Jan 21, 2011 | Latest Art Projects, North Tide, Poetry Alaskan |
“Standing like a strong man on black waves
she claws brilliant bands of yellow, green and blue;
pulling down, she guides bands of light from a dark heaven
into a wide black hole at her feet
where the illumined ocean is filled by its shaft moving straight through to earth’s core
into shaped petals making full the heart, preparing to bloom with a form left to wonder
In time soon, real soon”
This dream I had during the last of two nights staying at a friend’s house boat in the cove a few minutes East of Hoonah. It was October 30, 2003.
I stood on the ocean waves between the cove and Hoonah. I could see Hoonah off in the distance with its city lights illuminated and reflecting off the dark ocean ripples…the dark sea rolled easy, glassy waves; it was night. The Northern Lights above rippled almost in unison with the gentle roll of dark waves. I reached up and clawed at the a band of northern lights which made its way in my direction, so I guided them into a black hole about 18 inches wide at the base of my feet. Imagine yourself in my shoes; it was quite an exhilarating experience. When I awoke, my eyes were wide open, staring into the early morning hours, my body vibrating.
Some day I will create a piece of art based on this dream; maybe a button robe or a painting, maybe do a print of the painting – or all of the above! The illumined heaven of light and creation are endless!
Jan 14, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects |
Navajo artist and IAIA student, Shawn Nelson painting an "Uncle Sam"
Have you thought about going to an art school? Want to attend one that only has less than 300 students? Want to go to school with a variety of Native Americans from all over this continent? Want to learn about film-making? Painting? Traditional pottery? Print-making? Computer graphics? The Art of Business? During the 2009-2010 school year, I attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although lots of hard work, it was a blast! I intend to return.
Melissa painting an entry from a B&W photograph
Even though I am presently living in Juneau, Alaska, I am still working towards obtaining my BFA at IAIA. How can I still be working towards my BFA even though I’m living in Juneau? I am taking online courses via the University of Alaska Southeast! My very first online class was last night in our “Art Appreciation.” Taking these online classes works for me because I am doing a lot of business travel this Winter into Spring. Have laptop, will travel. You may visit UAS’s website at: http://www.online.uas.alaska.edu
You may want to visit IAIA’s website at: http://www.iaia.edu/ after checking out some of these photos…
My "Marketing Plan" presentation during finals week - I had my classmates gather around my monitor to check out the Power Point Presentation that I learned in my "Intro to Digital Media" class taught by Carlos Peinado
Surprisingly, my most favorite classes at IAIA were not necessarily the art classes (although I thoroughly enjoyed my art classes), but my Marketing/Business Classes (that are a part of the Business Certificate Program), and to my utmost surprise, the Introduction to Digital Media class, where I learned how to do Power Point Presentations, create and print a brochure, lay out a book and get it printed, and podcasting. Professor Jennifer Coots brings the Art of Business to IAIA – and she is one heck of an excellent instructor. The enthusiasm in our classes is at the base of our beloved teacher. You would not necessarily think that doing business classes would be exciting; yet, Jenn addresses many issues that arise such as the conflict of the Native and Western values in regards to the marketing and sales of Native art – she made us think about these things that were not at the forefront of our minds yet were outward struggles that many of us had been dealing with.
Beadwork artist Tammy Rahr's Marketing Plan presentation was an actual art booth set up as if she were at an art market, selling her beadwork, packages of beads, display of products, her brochure and business cards, etc. We loved it!
Taos Pueblo artist, Sharon Vargas, painted on cardboard, brown paper bags and discarded computer boxes - I'm going to do that some day too!
Of course, one of the best things about attending art school is the inspiration from all the other artists doing their thing the way they do their thing; I’ve included a few of my favorite classmates in this blog entry, alongside a photo of my Intermediate Painting instructor, Jeff Kahm. I had other students and faculty who also inspired my work, but I didn’t get very good shots of them and their work so I didn’t include them on this blog entry. You see? I have to return to IAIA just for this reason!
