Jan 23, 2015 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, To Market To Market |
Back side of my 1991 Toyota Corolla — Clarissa calls it her “Chilkat Mobile” — license plate “CNH 794” She considers these letters and numbers “good…!”
My “Chilkat Mobile” is originally from Juneau, Alaska. In December I put the car on the ferry for a 3-day sail to the port of Bellingham, Washington State. From Bellingham, I drove down to the mountains above Los Angelos, then across to Scottsdale and up to Pagosa Springs, Colorado. I drove through all kinds of storms, wind, rain, sleet, snow and finally sunshine! This car can make it up the infamous Wolf Creek Pass to Denver no problem. Though remember because it is a 4-cylinder, you have to drive in 2nd gear up the mountain passes.
Front of Clarissa’s “Chilkat Mobile”
“Chilkat” was owned by an elderly blonde woman who is now 92. 22 years ago, she and her husband bought two of these cars, a his and her pair: one for her, one for him. The cars were originally red, but they had both custom painted yellow. A little over a year ago, they both went into an elder-care home and so they sold both of their beloved machines. They took VERY GOOD CARE of these cars; in fact, they each had their own garage built especially for them; no kidding! Except for a few tiny nicks here and there from tiny rocks on the drive down here, the body is straight, no dents and no rust anywhere except for a small strip across the bottom part of the window on the back hatch door; I remedied that situation by placing yellow duck tape (the exact color of the car!) across the line of rust.
I bought the “her” car. Peggy was retired when she bought the car and had no children or grand-children, she mainly used the car to go do errands and such in the remote town of Juneau which has about 70 total miles of road as the town is land-locked. The car most likely did not ever go more than 60 miles an hour, if that, until of course, I drove it on the freeways from Bellingham — the car hums at 75 no problem with a load. When I drove down from Bellingham, I had the car packed with two suitcases, my paintings and prints and weaving looms. It probably hasn’t had any kind of load like that before.
On the car deck of the “MV Malaspina” ferry from Juneau, Alaska to Bellingham, Washington, then the long drive down to Colorado…!
Both cars were well maintained partially due to the fact that the husband was a boat and car mechanic as well as an inventor and both he and his wife were meticulous about everything they owned. I knew them personally. I grew up with them. They talked me into buying this car because they wanted me to have it because they knew I liked older cars and they knew I took care of my things. They also knew I needed a car to teach my classes up in Yukon Territory! For a 22-year old car, the interior is clean, barely worn anywhere because the car was mainly used by one person, so the grey upholstery is in great shape, no tears, no stains, no worn spots – there is only one worn spot on the carpet. I have my own maintenance records for a little over a year I’ve owned it since, I’ve had the oil changed three times; totally serviced and new rear brakes before I jumped the ferry with the car. I haven’t had to do anything major. It handles snow real well, hugs the road like a roadster; it’s a sweet thing!
As you can tell, I am proud of my “Chilkat Mobile”. I would not have sold it if it weren’t my need for a travel van. I need something larger because I am an artist who travels to a variety of shows “west of the Mississippi!” I need to carry all my art plus the display units. After at least 10 inquiries from prospective buyers from around the country in just a couple of days on the Craigslist market, “Chilkat” is now living in Taos, New Mexico with her new owner. I wish her a longer and more prosperous life; she served me well and in turn I wish her the best!
Dec 31, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Duck tape the padded “handles” of the loose straps
When I travel back and forth by plane from Colorado to Alaska, or vice versa, I have never traveled light. I am always loaded with my work, supplies, fish, berries, etc. Many years ago, my father showed me this trick-of-the-loaded-traveler-trade.
Nowadays, with “homeland security” and all, wrapping our boxes with rope is futile; they just cut the rope off, cut open your box, and inspect it. I don’t want to waste my rope. But how do we still have our handles and use them too?
Instead of tightly wrapping your box, just make two loose-fitting straps with rope, duck tape the ends with extra tape wrapped around as show in photo. Remove the loose straps before you check your box into baggage; place your straps inside your suitcase pocket, or your carry-on. Bring them out when you arrive at your destination’s baggage claim, slip them back around your box, and get moving!
