Feb 13, 2013 | Class Act, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To See or Not to See |
Notice the slightly darker shade of the braids than the weaving in both the yellow and the blue – that’s Jennie Thlunaut’s Chilkat trick-of-the-trade #1… (please forgive the blurred photo: I’ll replace it one of these days!)
Back in 2006 when I was visiting the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum collection of Chilkat robes, one of the staff members had pointed out that during another weaver’s visit to their collection earlier, they had noticed a difference in color of the braids from the weavers in a very old robe and wondered why that was…guess what I told ’em?
Jennie Thlunaut’s “Trick-of-theTrade #1” – While we are weaving, sometimes we mistaken our braids for our weavers. To avoid this annoying blunder, use a slightly different shade of braid, lighter or darker, than your weaver. Oh boy! Happier Weaving!
Feb 11, 2013 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Resilience” Chilkat robe “pattern board” draft – copyright Clarissa Rizal 2013
I think it’s either brave of me to reveal to the world a Chilkat pattern board I recently designed, or I am plain stupid. Is it taboo to show a pattern board of a Chilkat robe I am planning on weaving this Summer? Will someone steal this idea before I get around to weaving it, or do a rendition of it? Am I “jumping the gun” and sabotaging the energy of actually weaving this robe by sharing the pattern board? Anyone want to share your thoughts on this?
I have wanted to weave the idea of this robe since 1985; I finally got around to drafting up the design – I actually have the full-size “pattern board” – just the design field (without the borders) measures 48″ w x 28″h. The following is the design meaning:
“Resilience” is a “document” depicting icons of Western influences that changed our Northwest Coast indigenous peoples during the past 300+ years, and 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
• cross – 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 plan on including Ravenstail weaving patterns in the “water” behind the ships and in the white “pillars.” I’ll also weave Ravenstail here and there in the robe. It’s fun to incorporate the Ravenstail weaving patterns into the Chilkat robes.
Jan 8, 2013 | Acting Out and Musical Chairs, Health and Wellness, Showing Off |
After my mother and brother passed away in 2011 (along with other major “losses” in my life between 2009 and 2011), I felt I needed a “happy fix” or mend or healing; something that would help me let go of the trauma and drama. For a long time, I felt a ukelele was coming to me, lingering around the eaves…then one fine Fall day in 2011, I bought myself the ukelele…and except for a 6 month period last year, I’ve been learning all kinds of songs and strums…it is truly the instrument of happiness and peace! – If everyone played the ukelele, there would be world peace!
At the beginning of 2012, I made a goal to learn one new song per week on the uke; i was going good until the first week of May (when the Ex presented another curve ball in my life). Since May, I hadn’t played much less learn a new song every week – not until Christmas Day 2012; I spent the day playing. My granddaughter was looking through these two song books (below) and I had forgotten we had these two gems for many years on the kids’ bookshelves. Such a delight to find “Ghost Riders In the Sky”, “Tingo-Lay-O” and “This Little Light of Mine” (amongst other old timey favorites like “Michael Row the Boat Ashore” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”). I play some of these songs with a combination of Native American chant, spaghetti western and Hispanic rhythm – if you can imagine that.
I learned three Christmas tunes including my all-time favorite “The Christmas Song” (starts out with “chestunuts roasting on an open fire…”) and I learned all of the above tunes as well. I also learned the traditional Andean tune “El Condor Paza” made famous by Simon and Garfunkle. I almost made up for lost time last year learning about 10 songs the past three weeks to the already 25 songs I know (4 of them Bob Dylan tunes).
For those of you who are interested in playing the ukelele, buy the next size up from the standard size uke, the “concert” size, from the Hawaiian Music Company. Buy one with a plug-in so you can have the option of using an amp. The uke is fairly easy to play. To learn a few traditional and pop songs, plug into youtube and search for Ukelele Mike’s ukelele lessons. He’s pretty simple, clear and ….well, different.
I appreciate the addition of this dear friend in my life. Once I master this little guy, maybe in the next year or two, I am going to get myself the cello!
