Adding another layer of paint…!
Last week I finally began painting a pair of small curved canvas paintings, a donation for Sealaska Heritage Institute’s fundraiser art auction in February 2014. For the past 10+ years, I’ve been painting on curved canvasses; it’s fun! Kinda different. And it’s inspirational for me to continue to do more (in between other projects, of course!)
the first of several illustrations for a children’s book by Hannah Lindoff
Alaskan-born writer, Hannah Lindoff is writing a children’s book about a child’s experiences in putting up foods for winter from Southeast Alaska’s sea and land. Another artist formerly born and raised in Juneau, Nobu Koch and myself are collaborating on the illustrations. Above is an example of our combined efforts.
Under the influence of my friend, the infamous collage-artist/painter, Cecil Touchon, I began making collage about 12 years ago in 2001. He encouraged me to take the Northwest Coast form line art and “play” with it. I copied his technique, using similar materials and added the form line elements. Such fun!
I am currently working on the last few collages for the book. By the first weekend in October, I will then scan and email them off to Hannah for approval before she then emails them off to Nobu to complete image. I am working on these collages in my studio in Colorado, Hannah writes in Juneau, Nobu is living and working in Seattle; how cool is technology that the three of us, who live miles apart, can collaborate on a project together like this?
A partial view of the annual Adaka Native Art Exhibit only held for a week during the Adaka Festival – exhibitors in this section were: Coppersmith Brian Walker, Carver Wayne Price, Weaver Lily Hope and Regalia-maker Clarissa Rizal
Charcoal on canvas 6-foot column by Clarissa Rizal next to painter, Jean Taylor
Several Yukon beadworkers’ moccasins are housed below Carver Jimmie Joseph’s masks next to Clarissa Rizal’s charcoal on canvas
“Eagle Raven Lovebirds” button blanket robe – collaboration of form line design by Preston Singletary and Clarissa Rizal seamstress (and she chose the fabrics and buttons) – Photograph by Ruth Borgfjord
Crystal Rogers from Juneau, Alaska modeled this button blanket at the DaZeTs’an Fashion Show Wednesday night, June 26th at the Adaka Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.
The robe is made of two types of woven cotton “tapestry-like” upholstery fabric, hand-appliqued with antique mother-of-pearl and abalone buttons.
Crystal Rogers does a slight dance during the fashion show just before she exit the stage – she was one of the best models because of her demure and mysterious “air” about her as she kept her chin down hiding her face from the bright stage lights – our grandparents would have been proud of her!
Pinning the border of the button robe – the design in the background is waiting to be cut out
Couple of years ago I asked my friend Preston Singletary if he had some images suitable for making button robes; I didn’t feel like designing any robes, I just felt like getting down to the nitty gritty and get going on sewing ’em!
Preston’s design of this robe is based on our legend “Raven Steals the Sun”, bringing light to the world.
with a wet cloth placed over the cut-out applique, the heat from the iron fuses the image to the robe body
Lily Hope helps her daughter Bette (SikiKwaan) Hope take out the basting threads
With the help of Lily and Bette in April, and later with my friend Lis Saya who helped lay out the buttons and sew them down, I finally finished this robe to this point by mid-June (though it still needs the circle of buttons about the body).
“Raven and the Sun” is a collaboration between designer by Preston Singletary and seamstress Clarissa Rizal — the robe is not quite finished; it still needs the circle of buttons that goes around the entire body of the Raven
The robe worn by a dancer
The proposed “Resilience” Chilkat robe design by Clarissa Rizal
I would like your support on a project that is happening this week until the April 12th Art Event at the Portland Art Museum in Portland. This year, out of 7 art works, PAM will be purchasing only 2 of the new art works for their permanent collection. There are 7 curators who have chosen 7 different artists. Each of PAM’s seven curators have selected a work of art that they hope will find a place in the Museum—whether an ancient work of Chinese art or the latest from a contemporary artist.
There is only one choice for a new Native American art work to be placed in the museum; the Chilkat robe is IT! — Remember, there will be only 2 artworks out of 7 that will be chosen for PAM’s permanent collection
My proposed Chilkat robe called “Reslience” is up for vote; as of today, the Chilkat robe is placed 4th in the running. That’s not quite good enough; I’ve got to be at least 2nd in the running – here’s your chance to play a role in influencing the Museum’s permanent collection AND here’s your chance to vote for a Chilkat robe to be added to their Native American art collection AND here’s your chance to help me support myself with this Chilkat robe commission for this next year!
Go to the Portland Art Museum’s website at the address below and click on:
7 Curators, 7 Choices <https://www.portlandartmuseum.org/curatorchoices>
Scroll down to the image of the Chilkat and click on “more” – you may view the video and/or read the description by Deana, the Curator of Native American art. Scroll down and click on the “vote” button – this will automatically place your vote for the Chilkat robe!
I truly appreciate your time and support in placing a new Chilkat robe in the Portland Art Museum!
Remember, you must vote asap by April 10th(?) – time is of the essence.
Gunalcheesh! (Tlingit for “thank you”)
A ball of Chilkat warp (still in the process of being spun) and in the background prepared strands of wool
A couple of friends of mine are providing the service of spinning warp for all you Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers who don’t have the time (nor the inclination?) to spin warp for yourselves. Place your orders now to be placed on our schedule.
