Jan 5, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Jennie Weaves An Apprentice” Chilkat robe was on my weaving loom for 5 years. I’ve never had a robe take so long in the weaving, however, I’ve never had the kind of journey I’ve experienced in the past 5 years either! The following is a pictoral journey of the life of this robe reflecting the journey of its maker.
Apprentice Bev Morris from Teslin, Yukon Territory and Clarissa begin weaving their Chilkat robes - Pagosa Springs, Colorado - September 2006
Directly after my apprenticeship in Chilkat weaving with 95-year-old Jennie Thlunaut from Klukwan, Alaska, I began designing a Chilkat robe in honor of the gift she had entrusted me with and the 6 weeks we had together in 1986. I had silk-screened a limited edition of the design, painted a “fake” robe for a collector, and the design was also the cover and name of my Chilkat Weaver’s handbook that I printed myself; yet it wasn’t until 20 years later after my apprenticeship with Jennie I had begun weaving the robe in September 2006 upon the arrival of an apprentice from Teslin, Yukon Territory, Bev Morris. I demonstrated Chilkat weaving techniques on my robe while Bev learned on hers.
Chilkat robe at the Auke Bay condo - September 2010
Chilkat robe in my new room at my mother and father's house - November 2010
Chilkat weaving demonstration during Gallery Walk at the Juneau Arts Center - musician/singer/songwriter Archie Cavanaugh and his grandson stopped by for a visit
Chilkat weaving demonstration during the "Time Warp" exhibit of Northwest Coast weavers at the Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver, B.C. - March 2011
While visiting my daughter and granddaughter in Pagosa Springs, Colorado - April 2011
Many braids and weavers to keep track - common folk wonder about Chilkat weaver's sanity
Rented another apartment for the Summer 2011 - the turquoise couch, the black loveseat and the Chilkat rug (woven in Tibet) were all color-coordinated beautifully - June 2011
Patrice DeAsis and Lily Hope were two of my assistants who helped me complete this robe by its designated delivery date! - June 2011
Close-up of Teacher "Jennie Thlunaut" (in green mask) and "Clarissa" in blue mask
Demonstrating Chilkat weaving at the Teslin Cultural Center's boat building - July 2011
Inside the Teslin Cultural Center's boat building - Chilkat robe is off to the far right - July 2011
Weaving in a perfect room while overnighting at the Skagway Inn - granddaughter Bette Hope enjoys the view! - July 2011
While on return ferry from Skagway to Juneau, Lily Hope and Clarissa weave in the cafeteria - July 31, 2011
In the stateroom on the MV Columbia sail from Juneau to Bellingham - August 2,2011
With fellow Chilkat weaver Nishga'a elder, Louise Dangeli, in th stateroom on board the MV Columbia sail from Juneau to Bellingham - August 4, 2011
Nite weave In Colorado studio - August 11, 2011
Almost complete Chilkat robe on display in Clarissa's booth at the 2011 Santa Fe Indian Market - far right is Ravenstail woven ensemble of "Copper Child" woven by Lily Hope and Clarissa - August 20, 2011
Fellow Chilkat weaver Suzi Williams and Clarissa needle up the ends in the back of Chilkat robe - Sunday morning, August 21, 2011
Although neither Crystal Worl (wearing cedar bark hat) and Beckie Etukeok have never woven Chilkat, they help put up the ends in the back of this Chilkat robe - Afternoon of Sunday, August 21, 2011
"Jennie Weaves An Apprentice" Chilkat robe designed and woven by Clarissa Rizal with help from several of her weaving students - August 22, 2011
Jan 1, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act |
Half of the dorm room; notice the hummel and ukelele on the wall - playing music helps survive the academia and four walls - the other half of the room is occupied by my Italian roommate
24 years ago, after my last child was born, I took a few classes at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe – it was my way of “getting out of the house” without taking any responsibilities with me except those that I carried in regards to schooling. Then I was not interested in achieving a degree so I took fun classes. However, I’ve raised my family on my art income without a back-up “real” job and I thought it’s time to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts; in this way I have the balance of the Indigenous and Western credentials. Why is it important to have that balance? To gain more understanding of the complexities of living in a cross-cultural world.
The Center for Lifelong Learning at the Institute of American Indian Arts
At first, I scoffed at the concept of having to take the requirement classes in Drawing I & II, Geometry, Intro to Indigenous Studies, Contemporary Art, Native Art History I & II, English Composition I & II, etc. — yadda, yaddie, yaddue! Like golly, Holy Moses, do I have to take stuff I pretty much already know!? Friends of mine thought that with my status as a full-time artists for three decades, I ought to be a teacher at IAIA, not a student! Often I had wondered what the heck am I doing wasting my time getting stupid credentials. Yet, I’ve discovered how much I DON’T KNOW and how much fun it is to go through the assignments and learn additional stuff! We humans are so doggone arrogant and funny!