Easy to lift and maneuver heavy 3′ x 4′ box
I am pushing 60 and I weight 125 pounds. With this method I can easily maneuver a 60 pound bulky box! Thanks Dad!
Dec 14, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
Clarissa’s booth at the Evergreen Longhouse in Olympia, features similar sale items as the Alaska-Juneau Public Market during Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska
The Evergreen Longhouse Holiday Art Market is generally held for two days the 2nd weekend in December in Olympia, WA. Sue Shotridge and I decided to do one day, Saturday, December 13th. A couple of weeks prior we were both at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market and we sold fairly well, though of course we would have enjoyed selling more! We knew we would most likely not sell as much at this venue since it was a lot smaller, however, there was more of a Native customer base since all the vendors were Native Americans from the area.
It’s always the female customers who enjoy the painted masks
It’s always interesting to see what most folks are interested in; you just never know until you put it out there. Most were unawares of the Chilkat and Ravenstail weavings on the young mannequins. To my surprise, I cannot say anyone even remarked or paid attention to the weavings – I guess we were too far south (even as close as Olympia is to Alaskan shores!).
Sue and Israel Shotridges booth next to Clarissa’s at the Longhouse Holiday Art Market
Dec 12, 2014 | Acting Out and Musical Chairs, Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Ku.eex’s vocalists: Nahaan, Clarissa Rizal, Om Jahari, Gene Tagaban, and Preston Singletary – December 2014
Gene Tagaban, Om Jahari, Hahaan
In the Engineers room with Randall Dunn, Preston Singletary, Gene Tagaban and Nahaan
Randall, the sound engineer, makes it all sound soooo gooooood! All recordings are done at Avast(!) Sound Studios, Seattle, Washington
Our names and personalities are as individually artistic as our band name “Khu.eex” which means “potlatch” in Tlingit. Preston called us together for the past three days to record the vocals with the already-recorded instrumentation. We worked on the vocals in this band to sound like a chorus with two and three-part harmonies of many, many voices as if there is a large group of singers as we do in our traditional songs and dances. In the olden days, our songs were always sung with harmonies; we want to inspire our traditional dance groups to bring this element back – I feel “Khu.eex” can be a powerful venue to help this intent.
Singer extraordinaire: Om Jahari
Om is the professional vocalist; the rest of us have sung (mainly our traditional songs) but we are not considered professional singers. However, having Om on board helped “round us out!” This is the first time the five of us have sung and recorded together; it was FUN!
Our fearless leader: Preston Singletary
I don’t know if Preston has been a prominent singer with all the bands he has been in over the years as a musician. Khu.eex is his venue to begin to bring out his best voice. Khu.eex is one of his longest-time, biggest dream coming true! We who he has called together, are fortunate to share his dream.
Read my other posted entries about our band at:
http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/a-lead-singer-in-prestons-band-ku-eex/
http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/improvising-with-prestons-new-band-koo-eex/
Dec 9, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off |
Clarissa begins her presentation on the design and weaving of her latest Chilkat robe “Resilience” to the members of the Native American Arts Council at the Portland Art Museum
Many, many years ago, if you asked me to get in front of other people and talk about whatever, no matter what size the audience, and no matter if the speech would be in front of my family and relatives, I would freak out. No one nowadays, believes me when I tell them of my once-upon-a-time fear and shyness; — especially not those who were at any of my four presentations at the Portland Art Museum this past weekend of December 5th through the 8th, in Portland, Oregon.
Clarissa explains the meaning of every design element in the robe
Audience feedback tells me that I am a fantastic storyteller at heart, a natural-born comedian, an up-and-coming philanthropist, a content and yet passionate, visual artist. Interesting feedback…things I don’t really define as me though obviously those outside of me experience me on the contrary of what me believes about me. I guess I APPEAR to others to be those things I have yet to add to my list of how I define myself. My personal experience of myself is passion and inspiration. I feel passionate about my work; in fact I am inspired by my own work. My latest Chilkat robe which is now in the permanent collection of the Portland Art Museum was, and continues to be, an inspiration.
