Jul 1, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Israel and Sue Shotridge's new gallery "Raven's Nest" on Vashon Island, Washington State
On my return to Colorado, I made it a point to take a jaunt over to Vashon Island and visit fellow artists Israel and Sue Shotridge who have been living in this small community for the past 15 years and are originally from Ketchikan, Alaska. I wanted to check out their gallery space and their workshop space because I have been invited by the Shotridges to conduct a class in button blanket making and possibly do a First Friday exhibit of my work in November this year.
Sue Shotridge stands behind a display case exhibiting her husband Israel's silver work in pendants, earrings and bracelets
After helping Sue load in some of her back room supplies and seeing this wonderful cozy gallery, and the way she has set it up, I could not help but want a gallery for my work too! hahaha! I never thought I’d ever hear myself say such a thing, let alone think it!
The Shotridges are arranging their schedule of workshops for this Summer into Fall. Check out their website for details on workshops and images of Israel’s work at: www.shotridgestudios.com
Or if you are in the Vashon Island neighborhood, stop by and check out their beautiful creations on the right side of the main drag in downtown Vashon!
Jun 30, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Alaskan Tlingit carver Wayne Price (red shirt) leads the carving of a red cedar totem pole to commemorate the survivors of the missionary schools in Yukon Territory
I video taped various performances including the DahkaKwaan Danders, the canoe ceremony, and an interview with Wayne Price and the totem pole, however, for some reason just my still photos transferred but none of my videos would transfer to my computer. Alas, I was terribly disappointed. But, I have a few photo images here to console me; at least I have these!
The Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center entrance, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Out back of the cultural center, a wooden platform graces the banks of the mighty headwaters of the Yukon River
Directly behind the cultural center there's a large firepit circled by concrete seating stepping down to the wooden platform on the Yukon
Chilkat & Ravenstail weaver, Ann Smith stands in front of the painting created by her youngest son, Justin Smith
Ravenstail & Chilkat weaver Charlene Baker demonstrates Chilkat on her portable loom
Approximately 40 artists mainly from Yukon Territory displayed and demonstrated their work during the Artist Market
Tents were erected just in case of rain - there were food booths, demonstrating artists, workshops, etc.
Men in Cool Hats: Copper smith Brian Smith and silversmith/silkscreen artist Alano Edzerza
Artists taking a break - L to R: Brien Smith, William Callahan, Sean Smith, Dustin Johnson, Alano Edzerza, Crystal Rogers, Ann Smith and her grandson, Tyrone
Ann and Brien Smith stand next to their artwork displayed in the cultural center's new gallery space
Cherri & Wayne Price and Ann & Brien Smith stand before an historical display "back to the river" which was the theme of this year's Adarka Festival - the display shows Ann's "Grandmother's Time" Ravenstail robe, her mother drying fish, and her son Justin in the newly-carved red cedar canoe
The New Taku Dancers from Atlin, British Columbia
Button robes of the New Taku Dancers
Wolf Clan member and Chilkat/Ravenstail weaver Debra Carlick - she adorns the carved wolf hat created by her husband Wayne Carlick
Leader of the New Taku Dancers Wayne Carlick is adorned by a Chilkat headdress woven by his wife Debra Michel Carlick
With all the money our Native corporations have generated since 1971 (over 40 years), I am reminded that Juneau does not have a cultural center. Sure we have the ANB Hall, sure we have the Sealaska, Goldbelt, and Huna Totem corporate offices, sure we have the T&HCC offices, sure we have the T&HCC community center at Salmon Creek, however none of these come close to the cultural center organized by a grassroots group of local indigenous peoples in the Whitehorse area, whom 20 years later have a place that is specifically theirs on the homeland’s river bank.
Goes to show you that money does not necessarily do all the talking…takes a group of those who walk their talk, that are earnest, diligent, committed individuals with a strong vision to address and create a modern place to educate and perpetuate the modern culture of the indigenous people – it allows the rest of the world that we still exist and are alive and well!
Jun 29, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Side front of the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Center in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
According to my friend and weaving colleague Ann Smith, Wolf Clan Kwanlin Dun 1st Nations, Whitehorse, Yukon, 20+ years the new cultural center was in the making; it finally had its grand opening on Thursday, June 21st. It’s a beautiful building located right on the Yukon River in downtown Whitehorse. The grand opening ceremonies was the kick-off for the annual indigenous celebration of Yukon’s Adaka Festival.