The definition of e.p.i. – “ends per inch”
PRICES: Chilkat warp – $2.65/yard Ravenstail warp – $2.25/yard (Prices do not include shipping, handling and insurance)
ESTIMATED AMOUNTS FOR PROJECTS (varies according to size of project and size of warp) – below are estimates of yards using the standard size of 10epi:
* Chilkat or Ravenstail robe – 1000 yards
* Chilkat or Ravenstail apron – 250 to 300 yards
* Chilkat or Ravenstail leggings – 200 – 250 yards
* Chilkat or Ravenstail bag – 60 to 100 yards
* Chilkat or Ravenstail headband – 80- 100 yards
* Chilkat or Ravenstail pouch – 30 – 50 yards
Standard sizes of Chilkat warp – Ravenstail warp is spun the same but without the cedar bark
You may place your orders for Chilkat and Ravenstail warp by either emailing me (clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com) or giving me a call (970-903-8386 – and yes indeed the area code is 970).
We will also be creating a “warp bank” – we are optimistic that we can keep it continually stocked for sudden immediate requests!
In the near future, we will open a “Chilkat Store” on my website to provide Chilkat and Ravenstail products including Chilkat and Ravenstail warp, weft yarns, various size weaving looms and bags, simple weaving kits, spinning supplies, etc. Currently, I am in the process of recruiting the spinners, dye-ers, woodworkers, etc.
We will keep you posted to our progress! In the meantime, Happy Weaving!
Hand-caste paper feathers by Clarissa Rizal will be available for sale during Juneau’s First Friday Gallery Walk, December 7th, 2012
During the First Friday Gallery Walk, December 7th (4:30-7:30pm), Clarissa will be the guest artist at the “Aurora Healing Arts” on North Franklin Street just a half-block up from the Hearthside Books in downtown Juneau.
The hand-caste paper feathers above are made with recycled papers, with a vein of cedar bark trailing down through the middle of the feather to a mother-of-pearl button tipped with a strand of beads and with a crystal teardrop dangling at the end.
You may purchase the feathers with Native American quotes hand-written on them or there are blank ones to add your own inscription or keep it plain and simple!
Aurora Healing Arts is located on North Franklin Street a 1/2 block up from Hearthside Books in the Triangle Building in downtown Juneau
Aurora Healing Arts is owned and operated by Jan Parrish and Greg Garrison, featuring Infrared saunas, Devil’s Club salves and teas, healthy lifestyle products and herbal remedies. Also, Jan has been a licensed acupuncturist/herbalist with nearly 30 years experience with a treatment room off the retail store outlet. They recently opened a month ago.
Window into the world of “Aurora Healing Arts” – check out the paper feathers and all other good things for you in the window the next time you walk past…!
Aurora Healing Art’s uniquely exclusive Devil’s Club Chai tea in both decaff and caffeinated – and in my opinion, “Miracle Mend” is the best all-around healing salve
Auromatherapy spray mists “Raven Woman”, “Eagle’s Feather” and “Glacier Mist”…wonderfully fragrant for swinging into good moods!
Clarissa will have a variety of things available for your Christmas shopping options; they include: beaded wool felt Russian-style 1800-s Navy hats, shrink-wrapped Giclee prints, hand-caste paper feathers, gumboot earrings, greeting cards, original charcoals, cell phone covers and Chilkat robe pattern board paintings on canvas. (Note: The limited edition of hand-printed, hand-sewn Tlingit dolls have all been sold.)
Below are photos of some of the items for sale at this December Gallery Walk in Juneau…
9 greeting card images of button blankets based on robes designed by Clarissa – buy them individually or in a pack of 9 – use them as greeting cards or mat and frame them!
Beaded Russian-style wool felt hats by Clarissa – long-time friend, Kamala with Clarissa stand in front of a Chilkat pattern board on canvas
Spraying clear laquer to set the charcoal (to prevent charcoal from smearing!) – “Totemic Theories” is a charcoal on canvas available for sale in two separate formats: a wall panel measuring 28″w x 72″h and a free-standing column measuring 28″ x 76″
Dress up in your favorite, festive winter garb and join the Gallery Walk this coming Friday, December 7th; come visit Auorora Healing Arts and have a swig of Devil’s Club Chai and a bite to eat while checking out Clarissa’s work – we look forward to seeing you!
“Totemic Mosaic #001” is part of the group exhibit opening November 1st at the Quintana Gallery in Portland, Oregon. Other artists include Alano Edzerza, Shaun Peterson, Paul Rowley and LessLIE Sam.
“Quintana Gallery celebrates its 40th anniversary with a year-long series of exhibitions that honor its past, present and future. The last in this series is a group show of the next generation of artists who are carrying native art forward with contemporary eyes and firm roots in tradition.” These images in this blog entry are a few pieces created for this show.
“Totemic Mosaic #004” — I have made about 5 (maybe 6? – hard to recall) of these “mosaics” since this Summer. They are on hand-built curved canvasses. They are fun to create.
“Totemic Mosaic #005” – this photo gives a little bit of perspective on the curved canvas theme.
Close-up beginning a series of mixed-media collage drawings on replaced cabinet doors; the series is called “Tlingit Cabinet” Series
Several years ago, when the way-too-little sewing room got replaced by a cedar sauna, I saved the cabinet doors. Because I cannot stand to throw away perfectly good wood, and these ones where already “framed”, I told myself that “…someday I’ll do some paintings on them…” (even though I hadn’t really painted much except one of the “Painted Ponies” of New Mexico). Finally, after about 10 years storage in the attic, I have begun the series. Again, this style of work is inspired by my collage/painter friend, Cecil Touchon. Partner Dan Shanks prepared the small boards (there are three small ones; three big ones) using acrylic matte medium to glue down sheets from a couple of old books. Then I use a couple of graphite pencils, dark and light with some cinnamon-colored, and do some shading – it’s a lot of fun – and like the rest of the contemporary work that I do, I just never know how it’s gonna turn out! Stay tuned for the completed triptych of this first set of cabinets. – And by the way, if you know of anyone who is remodeling their kitchen, etc., and they are getting rid of cabinets that are in good shape, send those folks my way! Thank you!