Clarissa tells another tale about the making of “Resilience”
With every art piece I design and create, no matter what medium, I strive to “out-do” the last piece of that particular medium. I compete with myself; I have experienced this is where true, fulfilling competition lay.
Thank you to all of you I met during my 4-day stay in Portland, especially the members of the Native American Arts Council at P.A.M. Thank you to Deana Dartt who worked hard on acquiring this robe for PAM’s permanent collection. And thank you to Beverly Terry who sponsored the making of the “Resilience” Chilkat robe!
You may see photos and read about the design description of my latest Chilkat robe “Resilience” at these blog entries:
http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/resilience-has-new-home/
Dec 5, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, North Tide |
Boarding the “MV Malaspina” of the Alaska Marine Highway, in Juneau, Alaska
Heading south for the Winter, I took my “Chilkat Mobile” filled with most of my artwork of prints, greeting cards, weavings, and supplies. I have a full month ahead of me; once I arrive in Bellingham, Washington, on Friday, December 5th, I drive a bee line straight down to Portland, Oregon for my presentation at the Portland Art Museum. I sure miss my parents; they would love to be on board with me. Alas, I travel with me, myself and I.
Clarissa’s 1992 Toyota Corolla “Chilkat Mobile” – one of a pair of “His and Her” vehicles, once owned by Peggy Garrison – the other one still lives in Juneau, once owned by Peggy’s husband, Dick Garrison
After 4 days in Portland (I have another presentation at P.A.M. on Monday, December 8th), I drive North to Seattle for another recording session with “Ku.eex”, and then afterwards….well… just keep an eye to this blog because I will post my travels as I go along…
Leaving Ketchikan, Alaska–notice the Chilkat robe reflected in the window – leaving Chilkat country!
We sailed three full days from Juneau, Alaska to Bellingham, Washington. These three days I relished because they were my first three days off I have had all year! Seriously, I have had one deadline after another and then some for an entire year; it’s my time for just me now. oh boy! My cell phone rarely had service, so no texting either. I wasn’t schlepping stuff here and there, no packing stuff in and packing stuff out. I didn’t have to do any errands. No Wi-Fi so no emailing or responding to emails; no bookkeeping, no researching on line for anything! I just sat back and watched the scenery go by, quietly, peacefully, and no one knocking at the door!
Playing every “Rain” song on the ukelele Clarissa can think of, to the tune of leaving “Rain Country…”
I played ukelele every day. I took a shower twice a day. I had breakfast and lunch (from my cooler) in my room. I drew every day. I wrote every day. I stretched and danced every day. I stared out the window doing nothing sometimes for at least a couple of hours every day. Golly, it was so much fun doing the basics!
There were no more 2-berth staterooms, so Clarissa settled for a 4-berth — Clarissa spread out all her work on each berth: just like her studio, Clarissa had one berth for weaving, one for drawing, one for music, one for her “office”…luxury, simplicity, …spoiled rotten!
For those folks who have never been to Alaska, I always recommend that they travel by way of the ferry system out of Bellingham, WA or Prince Rupert, B.C. It’s a great way to introduce one’s self out of the culture of the “Lower 48” into our unique culture in Alaska. It’s also a great way for those of us from Alaska to ease our way to the “Lower 48” without too much culture shock.
Drawing a “seaweed” pattern for Chilkat weaving, while ocean-bound: the view changes every second…!
Nov 30, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
Clarissa paints the last of 12 masks she had for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market
I remember when Peter Metcalfe, the producer/director of the Alaska-Juneau Public Market first started this venue for artists and craftspeople back in the early 80’s. The Public Market replaced the Juneau Arts Council’s “Holiday Fair and Market” started back in 1978 where I used to sell hand-made hats, hand-made kid’s clothing and hand-made masks. A few artists like John and Sharon Svenson (Haines), or Linda Fordham (Gustavus), came in from out of town.
Now, the Public Market has at least 250 local artists/crafts people from all over Southeast Alaska. Held during Thanksgiving Day weekend at the Centennial Hall in Juneau, Alaska, it feels like a “family reunion” of sorts because many of the artists only see one another once a year at this time.