Easy walks on IAIA campus
At IAIA, we either gain weight because of the astounding food at the cafeteria, or we lose weight because IAIA is an easy campus to walk. Up on a mesa, it has 360 degree views of spectacular skies and faraway mountains. Although a biting cold in Winter, it’s sunny about 395 days of the year. And for those of us coming from Southeast Alaska, well…although the countryside lacks the dramatics of the big spruce, hemlock, alders and cedars, there is an ancient silence in the high-country deserts of the Southwest. As any of us Indigenous peoples know, go out onto the land and feel its gifts. There is the everlasting to appreciate.
Sweatlodge skeleton at IAIA; in use during the late Fall/Winter/Spring - what other 4-year accredited college are you aware of that conducts sweatlodge ceremonies?
There is a footpath for runners and walkers alike on campus. I don’t remember how many acres belong to IAIA, but it’s enough to continue growing. Hopefully, as IAIA grows its campus, the designers will always keep in mind our need to be connected to the earth, especially for many of us who are missing our homelands and require being outside — feeling the earth beneath our feet and enjoying the horizon.
Courtyard of the sculputure building at IAIA -- If I am not mistaken, this monumental, marble sculpture is by Craig Dan Goyesun - behind bars, the courtyard gate was locked. I thought this an interesting image.
IAIA is a unique environment. I hadn’t come to appreciate its qualities until this past Fall Semester. There is an Indigenous Studies department that was added to the “normal” Western curriculum of IAIA. Some of the classes from this department are requirements for a BFA. As mentioned earlier, I resisted taking the requirements, yet I discovered how much I don’t know and better yet, I discovered how much I want to learn! I am actually considering achieving a Minor in Indigenous Studies. We’ll see what transpires within this next year.
The Chama River near Abiqui, New Mexico - October 2011
I commute from my studio home in Colorado to IAIA. The 3-hour drive is one of the most scenic in North America (2nd best to that drive from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory to Haines, Alaska!). The drive enables me to relax, listen to Van Morrison’s “Listen to the Lion” and books on tape.
The Chama River with first snow - December 2011
I drive through Geronimo’s Apache homeland and “Georgia O’Keefe” country. Although the high-country desert is a vast difference from the rainforest of my homeland in Southeast Alaska, I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the beauty both environments have to offer. I am privileged to have the option to experience these kinds of freedoms in America.
Looking towards "Ghost Ranch" of Georgia O'Keefe country during first snow - December 2011
Many years ago, my mother and father, Irene and William Lampe, encouraged me to get a degree; they said it’s the way to “get ahead” and understand living in the Western world. My mother said that back when she was young if she had the grant opportunities we have now, she’d have gone to school and she often wondered what her life would have been like. On behalf of my parents, I’d like to thank the following Grantors for their support:
* Chugach Heritage Foundation * Sealaska Heritage Institute * Tlingit & Haida Central Counil * Huna Heritage Foundation * Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and * FAFSA
Nov 11, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
nDigiDreams videography class - Institute of American Indian Arts - Santa Fe, NM September 2011
Spearheaded by Jennifer Coots, Business Program Professor, the Institute of American Indian Arts Indigenous Studies Department sponsored a class, for those of us interested in being introduced to creating 5-minute videos. Each of us told a personal story related to our cross-cultural upbringing and experiences leading to how we were led to attend The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Our teachers were Carmen and Brenda from nDigiDreams. nDigiDreams conducts community-based digital storytelling training workshops. “We believe our diverse cultures, identities, histories and stories hold enormous strength and beauty and we seek to train and empower indigenous individuals and communities with new media tools to realize optimal health and wellness.” Carmen and Brenda have conducted workshops in Indian Country; think about hosting a workshop in your community. You may check out their website (and view other storytelling videos) at: http://www.ndigidreams.com/
Brenda Manuelito, Jennifer Coots (IAIA Business Professor) and Carmen Rodriquez
You may view my very first video entitled “Generations of Love Made Visible” along with some of the students’ videos on U-tube. Cut and past this link onto your browser: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBF1FA84C49C930F7
Thank you very much for visiting!