The newly-formed Kwanlin Dun Dancers first dance performance
When Crystal called last week and invited me to come with her to Whitehorse, neither of us had any idea about the Adaka Festival – we thought there was a big celebration for the grand opening of the new cultural center; little did we know that it is a BIG celebration! We were scheduled to return to Juneau after two full days at Adarka; both of us had other commitments to attend to in Juneau. As much as we wanted to stay the entire 10-day festival, we had to leave. However, we took full advantage of all the activities that were provided. We are already planning on returning to Whitehorse next year!
One of two leaders/teachers, Sean Smith introduces the Kwanlin Dun Dancers
Grandmother Ann Smith is the leading elder for the Kwanlin Dun Dancers
Traditional and contemporary indigenous performers graced the new stage at the cultural center. Below are a few of the local Yukon performers. I had taken photographs of other performances, but they were not in good focus – (eyesight is getting a bit off…?)
The Raven Courtship Dance
Kevin Barr duet
The Bethel Dancers
Jerry Alfred
Jun 21, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Dorsal fin of a Killerwhale during the sail from Juneau to Haines, Alaska
Crystal invited me to come with her to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory to meet up with a friend of hers. I knew about the grand opening of the new Cultural Center in Whitehorse, so I took her up on her offer. I had four days to prepare for the trip with lots of deadlines to meet before leaving – it was good incentive to get the stuff done to take a much needed “working vacation” from Juneau’s consistent rainy weather of 45 degrees!
Bow of the MV Matanuska
I anticipated good weather as soon as we would come into Haines’ territory, about three hours north of Juneau. Sure enough, I could see blue skies up ahead!
Crystal Rogers weaves Ravenstail in the cafeteria of the MV Matanuska
Like many Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers of the past 30 years, Crystal Rogers packed up her loom to weave aboard the ferry. Four hours to Haines is ample time to weave a couple of inches!
deck of the MV Matanuska as we pass the lighthouse in Upper Lynn Canal
Pouring rain in Juneau, even just an hour out of Juneau the weather improves! Cloudy but not raining! whooohooo!
Crystal enjoys the cedar bark weaving talents of Heather Callahan's cape
Yukon artist Heather Callahan is a regalia-maker who was on board completing her woven cedar bark cape embellished with dentallium shells, abalone buttons, leather and Hawaiian grasses woven in as well! — you just never know who will be traveling with you on board the Alaskan ferries!
Heather models her cape trimmed with beaver fur
Davidson Glacier in the Chilkat Mountain Range
"Shanks and Rizal" (alias)peaks of the Chilkat Mountain Range
Approaching Haines, Alaska - see the tourship docked in front of Ft. Seward?
Always blue skies in Haines' wake
Crystal catches wild water
Mouth of the Chilkat Valley River
View of the Chilkat River and mountains from a house I would love to buy, or at least rent!
Driivng the highway from Haines, Alaska to Whitehorse, Yukon Territory
Brown Bear on the side of the highway
Black bear on side of highway just a half hour from the brown bear we first saw
Jun 15, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Last August 2011, on the Alaska ferry heading south from Juneau to Belllingham, Washington, one of my favorite weaving students and elder, Louise Dangeli was on board. Louise is a dear member of the Nishga’a tribe along the Nass River, British Columbia, Canada. She was on her way to attend the wedding of her grandson. I invited her to my stateroom where I was finishing up my “Jenny Weaves An Apprentice” Chilkat robe; I was explaining the design meaning of the robe Here’s a video shot by one of Louise’s neices, Norene Otnes:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=211616705626297
Jun 8, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Embellishing a belt with antique mother-of-pearl buttons using a box as my "third hand"
During my drive from Southwest Colorado to Prince Rupert, British Columbia to catch the ferry home to Juneau, Alaska, I spent my days making belts while Dan drove. I was making these belts to sell during the Native art market hosted by Sealaska Heritage Institute at “Celebration 2012” in Juneau.
This "third hand" support was so convenient on this long road trip; it also held my glue, floss, pin cushion, scissors, leather needles, etc., and it held the next set of belts I was sewing! This cardboard box is a real keeper!
