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.”
Mar 29, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
The three marks above the Sealaska Corporation logo…Clarissa Rizal
The top of the shared head and beaks of the “Eagle” and “Raven” of the Sealaska Corporation logo — by Clarissa Rizal
Almost completion of the shared eye of the “Eagle” and “Raven”, Sealaska Corporation logo — by Clarissa Rizal
Mar 17, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
A 1/4 slice of the “Resilience” Chilkat robe as of Friday, March 14, 2014 – woven by Clarissa Rizal
One of the most important challenges a Chilkat weaver encounters on a daily basis is creating the balancing act of the following: taking care of other business (personal & business), making time with family, main relationship and friends, and making time for our health and well-being. The past week has been challenging. I just want to make sure I get the next section of weaving done (the Sealaska Corporation logo) by next weekend. However, I’ve spent a day preparing for and partaking in a birthday for a grand-daughter, spent a day supporting a friend in a medical challenge, spent a day recouperating from both events, and spent another day dealing with the insurance/registration/wheels of a car, insurance/mortgage on the house, figuring out how to replace the washer machine when we don’t have the finances for another, attending a conference call and placing orders online for supplements. That’s four days of no weaving; that is most frustrating when I am pressed with a deadline to complete this robe on time!
In the world of Chilkat weaving we just have to take a deep breath knowing fully well the robe will get done in time and say to ourselves: C’est la vie!
Mar 10, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Chilkat Weaving Class taught by Clarissa Rizal and Lily Hope at SEARHC’s Board Room, Juneau, Alaska — July 2010 — L to R: Fausto Paulo, Mary Ebona Miller, Gail Dabaluz, Trisha Makaily, Leandrea Makaily, Catrina Mitchell, Ricky Tagaban, Lily Hope, & Jeanette Tabor
As of this date March 10, 2014, there are five Chilkat or Ravenstail weaving classes Clarissa will be teaching this Summer in Alaska, Yukon, B.C. and Washington State; here’s her schedule (subject to change depending on additional classes):
Chilkat Weaving Class held at Catrina Mitchell’s home, Juneau, Alaska — 2010
1). One Day “Gain-Confidence-In-Chilkat-Skills Class held the day after Celebration 2014 in Juneau, Alaska: Sunday, June 15th; 9am to 3pm Location: TBA For a description of the class, costs, etc., please read the blog entry with specific details of this class by clicking here.
For further information and sign up, please contact Clarissa at: clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com
Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers taught by Ann Smith and Clarissa Rizal gather on the back deck of the Kwaanlin Dun Cultural Center on the Yukon River, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory – June 2013
2). Ann Smith will be teaching Ravenstail and Clarissa will be teaching Chilkat Weaving during the week of the Adaka Festival at the Kwaanlin Dun Cultural Center in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada — June 27th through July 3rd, 2014
To see photos and read about last year’s Chilkat/Ravenstail weaving class taught by Ann and Clarissa during the Adaka Festival 2013, click here.
To inquire or sign up for this year’s class, contact Charlene Alexander, Executive Coordinator of the Adaka Festival
The cabin of Chilkat Weaving demonstration at the Teslin “Celebration 2013” in Teslin, Yukon Territory
3). Clarissa will teach a two-week Ravenstail Weaving Class July 6 through July 21st, at the Teslin Cultural Center on the shores of Teslin Lake. We will weave a headband; all equipment, supplies and materials will be provided.
Click here to see photos and read about last year’s Chilkat Weaving Gathering and Demo in the cabin which is part of artist’s demonstration during Teslin’s Biennial Celebration 2013.
Inquire or sign up with Melaina Sheldon at the Teslin CC at: Melaina.Sheldon@ttc-teslin.com
4). (Note: There will be just a 3-day break from the Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin to demonstrate at the Atlin Music Festival in Atlin, B.C., the weekend of July 11, 12 & 13th. The Teslin class students (and the Whitehorse or any Alaskan weavers) have the option to demonstrate weaving at the Atlin Music Festival; though your attendance is not required. We will resume the second week of the Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin on Tuesday, July 15th, ending July 21st. )
To see photos and read about last year’s weaving demonstration at the Atlin Music Festival, click here
Teahonna James demonstrates at the Atlin Music Festival, Atlin, B.C., Canada – July 2013
5). A beginner’s Chilkat or Ravenstail weaving class in Yakutat is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31st. Specifics TBA – stay tuned!
6). Clarissa will be teaching Chilkat weaving during a Chilkat Weavers’ Retreat held on Vashon Island, Washington State, during the week of September 9th to the 16th. You must have prior weaving experience and a project already started on your loom.
See more photos and read last year’s blog entry on the Beach House Retreat by clicking here.
Class size is limited to 10 students. For more information and sign up for this year’s Retreat, please contact Sue Shotridge at: sue@shotridgestudios.com
Chilkat Weaving Retreat will be held at the Beach House on Vashon Island, Washington State
Mar 6, 2014 | Health and Wellness, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa practices her voice lessons while weaving and exercising on the ball!