Sep 24, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, North Tide, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
"Raven Knows Its Light" multi-media collage with faux pas painted frame - Clarissa Rizal
It’s hard to believe I actually got enough material together for a half-way decent show of some of my contemporary paintings and collages! The show opened on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at the Stonington Gallery in Seattle, Washington. My works were in good company with a couple of other friends of mine, Chloe French and Preston Singletary. Yes, all the works are for sale via the Stonington.
Stonington Gallery show opening - September 1, 2011
"Totem Theories Revisited" acrylic painting on canvas by Clarissa Rizal
Stonington Gallery show opening September 1, 2011
Tlingit World Series #092 - Clarissa Rizal - 2011
The above collage is a series based on the original painting “Ravens Prepare for Next Ice Age.”
"Jennie Weaves An Apprentice" Chilkat pattern board (for the Chilkat robe of the same name) - acrylic painting on canvas - Clarissa Rizal
If you are in the Seattle area, check out the show or…
Read about the opening show article in the Seattle Times – Friday, September 23, 2011: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2016289325_ar23tlingit.html?syndication=rss
Aug 26, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, North Tide, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Buyers at Clarissa Rizal's booth during Indian Market 2011
Sealaska Heritage Institute worked with the Santa Fe Indian Market sponsor Southwest Association of Indian Art (SWAIA), to create the Southeast Alaska venue of artists and performers located at the St. Francis Cathedral Park across the street from the Institute of American Indian Arts Museum in downtown Santa Fe.
An Alaskan presence of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimpshian artists at the Santa Fe Indian Market included Nicholas Galanin, Beckie Etukeok, Celeste Worl, Louise Kandinger, Donald Gregory, Holly Churchill and Clarissa Rizal
Clarissa's booth at the Santa Fe Indian Market 2011
Crystal Worl, Beckie Etukeok and Clarissa putting the ends up in the back of the Chilkat robe at the Santa Fe Indian Market
Alaskan Tlingit storyteller, Ishmael Hope on stage at the Santa Fe Indian Market
Featured Alaskan dancers at the Santa Fe Indian Market were the Mt. St. Elias Dancers from Yakutat
Watch the Mt. St. Elias Dancers – Santa Fe Indian Market 2011 <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDKzpn5Hr04> 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDKzpn5Hr04
Aug 7, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy |
Southeast Alaska patterns of Nature
Sunset a la Suzi
The kind of patterns that inspire weavings in basketry and robes
Clarissa painting "Jennie Weaves An Apprentice" acrylic on canvas - MV Columbia - Juneau to Bellingham
Indigo Waters - (hmmm...sounds like a good name for a girl or boy!)Outside of Salt Lake City Utah
Heading into the light of the Southwest!
Heading into Moonflower Canyon - Moab, Utah
Relaxing at Moonflower Canyon waterhole
Aug 1, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Charlene concentrates on beginning the next row - her very first Ravenstail weaving!
While researching the old Chilkat robes in the museums around the Northern Hemisphere, artist/weaver/author Cheryl Samuel also came across the Ravenstail style of weaving. Her first Ravenstail weaving class was held at the Totem Center in Ketchikan, Alaska in November 1989; I attended that first class. Since then, whenever anyone asked me about learning Ravenstail weaving, I’d recommend Cheryl. However, 22 years later, I conducted my very first official Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin, Yukon Territory (Canada) during the week of their cultural “Celebration 2011” July 25 – 30, 2011.
During Teslin's "Celebration 2011" the class had many visitors checking out the weavers' tedious and wonderful work - We wove a small Ravenstail pouch in 3 days
Charlene demonstrates creating the corners to her classmates
Dan Shorty and Charlene Baker with their completed Ravenstail weavings - (I apologize for not having a shot of the entire class with their completed weavings!)
Ainu elder inspects Rose's recently-completed Ravenstail pouch with Wayne and Debra Carlick
During the class, a group of Ainu visitors from Japan were guest performers at Teslin’s Celebration. Although we there was a language barrier, we used lots of gestures and facial expressions to communicate the similarities of our spinning and weaving techniques.
The Ainu spin their warp exactly like ours with two strands of fiber with the exception that they spin in mid-air using their thumbs and we spin our warp on our thigh
Ainu performers from Japan with Cedar bark weaving instructors Debra Carlick (Atlin, B.C.) and Lily Hope (Juneau, AK) and Ravenstail instructor Clarissa Rizal
Jun 9, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, North Tide |
Harry K. Bremner, Sr. and Clarissa - Yakutat airport - April 1975
For the first time in 1975 upon an invite to see what Native elders called “the land of milk and honey”; I went to Yakutat to visit “Grandpa” Harry K. Bremner, Sr. (In an upcoming blog entry, I will write about the influence of Grandpa Harry in my life). Take note of the above photograph; the airport road is newly-paved and the trees are so much shorter than what they are today! — for those of you who are wondering where the heck is Yakutat, Alaska, look at a map of Alaska, find Anchorage, then locate Juneau and look about half way in between the two and you will find Yakutat on the coast, right up there with the big Malaspina Glacier. Pretty awesome! As most of you know, Alaska is Alyeska, the Great Land! And we Alaskans are proud of our country!