Latifa and her mixed-media painting on canvas
World artist Vigalie paints a hand while Professor Jeff Kahm models his hand
Artist Shawn Nelson begins another monumental painting
Poets Al Pizzarelli and Donna Beaver Pizzarelli stand with Creative Writing Professor after giving a guest lecture to the Creative Writing class on Haiku poetry
Shawn is modestly flanked by two beautiful women artists Latifa and Sharon
Jan 6, 2011 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
"Northwest by Southwest" 6'w x 5'h - Private Collection, Portland, OR - 1999 Clarissa Rizal
Since 1983, I have designed and made 50 Tlingit ceremonial robes in the hand-appliqued button blanket, and hand-woven Ravenstail and Chilkat. The following are my favorite button robes. (Please contact me if you’d like to use these images for educational purposes only).
"Having To Look Closely" 58"w x 48"h - Private Collection, NYC - 1999 Clarissa Rizal
During 2011, I am working on the manuscript for a book of my “first fifty.” The book will also include images of my contemporary paintings that match the robes. I thought I would publish the book this year but I have to complete 50 paintings first – so the publication of the book is being put off for a little while!
"Thomas Schulz Bear" 6'w x 5'h - Private Collection, Seattle, WA - 2005 Clarissa Rizal
"Frog Storyteller 4 Directions" 58" w x 48"h - Private Collection, Burns Lake, B.C. - 2007 Clarissa Rizal
"Frog Speaks" 58"w x 52"h - Private Collection, Juneau, AK - 2002 Clarissa Rizal
"Frog Speaks" (all-button version) 58"w x 50"h - Private Collection, Vancouver - 2007 Clarissa Rizal
"Following Our Ancestors' Trail" 66"w x 58"h - Private Collection, Austin, TX - 1992 Clarissa Rizal
"Wrestling With Angels" 58"w x 50"h - Private Collection, Juneau, AK - 1992 Clarissa Rizal
"Emergence" 68"w x 58"h - SEARHC (Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium), Sitka, AK - 1992 Clarissa Rizal
Nov 28, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Clarissa's Booth C-4 at Alaska-Juneau's Public Market displays her recent acrylics on canvas, Limited Edition Giclee reproductions, hand-made dolls, last of her greeting cards and hand-silkscreened prints, and a few copies of her Chilkat Weaver's Handbook
The last time Clarissa did the Public Market was back in 1989 where after her move back to Alaska from New Mexico; she had a booth in the center of the lobby and introduced the then intriguing dream catcher to Juneau. The Market was fun back then as it is even now!
Limited Edition Giclee prints and original paintings include "Rain", "Tlingit Jedi", "Totemic Theories", "Good Thing I'm Crazy Else I'd Go Insane", "Gray Wolves", "Frog Speaks" and prints of her "Tlingit World Series" collages
Clarissa's mother, Irene Lampe and brother, Rick Lampe pay a visit to the booth
“Across the street” is Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring Native drums, moccasins, carvings, rugs, jewelry and the best collection of antique shell buttons I’ve ever seen! He’s turning 49 today – we’re just gonna have to beat those drums, sing Happy Birthday Tlingit style and shake a leg!
Mt. Juneau Trading Post's booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market "across the street" from Clarissa Rizal's
Fabulous Northwest Coast Native art (and regalia-making supplies) at the Mt. Juneau Trading Post
Jack Tripp, Jr.'s fabulous display of Tlingit art - check out the Chilkat wool rug handwoven in Nepal (no, it's not a traditional ceremonial robe - it's a rug!)
Nov 26, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
A portion of Clarissa Rizal's "Frog Speaks" acrylic painting on canvas - In this photo, the painting is not quite finished but it will be finished by the Public Market opening Friday, November 26th at noon - it measures approximately 40"w x 52"h
A few places I’ve exhibited my work are in Banff and Vancouver Canada, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Seattle, Washington; and have done demonstrations at the Smithsonian in New York and Washington D.C. I do not recall exhibiting my work in my own home town! Like, what’s up, huh? Am I just too good for Juneau? NOT!
During this 3-day weekend, at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market in Centennial Hall, I will show some of my latest contemporary, acrylic paintings on canvas amongst a few of my favorite Giclee reproduction limited edition of prints on canvas, and a Collector’s Edition of handmade dolls. I will also have a few copies of my Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook available for sale.