A few weeks ago, I bought this exercise ball with the intention that I would somewhat make an attempt to get back into shape. Though I had every intention of “exercising” to which I still don’t just exercise, I used the ball while I was eating meals, while I was on the computer, while practicing voice lessons and reading. Then it dawned on me that I could use it while weaving!!! HELLO!! This is one of the most important pieces of weaving equipment! This is the perfect seat; it is just the right softness, provides perfect posture, moves side to side as you are weaving a long horizontal line, and all while toning up your muscles! GO OUT AND BUY ONE NOW!!!
There are a variety of companies producing “body balls.” They cost about $10 to $20. Generally they are available in three sizes according to your size. Choose the one that is appropriate for your size and color preference – though sometimes you won’t have a color choice.
Generally all balls come with a pump in the package. The above photo shows the pump on the left and the un-inflated ball.
And then I remembered today that Crystal, one of my weaving students, had mentioned that she was going to buy either an ergonomic chair or an exercise ball; that was about a month ago; at 30 years old, she knows how to prepare herself for the best seat in town — golly, where have I been for the past 30 years weaving on a hard bench!? Hello? AND, we must remember that as we get older, let’s face it, our bums begin to lose their natural “padding!” The body balls are THE answer for the rest of your weaving life!
Mar 4, 2014 | Class Act, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Just finished the eyebrows of the Chilkat face – the “being” can now “express” it’s emotions…
I envision many of you Chilkat weavers have started this year off with a project or two on your loom(s), or you are at least intending to complete the one(s) you have on your loom(s) this year! I would like to help inspire and assist you to complete your project(s) and gain confidence as a weaver of Chilkat.
I will be conducting a workshop in Chilkat weaving for just one day in Juneau the day AFTER Celebration on Sunday, June 15th. (Some of you who are from out of town may make arrangements to spend another day to attend this valuable workshop!) My daughter, Lily Hope will be my assistant.
This workshop is for experienced weavers of all levels. “Experienced” meaning you have at least some basic knowledge of how to warp your loom, how to weave the two strand twine and the three-strand braid, etc. This workshop is about refining your skills and gaining confidence as a weaver of Chilkat.
It doesn’t matter to me if you learned from another Chilkat weaver or were a student of mine, we are all in the same boat – you are welcomed to attend.
The workshop will focus on tricks-of-the-trade skills learned from Jennie Thlunaut and those that I developed the past 30 years of weaving. These include (but are not limited to):
- Jennie’s fingering technique for grace, speed and accuracy (Weave a Chilkat robe in 5 to 6 months instead of a year! Yes, this can be your reality!)
- Why we “open wide” (no, this has nothing to do with mouths)
- Why we “give it the finger” (no, this has nothing to do with behavioral problems)
- Jennie’s methods of warp markers, creating square corners with your braids, how to interlock gracefully, etc. (Learned from the
- The importance of paying attention to your braids (like the way you pay attention to your hair braids)
- Why and where you would use two different shades of weft (even Museum staff wonder why this technique was used in the old robes)
- How to weave the various types of noses (let’s make the weaving of noses fun!)
- Which color is woven first when interlocking on a curve (you wouldn’t think so, but this technique is very important)
- Turning the corners of your eyes (oh so very, very important; the mainstay of Chilkat eyes!)
- Splicing (you will know when you are doing this wrong!)
- the “fast-black” weavers (is it a person, place or thing?)
- spinning warp tricks-of-trade (fine warp and weft produces fine weave)
- how to avoid shoulder, neck and back aches (what!? As if this is important!?)
- exercise while weaving (yep, get on the ball, folks; tone yourself up while you weave!)
- why it is best to have several weavings going at once (like I have time to weave more than one weaving!?)
- And whatever else you need to know! (Be assertive; create your list of questions now and bring them to class!)
Date:
- Sunday, June 15, 2014 (the day after Celebration ends)
- 9am to 3pm
Location:
TBA — I have not found a location just yet. I am looking into this. The location depends on the number of people who are interested in this workshop. I may conduct the workshop in someone’s home if we have 10 people or less (because I like having a kitchen so we can eat!), or if we have more than 10, we conduct the workshop in an office boardroom or possibly the JACC, etc.
If you have a suggestion for a location, please let me know.
Supplies:
- I will not be supplying any materials and supplies. You must bring your own loom already “dressed” with your weaving project on it.
- If you need any warp to start a new project before this class begins, I will contact our two warp spinners Ricky Tagaban or Teahonna James; place your orders ASAP.
Requirements:
- You will need to bring your own weaving project already on your loom; also your own tapestry needle, scissors, twine, notebook, pen/pencil, camera
- You may take as many photographs as you want though I will not allow video taping.
- bring food to share (we will be eating our lunch together)
Optional:
- bring your own body ball (click here to see what this is)
Deadline for sign up:
- June 10
- Maximum # of students: 20
Cost:
- $50 cash, check, or visa
- Make payment by June 10th; the earlier the better to reserve your spot in the class
- I will be in Juneau by June 10th
- If you need to pay via visa, we can meet up and I’ll swipe your card on my “Square”; if you pay by check, make it out to “Clarissa Rizal” – and of course, cash keeps things simple and is always welcome!