June 2011 – It’s been 36 years since I set foot in Yakutat. Upon an invite by my friend Jan the traveling accupuncturist, and a reminder from my friend Preston who was guest speaker at the 1st Annual Yakutat Tern Festival this past weekend and, since my children and grand-children all flew south to attend their other grandparent’s family reunion, and I’ve gone through some heavy-duty, non-stop, life-changing events over the past three years, (golly!) I decided it was high time to take some R&R and visit Yakutat again! Yet, as usual I had to do something to offset my travel costs, so with the support and assistance of Walter and MaryAnn Porter, I taught a class in spinning Chilkat warp. (For those interested in the cedar bark class, look for the blog entry recently posted “Spinning Chilkat In Yakutat).
The following photographs are the day trip to the biggest beach I’ve ever seen that runs North/South called Canon Beach:
As we approach Canon Beach, we pass over a waterway of lily pads
As we came across this bridge and saw this view of the pond, I remembered the swans we saw here in 1975 – it was the first time in my life I had ever seen swans. And since then, every time I see swans, I have thought of this place here in Yakutat.
36 years ago, we had lunch with Grandpa Harry in this spot - it was a good feeling to be here again!
I have a few more photos taken back in 1975 during my visit in Yakutat; I’m not sure where they are, but I’ll have to do some investigating! I want to include them sometime sooner than later.
Boogie Boarders skim the shore's wild surface of icy cold Yakutat waters - I tell ya, if I were 16 again, I'd be out there boarding - so much fun!
The very first time I had ever seen big waves like these were in Yakutat at this beach in ’75. Then a few years ago, I had heard that surfers came from around the world to surf this beach. We’ll yeah, man!
Although there were none today, surfers from around the world ride Yakutat waves
Sand Texture - I remember the beach sands being whiter, hmmm...I'm going to have to find those photos from 36 years ago and compare!
I swear - in Yakutat, there are more eagles riding the rip tides of the wind than there are seagulls!
Laying on the beach and admiring the textures of the sky while a lone comber goes to that place of meditation where water meets shore
Had to go find out what that thing was over there...(?)--Obviously something that didn't make it back afloat!
A rotting barge adds rustic color as tides ebb and flow
"Windows" of the sea
A lone pebble
When the tide goes out, there are thousands of small, polished pebbles on this beach. It was odd to find one all by its lonesome.
Like I did 36 years ago, I will be taking memories of the land and sea, yet this time, with little pebbles for little grand-daughter hands in Colorado
You are probably wondering where are the photos of the actual village of Yakutat? Well, when I post the blog entry about Harry K. Bremner, Sr., I will include a few shots of the village. Stay tuned.
Apr 13, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, North Tide, Showing Off |
"Icebergs"
Lis and I have been friends for about as long as our eldest sons’ age (who are also friends): 35 years. Wow, 35 years seems like a long time, but it really isn’t. So what does Lis have to do with the Folk Festival poster? Lis lead me into designing the 37th Annual Alaska Folk Festival poster.
Last Fall, Lis and I were thinking about the Alaska Folk Festival’s request for their annual folk festival which always happens in the early Spring. 2011 would be the 37th year. Being recently divorced, with a large divorce debt, she encouraged me to make a few dollars creating this year’s Folk Festival poster. We threw around a few ideas. Lis insisted on having something that reflected the unique environment of Alaska – like glaciers, bald eagles, spectacular mountains, big rivers, etc. She mentioned icebergs that have musical instruments sticking out of them…and as soon as she said that, I exclaimed “hey, what about icebergs that ARE the musical instruments!? That’s IT!” For a moment, we stared at one another, then laughed…I give her the credit.
The 37th Annual Alaska Folks Festival poster design by Clarissa Rizal - April 2011
In the 1980s to early 1990’s, my ex-husband and I used to hand-silkscreen the Folk Festival posters, a limited edition of 200. He was the designer, I was the assistant printer and would occasionally consult with him on the designs. The last poster he designed was for the 25th Folk Festival (12 years ago), a design influenced by the Russian-orthodox icons, a Raven playing a balalaika – the painting was done in gold leaf. You can check out all his old posters on the Alaska Folk Festival website.