Flathead Lake, Montana
We drove through beautiful country; some I missed because I was either sleeping OR I had my head in the box sewing away!
Was I really sewing belts on a windy day on the side of the road near a glacier in Banff National Monument or was I just posing for this photo for my blog?
In Banff/Jasper National Monument
If you want to experience dramatic scenery in Banff/Jasper National Monument, go in May when the roads are generally clear, the sun is fairly warm and the snow is still on the mountains OR go in the Falltime when the colors are spectacular along with newfallen snow – check your weather report before embarking on one of the most beautiful drives in North America! I’ve done this drive twice in the past two years; awesome!
You really SHOULD BE HERE!
May 31, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Showing Off |
Heading north to Telluride, Colorado
The first stop on my drive to Prince Rupert, B.C. to catch the ferry to Alaska, was Telluride, Colorado. We were attending the Telluride Mountain Film Festival to see my son’s film “Low and Clear.” How many of you have been to Telluride? No matter what time of year, the drive from the North, South East or West is spectacular…! We drove in from the South via Delores.
Pulling into Telluride
There are two film festivals in Telluride: the Telluride Film Festival and the Telluride Mountain Film Fest. We attended the latter.
Standing room only at the Telluride Mountain Film festival
Kahlil and Tyler’s film “Low and Clear” is a documentary about the relationship between two passionate fishermen. The story is touching, naturally funny in parts, and the cinematography is astounding (and I’m not saying that because my son is an excellent photographer!). See the “Low and Clear” trailer at Kahlil’s website; click here.
Tyler Hughen and Kahlil Hudson answer audience questions; Kahlil portrays slight traits of his Tlingit background - he is almost what the Lower 48ers call "long-winded"...we call it being a natural-born storyteller...
Group shot in front of Telluride's library -Dan Shanks, Clarissa, Tyler's father Ed and wife Sarah, Tyler Hughen, Kahlil Hudson and wife Mikiko Ellis
Walking Telluride is like walking the remnants of once was almost a ghost mining town to an upper-class model of a Universal Pictures set - everything has not only been refurbished, but it is alive with the bustling of people, cars, products and lights...
May 10, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
On her front porch, Clarissa sands a smooth finish to prepare for first coats of acrylic paint
I came across these old photos of a fiberglass horse that was a part of the “Trail of Painted Ponies” exhibit back in the Summer of 2003 (or was it 2004?) held in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There was a coffee table publication of all 50 horses supposedly representing the 50 states. I had the honor of representing Alaska.
After several coats of solid golden paint, Clarissa paints the Tlingit formline of a dragon on the chest of the horse
Face of the Tlingit Robed Horse
Portrait at night out back before thunder showers
Clarissa with Robed Horse
Along with all the other 49 horses, this one was auctioned off; the owners live in Texas. I do not know how much it sold for; all the proceeds went towards the Horse Project.
Apr 1, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, Showing Off |
“Big Blue Whale” was his full name; we all called him “Big Blue” for short. A pale blue-green, 1965 Ford pick-up, ¾ ton sporting a 351 engine (coveted by mechanics knowing the value of this type of engine), Big Blue was “born and bred” in Georgia and made his way up to Alaska in the early 80’s driven by the original owner, an airplane mechanic who kept this babe in great shape. Big Blue was happiest humming down the highway at 85mph best with a ton of gravel – his engine “purred!” I bought Big Blue in July 1985 for my landscape company when he was just 20 years old. It was love at first sight!
Firefighters put out the last remaining life of "Big Blue" - photo by Ursala Hudson
27 years later, Big Blue passed away today on April Fool’s Day. When my son-in-law was going up the hill towards home, suddenly the truck died and when he jumped out to check what happened, suddenly the engine began to smoke and burst into flames – luckily Chris had not had the chance to open the hood!!! 911 came to the rescue and put out the last life of Big Blue. When all had died down, the fire chief examined the engine and showed us the broken fuel line figuring this was what started the fire.
The passing of Big Blue was very sad; for me it was the completion of an era allowed to live only once. As I mentioned earlier, when I first saw this truck many years ago, it was “love at first sight.” My personal experience of “love at first sight” is a feeling of deep gratitude upon the sight of something, or someone, or somewhere. This feeling has nothing to do with want, lust, desire, must have; it is full body experience of being in awe, feeling a deep appreciation of what is before me. I loved this machine at first sight in 1985.