After Class at 4-5pm:
Directly after class, for about an hour or so, I will be available to talk to those of you who want to be a self-employed artist; those who want to weave, weave and weave, but are wary about making a living at your work. I know that after 37 years of being a full-time, self-employed artist working in a variety of mediums and raising three kids and a husband all the while, I am a living testament to “it can be done!” I can help provide you some advice and opportunities which may assist you in working towards this goal. I will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts, grant organizations, entrepreneur classes at IAIA, and a couple of methods to make residual income. There will be no charge for this information. Let me know if you are interested and I will pencil you in!
if you are interested in taking this one-day class, contact me via phone (970-903-8386) or email (clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com).
Let’s face it, we’re going to have a blast! (Like “Hello!” — imagine a room of weavers “weaving on the ball!”)
Thank you for your time and interest!
Feb 21, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa Rizal finishes weaving the left “ship” – Valentine’s Day 2014
After 6 weeks of illness, weaving while singing voice lessons is heavenly! Golly, what a life! It feels so good to get back to “Resilience.” I designed and am now weaving this Chilkat robe called “Resilience.” You may see the full pattern with the design description by visiting the blog entry here. And you may see previous photos of the process of weaving this robe up until today by clicking on these blog entries here.
I am 6 weeks behind schedule because of my long winter illness. I am not even a third completed with this robe and it is due by June 15th – that’s only 3.5 months! I wove the “Diving Whale Lovebirds” robe in 5 months; looks like I am on for another marathon!
“Resilience” Chilkat Robe – close up of the eyebrow, the beginning of the Raven’s head – designed and being woven by Clarissa Rizal
Feb 13, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
An idea for all those metal-smiths/jewelers of Northwest Coast design work! Design concept by Clarissa Rizal – February 2014
Anyone who has known me closely for a long time knows that these shoes are just not my style; HOWEVER, after I had seen them at T.J. Max these metal “dingdongs” attached to the shoe gave me an idea…an idea that I would like someone to do sometime…like within the next year!
I’d like to see some style of shoes that have carved engravings of Northwest Coast Native design work.
What do you say, you jewelers? You up for it? And what shoe company would go for this kind of thing?
Feb 3, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Diving Whale Lovebirds” Chilkat dance robe by Clarissa Rizal – on the ferry (Alaska Marine Highway) to Skagway, Alaska – June 2013
Here’s a link recently posted January 27th on U-tube to a brief video clip created by the Penn Museum in Philadelphia:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1uvgmXP48
Postindian Warriors: Creating a New Consciousness in Native America highlights the influential work of Anishinaabe writer and activist, Gerald Vizenor. Vizenor’s expressions of “survivance” and “Postindian” reject Native American histories of absence and domination, and focus instead on the active presence of Native America today. Tlingit artists Nicholas Galanin and Clarissa Rizal speak about the importance of movement and change in their lives and work as well.
About the project:
Penn Museum’s Native American Voices Video project, completed in 2011, was conducted over fourteen months with support from the Annenberg Foundation and Gregory Annenberg Weingarten. The project resulted in the creation of Postindian Warriors: Creating A New Consciousness in Native America, five short videos about contemporary Native America for inclusion in the long-term exhibition, Native American Voices: The People – Here and Now. Five 8 minute films were produced to highlight important themes that emerged from the discussions.
The interviews were in May 2011. My paintings on the wall were “in-progress”; and, obviously same with the Chilkat robe on the loom “Jennie Weaves An Apprentice” completed in August 2011.
Feb 2, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Lots of braids when you are about to weave the eyes and bridge of nose…yep, folks, this is what a Chilkat weaving looks like when in “full bloom!” – and you wonder how we keep track of it all!
I’m doing a trade with Preston Singletary. The first pair of Chilkat leggings were a little too big for him, so they became a part of the “Copper Man” Ravenstail/Chilkat ensemble (which is now in private collection in Seattle), so I began weaving this pair about 6 years ago. It’s slow going; trades are slow going when you’re trying to keep up with paying the bills. Trades are always on the back burner. Though these leggings are getting done, slowly but surely.
It’s proof in the pudding that practice-makes-perfect. I look at this weaving now and think “golly, it’s not very good…” compared to how I weave now. Also, the warp is not very good. It’s spun pretty evenly but before I figured out the trick of stretching the warp taut when wrapped around the wooden back of a chair to dry, this warp is too bulky. For those of you who know how to spin and know how to weave, and have figured out tricks-of-the-trade in making good warp, you will understand what I am talking about here.
From the beginning shape of the eyes in the photograph above to the completed “electric” eyes in this photo, it took about 3 hours to weave
Even so, the weaving is okay. despite my critiques. I’ll be getting back to it again as soon as I complete the “Resilience” Chilkat robe. I am finishing up old business as well as completing commissions and trades. It feels real good to do this.
Thank you for staying tuned in during the progress of this weaving!