We’ve had these two kid’s song books in our family for over 25 years. They came with cassette tapes but those are long gone with all the moves we’ve made in that time period. Once you learn your chords, take up these books; they are packed with old-timey, simple songs that even your grandchildren will love to boogie!
I have no intentions of getting pulled off track this year if I can help it any. I intend to learn one new song a week during this year. Thank goodness I still have my aging wits about me that I can even REMEMBER the words to the songs! heehee!
Playing ukelele during late Spring in the Colorado mountains at 10,000 feet amongst a grove of evergreens, aspens and wildflower meadow – the great thing about the ukelele is that it can go with you just about anywhere; it is lightweight and portable and when you put it in the overhead of the plane, people think you’re a violin maestro instead!
My friend Shar Fox just emailed me the group of folks playing ukelele, the Juneau JamBusters in Juneau, Alaska — check them out on their website at: http://www.juneaujambusters.com/
I know where I’ll be when I return to Juneau!
Jan 7, 2013 | Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, Tools-of-the-Trade |
After drafting the pattern in pencil, then I outline with a black Sharpie marker
Have you noticed that even though I may be weaving on a Chilkat robe for a year or two, I do not ever show the process of me weaving on this blog until AFTER the robe is completed? The reason is because I was taught by my teacher Jennie Thlunaut that whenever Chilkat weavers are weaving a robe (as opposed to an apron, headdress, leggings, etc.), that we are not to publicly show the robe to the person(s) who has commissioned the robe. Another Tlingit taboo? I don’t know. While I was weaving with Jennie, I gave up asking her the question “Why” every time she told me certain Chilkat “guidelines.” I remembered that the elderly folk of that time period and before did not explain the “why” of things – you just did what you were told, and that was that.
Using the Sharpie marker, I fill in the form line. I used elements from a couple of robes. This is a Diving Whale with an Eagle in the right side of the body and a Raven in the left side. – The far right design elements are called the “filler.”
I apologize that I cannot show you the process of weaving this robe. My goal is to finish by May 1st this year; then I will post a sequence of photographs.
Jan 5, 2013 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off |
I taught my granddaughter how to cut with scissors last year when I was making collages; she’s two years old. Here she cuts confidently a Life magazine of McGovern (the 70’s!) to apply it to her collage sitting on the table at the Museum of International Collage…!
Mother and child inspect the first collage; not too much criticism though – it will be included in the exhibit…I dare say, I think she may be the youngest contributor to the museum’s collection and exhibits(!?)
Jan 1, 2013 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Crayon sketch #1 is prototype for one of several paintings to do this year…
Last year in February 2012, my friend Lis Saya gifted me a box of “woodless” colour pencils (more like crayons); she thought that pencils without the wood were fascinatingly unique so she bought herself a set as well. During a concert, we sat together and put our sketchpads to use! I’ve posted a few sketches from my drawing pad; these will be used as “patterns” for my next few paintings this year…
This one reminds me of the coloring of overlapping shapes we’d do in Kindergarten, so I call this one “Kinder-ed Spirits”
This line drawing reminds me of the red earth canyons in the Southwest with varying levels, boulders and pebbles…just ink on paper
One of my very first charcoals in a long time; this reminds me of seaweeds and bull kelp…sometimes I just doodle and these are the things that come out of me…these kinds of drawings allow me the freedom to just play. They are not structured, purposeful, sophisticated art for example, the button robes and Chilkat weavings. I like the structure and the playfulness of both ways of being and doing.
And hey, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Dec 2, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
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!
Nov 9, 2012 | Honoring Others, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Sue and Israel Shotridge at work in the studio…
I am inserting this image in my blog of these two artists because I really like these people and I want to introduce you to them: Israel is working on a pendant design and Sue is pouncing a pattern. They are multi-talented, multi-faceted folks who I’d applause 8 days a week! They are the owners of Raven’s Nest Gallery in Vashon, Washington State. You may visit their website at www.shotridgestudios.com — Thank you to Sue who produced, coordinated and hosted my very first button blanket-making class!
Nov 2, 2012 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
“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.
Oct 25, 2012 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
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!