Come visit and check out my work at Booth C-4 in the main hall of Centennial Hall. And while visiting me at my booth, you may still make a donation towards the fundraiser for my brother Robert Lampe, who is presently undergoing chemotherapy in Anchorage. All three of the gift items will be available for viewing at my booth. You don’t remember what those gift items were? Check out my entry here on this blog under the “Health and Wellness” section; click “Tlingit Art Fundraiser Opportunity for Robert Lampe.” The drawing will be held the last day of the Market on Sunday, November 28 at 4pm.
Limited Edition of 8 Tlingit-design dolls entitled "An Ocean Runs Through Us"
Juneau Public Market hours are Friday, noon to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. I look forward to seeing you at the Market!
Nov 20, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
"An Ocean Runs Through Us" Limited edition of 8 dolls by Clarissa Rizal - In the background you will notice a small version of a print of the original painting of the same name
I just completed these dolls today and had to post them ASAP because my most favorite part about finishing them off was making the hand-written, matching canvas labels! Ha-eh!? That being said, I know you can relate, right?
The title for this particular collection of dolls is “An Ocean Runs Through Us” – named after the large triptych painting I did in 2005 because the fabric of these dolls is printed with the imagery of the painting. (I also have a limited edition of Giclee reproduction prints available in a slightly smaller size than the original painting – you may see this set of prints on my website under the “Shop & Buy” section.)
One of the dolls is holding the labels (that I am so proud of!)
I purchased a large format Epson 7880 24″ printer from Parrott Digigraphics, Inc. – I wasn’t sure if I was savy enough to learn how to operate the machine and retain the information, but a couple of experts assisted me to print my paintings’ images on cotton, silk, canvas and paper. Although the operation of the printer is sometimes a pain in the ass cuz things just do not always go smoothly, I have a blast with this printer; it is soooo much fun!
The dolls' "hair" and "ties" are scraps of Chilkat warp I had accumulated over the years knowing I would put the scraps to use someday
Each of these 18″ dolls are one-of-a-kind, no two alike. The Epson Ultrachrome inks are guaranteed 80 years from fading. Printed on cotton sateen fabric, the dolls are stuffed with polyester, with cedar bark and wool warp for hair and neck ties, and held together with antique mother-of-pearl buttons. Each Limited Edition doll is signed and numbered; there are only 8. Come down to my booth (C-4 in the main hall) and check them out at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market during the Thanksgiving weekend at Centennial Hall. Doors open at noon on Friday, November 26th. We’ll see you then!
A bird's eye view of a doll and the hand-made labels with the tools to make them
Nov 13, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
"Tlingit Jed-i" acrylic on canvas - 16" W x 20"H - by Clarissa Rizal - November 2010
These are my latest paintings on canvas. They will be available for sale at my booth in the main hall at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market opening the Friday after Thanksgiving, running the weekend through Sunday at the Centennial Hall in Juneau. I started these paintings this past Spring while living in Santa Fe; but with the major move back to Juneau in May, and the time getting back onto my feet, I am now settled long enough to complete the set of five (and then some)! Come visit and see other new items of interest. My booth is C-4 (How do you remember? Think “C” for Clarissa)
"Good Thing I'm Crazy Else I'd Go Insane!" acrylic on canvas - 16"W x 20"H - by Clarissa Rizal - November 2010
"Ravens Prepare For Next Ice Age" acrylic on canvas - 16"W x 20"H - by Clarissa Rizal - November 2010
Nov 11, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
"Hands Up!" Time to celebrate by taking a breather from creating...just for a moment, only - just for a moment!
On Tuesday, November 9th, I discovered I have been awarded one of the First People’s Fund “Artist in Business Leadership” grant for 2011. I have applied to the FPF for a couple of their grants for about 5 or 6 years. If any of you have applied and not received a grant yet, ask them what were the key points that you had not met. There is a trick to grant-writing; you gotta provide what the grantors want to see and what they want to hear. Of course, I am very happy to have this support; it comes at a very good time. This grant assists in paying for various aspects of my business (i.e. website updates, blogging, new brochure, new business cards, publication of my first book of robes, etc.).