Clarissa painting the folk festival poster
The acrylic painting was painted on 300-lb. watercolor paper. I do not consider myself a painter of this kind. Yet, I’ll try my hand at whatever, even if I think I will fail. My daughter Ursala, pointed out that my design perspective was off and I had to tweak it a bit (you can see that in the rough draft below). Painting the musical instruments to look like musical instruments was a challenge; painting a glacier was even MORE of a challenge. This glacier turned out okay, but it just was not up to my sense of par. I think I’ll stay away from painting glaciers…
The rough outline of the sketch presented to the AFF board members to see if they would be interested in seeing the finished product
Opening night of the festival was this past Monday, April 10th; the festival is free and runs the entire week through Sunday, April 17th. There are the usual items on sale sporting the design; all except the mugs and hats. They could not figure out what aspect of the poster to place on these two items so they drafted up nice-looking wording with an image of fireweed. It looks good. The stock of T-shirts, sweatshirts, and even babies’ “one-zies” are going fast. Do not wait until the weekend to buy this year’s souvenir; get down to Centennial Hall as their stock is limited.
If you are like me who likes to dance, their are all kinds of dance bands playing Thursday, Friday and Saturday night’s dances at the Old Armory’s Juneau Arts and Culture Center. Check out the folk festival’s website for the program guide. If you are from out of town, and you want to tune into the music, there is a link from the Alaska Folk Festival website to the local radio station KTOO, otherwise, we’ll see you at the festival!
Apr 13, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
Jennifer Coots Marketing Class - Spring 2011 - Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico
On Wednesday, March 30th, I was invited to present my business’ marketing plan for the Marketing Class taught by Jennifer Coots. I created this marketing plan last year Spring 2010. This marketing plan has helped change the way I have run my business. I also attribute my acquisition of a First Peoples Fund grant to having learned so much about running a business through these classes I had taken at IAIA.
During the Fall and Spring 2010 semesters at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, I completed a 5-course business certificate. I have been a self-employed artist working in a variety of artistic mediums since 1977 and I had not any formal training in the area of running a business. I shot from the hip, attended the school of hard knocks and didn’t ever question why I hadn’t ever taking any classes and lessons…until I took these classes! What a difference!
It was so much fun doing this presentation for this Marketing class. Jennifer distributed a copy of my Marketing Plan to the students; that was pretty cool. Little would I know that a plan I created last year would be an example for other artists in this very same class. I just loved sharing my intentions, my experiences and my success. It’s been a year since I laid out this plan. I have accomplished every marketing method I had outlined in my Marketing Plan last year. (Golly, you’d think I was proud of myself!–Of course I am! Who wouldn’t be!?) When the students asked what my most valuable marketing method has worked for me; I answered: (surprisingly enough) my blog! — And I told them why…
You may be only five courses away from creating a successful business of your own. The Institute of American Indian Art’s College of Contemporary Native Arts is offering a Business and Entrepreneurship Program, to art students and small business owners seeking to develop their business skills and discover their inner entrepreneur. Courses cover issues relevant to artists and Native-owned businesses, but non-Native students and non-art related business owners will also benefit from the business and entrepreneurship certification earned through this program.
Jennifer Coots in her office at the Institute of American Indian Arts
Jennifer Coots brought this program to IAIA; I wish I had been educated way back when I first began supporting my family via my art. I encourage every artist who is serious about making a living doing what they love to do, to do themselves a favor and sign up for these classes IAIA has to offer. The unique thing about these classes is we learn differences in values in Western vs. Native American ways of going about our lives and business, as there are some real conflicting issues that may or can, inhibit us from moving forward with our work.
Learn more about the Business & Entrepreneurship Program: visit IAIA’s website or contact Jennifer Coots at jcoots@iaia.edu or 505-424-2356
By the way, Jennifer Coots lived in Juneau, Alaska pretty near 20 years. She was a fisherwoman and aspired to becoming a musician/singer/songwriter. She got side-tracked when she moved to the Navajo reservation to take care of her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. While living on the reservation, Jenn saw the level of poverty and she wanted to do something about it. She had the idea that the local artists needed to learn business sense, so she set out on a mission to finish her degree in Business and assist her fellow Native American artists to bring up their level of existence, workmanship and craft.
Jennifer Coots’ vision is totally awesome. I would take up her classes again if I wasn’t on to learning more about the art of business while doing the business of art!