Sue and Israel Shotridge hang out with Clarissa on “her side” of their shared booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market – November 28, 2014
1989 was my first year at the Juneau Public Market. I had a booth smack daeb in the middle of the lobby just outside the “great room” at Centennial Hall. I sold about 100 “dream catchers” traditionally made of branches and “sinew.” I think dream catchers made their debut in Juneau, Alaska (or maybe all of Southeast) that Thanksgiving Day weekend. They were an unknown thing back then. I learned how to make them in early ’89 from a Huron Native woman who was visiting the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. I taught a couple of friends (one in Santa Fe and one in Juneau) how to make dream catchers of silver and crystal beads; I know the single mother supported herself and her two daughters for a number of years making the silver dream catcher earrings, pendants and hair barrettes.
Jessica Isturis models the mask she purchased from Clarissa
2010 was my second year at the Juneau Public Market. (My father had passed away a couple of years prior, so I moved in with Mom. After about 6 months of living with Mom, she wondered why I was still around, like when was I going home? I paused before I answered her with this statement: “I will go home whenever….uh,…you “go home.”)
For two months before the market, I painted one of my largest called “Frog Speaks” along with about 7 smaller paintings. I also printed my own fabric and made 10 dolls with “Chilkat warp” hair (leftover “thrums” trimmed from Chilkat robes I had made in the past). The night before the opening of the market I got cold feet! Like I have spent 2 months working away on these things and I have not a penny to my name and what makes me think that anyone is going to buy this stuff….!?!?!?!
I sold all the paintings, sold 7 of the 10 dolls (the remaining 3 I gave to each of my children’s first born), and I sold a few prints! I made enough income to pay 5 months’ bills!
Nancy Barnes models the mask she purchased from Clarissa during the market
2014 was my third year at the Juneau Public Market. I had on display, my “Chilkat Child” woven ensemble and my daughter Lily’s “Little Watchman” Ravenstail ensemble, along with my tall charcoal on canvas “Totemic Theories.” I sold a few of my button blanket greeting cards, my hand-painted masks, limited edition prints, beaded hats, paper feathers, the children’s book I co-illustrated, but not one item of the Chilkat/Ravenstail spinning and weaving supplies sold. I now know that the Public Market is NOT the right venue for selling those supplies!
A couple of hand-painted masks finish drying on a piece of plastic
My oldest grandchild, Elizabeth Hope (I affectionately call her “SikiKwaan”), helped me sew spinning pads for those weavers who don’t mind spinning their own warp. She is shown here sewing on my 1974 “Genie” Singer sewing machine my mother bought me when I graduated from high school. This machine has “seen it all…!”
Grand-daughter “Sikikwaan” helps Grandma Rissy sew the spinning pads for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market
The Shotridges and I shared this booth at the Juneau Public Market this year. It was quite cozy and full…! Between us, we had a variety of things for sale. You would think that we looked like we were having fun!—Little do people know that I was a bitch while setting up the booth that first morning! For three months prior, I had worked my fingers to the bone preparing a variety of items for sale and I was plum exhausted by the time we set up this cozy “gallery” that I didn’t FEEL like setting up, but who else is going to do it!?
So you folks out there who wear rosy-colored glasses thinking that artists “have a grand life” – go think again! Sure we set our own hours, HOWEVER, most of us work around the clock; we never leave our work! And do we really want to? Do we really want to leave our work? Hmmm…very good question! I have to ponder that one.
Sue Shotridge and Clarissa Rizal on “their side” of the shared booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market
Sue and I are like two peas in a pod. I don’t know if I have ever met anyone else who reminds me of me when it comes to how we operate. High energy, we are consistently on the go. And somehow we don’t “bump into one another!” Woe be to us if THAT ever happened! We’d blow one another out of the water!
Clarissa finishes painting masks and trimming out the child-size dance apron with .22 bullet shells in Clarissa’s “borrowed” studio overlooking a typical Alaskan waterfront home…!
Nov 15, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
6 of 9 Button blanket robe designs by Clarissa Rizal on greeting cards
The greeting cards above will be some of the items available for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market held Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska.