I was a landscape gardener; boss of my “Kahtahah Landscape Gardeners”, every season I’d hire a new group of adventurous young folk who didn’t mind working hard in the Southeastern Alaskan weather from April 1st through October 31st in wind, sleet, snow flurries, rain (of course!), and yet any fine, rare sunny day, we were out and about, we soaked up the shine, all of it! Kept in lean shape sportin’ mighty fine tans, we did, yessirreee!
Instead of buying a company truck, I rented one from June Dawson’s vehicle rental company. (And if any of you living in Juneau remember June, she was a hoot – one of the happiest redheads I’ve ever known – a generous woman who implored me to dig up the best peatmossy loamy soil on this side of the planet! (which happened to be located in what is now the Lemon Creek Industrial area where COSTCO and all those other brand names hang out together…we hand-dug truckloads and truckloads to the Sealaska Corporation plaza’s garden beds – there were nights I couldn’t sleep cuz I had threats by passer-bys who were coveting the soil – I was never sure if I’d return to work the next day and find the piles gone, so we quickly worked the soil into the poor soil already existing at Sealaska.
(Why did I rent a truck instead of buying one? I was waiting for the right one to come around. I didn’t want just any ole truck; I wanted a specific type. And the moment I wished for it out loud, not even 5 minutes later, there he was at the garbage dump in all his fine glory! Hallelujiah!)
My 1985 crew members included 5 neighbors. They had just moved to Juneau from Nebraska and Kansas, looking for the “Alaskan experience” and were out looking for a job. Being the kind of neighbor that I am, I asked them if they were interested in working for me. They jumped for it. One day, the five of us were jammed packed into the cab of the truck heading to the garbage dump to look for an old refigerator to use as a smokehouse. One crew member asked: “Hey Clarissa, when are you going to buy your own truck?” They all chimed in: “Yeah, you’ve got to get your own truck, how come you gotta be so picky, like what kind of truck do you want?”
I replied: “I want an old truck, one from the 60’s, can’t be older than ’69. I want a Chevy or Ford pick-up, you know, the kind with the rounded fronts with a big bed, not one of those ½ ton, but ¾ ton. I want him in excellent condition…I’m waiting for the right one!”
Everyone’s reply: “oh golly, that’s wishful thinking, where you gonna find one in Juneau, those types are rare, especially those without any rust in excellent shape…!?”
Within 5 minutes of the conversation, as we had come around the corner, there at the dump, was “Big Blue!” – the owners were visiting the dump too! My crew members and I gawked “Clarissa! There’s YOUR truck!” — and sure enough, there was a “For Sale” sign on the rear window!
The rest is 27 years of history and fantastic memories.
Mar 15, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Clarissa's portable office
I originally purchased this Samsonite laptop briefcase for my daughter so she could have a “portable office” when she conducts presentations and also just to keep the business part of her life in order while raising two small children.
Daily planner "The UnCalendar" fits perfectly into the front pocket
This case came in two colors: red and black. I chose the red because I knew she would have chosen it. However, her laptop didn’t fit; it was an inch too wide! Nooooo!
3-ring binder with pocketed dividers holds latest projects, homework papers, etc. - and in the back holds a replaceable writing tablet
I didn’t want to return it, so after a long 5 minute fit of frustration trying to make a 15-inch laptop fit into a 13-inch case, I decided that it would be mine even though I didn’t want a red briefcase. I tested my Macbook, sure enough, it fit. Obviously meant to be mine.
(I still want my daughter to have her own portable office; we’re searching online for one. If you have any leads, let us know asap.)
Side pockets hold Worldventures and Clarissa Rizal brochures, business cards, etc.
I transferred all that I had in my plastic binder; everything fit beautifully. I love the versatility, compactness and I’ve grown to even like the color for a briefcase.
The iMacbook fits perfectly into the separate zippered compartment
And now that I’ve been using this thing for the past couple of weeks, I’ve totally enjoyed it…and guess what? It matches my red boots. So if you see my red boots walking briskly in the snow, my little red portable office is tagging along too!
