thlunaut in 1985 – MaryAnn and I were fellow students.) Hearing of Walter’s passing on November 6th was shocking. Fellow artist, Preston Singletary texted me; I spent the entire week passing tears not able to do much else really. I know the news hit Preston even harder as both Walter and he were planning on working together again. The way I see Walter, the entire State of Alaska received a big blow, a big loss to our spiritual/emotional way of being.
Walter Porter explains a design concept at the 2nd Northwest Coast Artists’ Gathering 2008 Juneau, Alaska
Walter was our guest speaker at the 2nd Biennial Northwest Coast Artists’ Gathering in 2008. His lecture was recorded and is on his website. Walter was an interpreter, a guide to assist us into thinking differently about the way we saw our world.
Condolences to our MaryAnn, their children and family. A big hole has been left – We will miss him for the rest of our lives!
To get a glimpse of Walter and his work, please visit Walter’s website at: http://www.tlinkimo.com/