I invite you to visit my Booth #P-15 right across the isle from Tony Tengs “Chilkat Cones” in the main hall of Centennial Hall. And please note: I will be sharing the booth with Tlingit carving artist & silversmith, Israel and Sue Shotridge (www.shotridgestudios.com).
The following is an inventory of items for sale; they include (but are not limited to):
A limited supply of Chilkat weaving and spinning supplies: Cedar bark without the sap (both whole and split), Chilkat warp, Chilkat weft yarns in golden yellow, turquoise, black and cream, spinning pads, etc.
Books for sale that I wrote, made or co-illustrated include: “Chilkat Pattern Templates”, the “Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook”; Juneauite author Hannah Lindoff children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” — and books that I highly recommend: “The Intenders” by Tony Burroughs and “Go Pro – Becoming A Network Marketing Professional” by Eric Worre.
Miscellaneous items include: hand-caste paper feathers, limited edition Giclee prints, hand-sewn, beaded, felt Russian Sailor hats, and gumboot shell earrings made by daughter Lily and sister Dee Lampe.
Come check out my latest 5-piece Chilkat woven ensemble called “Chilkat Child” which will be on display next to my daughter Lily’s 4-piece Ravenstail woven ensemble “Little Watchman.”
We’ll see you in a couple of weeks during the weekend of Thanksgiving at the Public Market in Juneau (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)!
Nov 14, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Charcoal by Clarissa Rizal
Here’s my Winter Schedule for upcoming Art Markets, presentations, classes and demonstrations. If you are in any of these locations, come by and visit; I’d love to see you!
1) One-day Chilkat/Ravenstail Weaving Class, Juneau, Alaska, Sunday November 23rd, 10am-4pm with potluck lunch — this class is for experienced weavers who have a project on their loom and need assistance, comraderie, support and a feast! Class is limited to just 10. The Northwest Coast Weavers’ Supply will have weaving/spinning items available for sale BEFORE the Public Market sales; so you will have the privilege to be the first to purchase your supplies for your next weaving project — Interested? Give me a call at 970-903-8386 or email me at: clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com
2) Alaska-Juneau Public Market, Thanksgiving weekend Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, November 28-30th, Booth #P-15 in the main room of Centennial Hall on Willoughby Avenue in Juneau, Alaska – Click here to see the list of some of the items I will have available for sale
3) Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon Presentation of “The Making of Resilience Chilkat Robe”, Friday, December 5th; I will also have Chilkat-related items available for sale AND I will have two woven ensembles on display only during this presentation
4) Evergreen Longhouse, Olympia, WA, — The Holiday Market is open Friday and Saturday, December 12 & 13; I will only be selling on Saturday! — Click here to see a list of some of the items I will have for sale.
5) “Raven’s Nest” Gallery (owned by Sue and Israel Shotridge), Vashon Island, WA — I will be demonstrating Chilkat weaving on a child-size robe; I will also have on display two child-size woven ensembles, “Little Watchman” a 4-piece Ravenstail outfit woven by my daughter Lily Hope, and my 6-pience ensemble “Chilkat Child.” I will also have items for sale as well; click list here to see list of some items.
6) Chilkat Weaving Class, Corvallis, OR – December 15-19th; for experienced weavers with a project on their loom. — This class is currently full.
7) Heard Museum Juried Indian Art Market & Fair, Phoenix, AZ – March 7-9, 2015
Nov 10, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Many, many braids in weaving “Resilience” Chilkat robe by Clarissa Rizal – 2014
HEADS UP! For those of you living in the Portland, Oregon area: I will be doing a public presentation on Chilkat weaving and a Power Point Presentation of weaving my latest Chilkat robe “Resilience” at the Portland Art Museum on Friday evening, December 5, 2014 at 5:30pm. Guitarist extraordinaire Dan Shanks, will be performing the live soundtrack. — If you are in the area, come on by! Two woven Child-size ensembles, one in Ravenstail and the other in Chilkat, be on display only during this presentation. Also, I will have a few things available for sale: my Chilkat Weaving Handbook, greeting cards, Chilkat prints, etc. See you soon!