Celebrating with popcorn! Yah! (If you are grossed out by this photo, it's your own fault for looking!)
As part of the grant-writing, FPF asked a few questions: What motivates me to create? What is my most rewarding experience in creating my work? What is the greatest challenge in establishing my art career? What have I done to promote my business? I don’t know if anyone has ever asked me these questions, so I had to think about my life as an artist and what are the things that are true for me. I share with you my answers.
“I cannot say if I’ve ever been asked what motivates me to create? I just create; I never thought about why I have a powerful drive, though I’ve had this passionate drive as far back as I can remember. Could my motivation be inspired by the humpback whales cresting beside the boat, the eagles nesting outside the window not a stones throw away, the ebbing of the tides reflecting a sunset on a lonely beach? Is it the smile on a toddler’s face dancing to a drumbeat for her grandmother? Is it a weaving student’s eagerness to learn another trick-of-the-trade in Chilkat weaving? The appreciation of a client’s cry as they receive their first button robe? The creation of another wild, colorful painting offsetting the grey skies of Southeast Alaska? Salmon running upstream; tender smoked salmon with steamed rice for dinner? Am I motivated by the gift of dreams that may provide concepts for a new robe design, a tune never sung, the planting of a tree in someone’s honor? Am I motivated by the mourning of my father, the pending passing of my mother, another clan matriarch? Does motivation, passion and creativity have a beginning and an ending?
My most rewarding experience in creating and selling my work is the level of patience and gratitude that has grown in me as I have evolved as a student into a practicing artist, entrepreneur, cultural instructor and an elder-in-training eager to continue learning, expanding and sharing.
The greatest challenge in establishing my art career was the financial illiteracy; I had zilch education in that department during my entire career. I jumped into doing business and all that is required to run one. It was never a thought to get educated. I experienced the school of hard knocks, yet I persevered; I learned by trial and error. I did pretty well considering. However, I want assistance as I really begin to take clear action to expand.
For the first time, I created a Marketing Plan this past Spring 2010. I have not looked for outside sources to finance my business. All expenses have always been financed out-of-pocket. (Most of the income I make goes right back into my business.)
This past Spring 2010, I took a few classes at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They included the (above mentioned) marketing class, introduction to accounting, introduction to new media and intermediate painting. My website is the only online market I use. In the near future, I will be included in the Redtail Native American online market as soon as the new venture is launched.”
Okay...celebration is over; time to get back to work!
Nov 9, 2010 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off |
High-tech video camera visits organic soaking cedar bark
Last month, a team of five professionals came up to Alaska from various places in the Lower 48; one member came from San Francisco, another from Albuqerque, another from Philadelphia, another from New York, and another from Seattle(?). I forgot to post this blip on my blog back in mid-October; so before I forget even further, I’m doing it now.
Let's see now...there was a Lucy, a Tom, a Dan, a Judy?, an Alice?
This team is working on a documentary film to coincide with an exhibit that I have been invited to be a part of is opening in 2010 at the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum in Philadelphia. They interviewed several other native artists in Southeast Alaska who were also invited to be a part of the exhibit. I wrote the team member’s names down somewhere but cannot remember but Lucy Fowler-Williams from UPM and the first name of some of them. Pardon me for not remembering their names but I have a very good excuse: I was starting to pack up my belongings and make another move the day after this interview. So like every time I move, thing get lost in the shuffle.
I’ll keep you posted about the documentary (i.e. what it’s about, who the other artists are, etc.). In the meantime, let it be known that there were 5 total strangers in my home for a few hours; how often does that happen to you?
Nov 3, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Soft sculpture Dolls
I am presently working on a Limited Edition of 8 dolls; there are no two alike. The image on each doll is from my acrylic painting on canvas called “An Ocean Runs Through Us” printed onto cotton sateen before cut out, sewn and stuffed. In this photo, I have yet to add the “hair” (made of cedar bark strips). The dolls measure approximately 18″ tall; their joints are “buttoned” together. They will be available at the Alaska Juneau Public Market held during Thanksgiving Day weekend at Centennial Hall.
One of several new prints, "Totemic Theory" Limited Edition Giclee reproduction prints will also be available at the Market
Beginning of another couple of paintings on canvas
