A hand-built ceramic platter created by my daughter Ursala Hudson – 2005
As you may know by now, I like to know where all my tools are, so when the time comes where I need them, I can grab it in an instant. Especially reading glasses!
10′ wide x 7′ high, beautiful, functional cherry wood entertainment center converted into a storage unit
A month ago I fetched this beautiful, solid wood “entertainment center” off of a craigslist ad in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had been searching for about two weeks on Craigslists in Denver, Salt Lake City, Flagstaff, Santa Fe, Phoenix and Albuquerque. Yep, once I saw this beauty, nothing was gonna stop me; I went and got what I had envisioned and drove it back home. Everyone thought I was nuts to drive so far, that is of course until they saw it in my studio!
I replaced the storage boxes under the desks; I replaced the various sizes and mismatch of dressers and cabinets; I replaced the disorderly appearance with a unified, beautiful, functional piece of furniture that makes this part of my studio look like (I quote from a family member): “…wow, this place looks like something out of an old museum…!”
Where the TV is supposed to go…
I store all my dyeing supplies in one part, my weaving supplies in another, along with my spinning supplies, sewing supplies, beadwork supplies and picnic/camping baskets. And lest I forget to mention, this wooden ensemble of 3 pieces cost $350 in excellent condition. The seller said he bought it 10 years ago for $3500.00.
I placed a wooden closet bar across the top and hung three fabric sweater closet shelving
The top shelf inside each end cabinet features a recessed light showcasing all hand-made items including Northwest coast glasswork, beadwork, carvings, pottery and masks. Sitting on top of the left cabinet is my hand-made Swedish musical instrument called the “Hummel”; on top of the center cabinet is my carved and painted “bentwood box” I made for my mother as a Mother’s Day gift in 1972, and on top of the right cabinet, are a painted box with the “Step Into the Light” NWC design created back in 1981, along with my trusty leather hand-made hat from “Head-N-Home” and my feathered headband made by “Feathered Flies.”
I was always unsatisfied with my previous layout of this part of my studio due to all the mismatch and irregularity of storage. I wanted something that helped me be more sufficient as well as easy on the eyes. This has been a pleasure. If you ever find yourself in the same boat I was once in, do yourself a favor, choose unified beauty!
The grand work table to the left of the grand storage unit
Folks want to know where I live and work because it seems I travel a lot (though I have yet to afford a vacation.) “Clarissa’s Studio” is a 9-part series showing the 9 areas of Clarissa’s studio where I work full-time and live part of the year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. As you know by now, I remodeled a 2-car garage about 10 years ago as a studio without running water or sewer system because I had no plans of using this space as a place of residence. I had no idea that years later, because of big changes in my personal life, I would not be able to afford paying rent anywhere else. so for nearly 4 years I have weathered insufficient heat during the winter and the inconveniences of not having a real kitchen and a bathroom, until someday I can afford a real home.
Over the next three months (starting this past May), I will introduce you to various parts of my humble 700 sq.ft. sanctuary divided into sections. Here are the parts of “Clarissa’s Studio Series”:
The first three blog entries on “Clarissa’s Studio” series include:
Part 1: “The Livingroom” at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/clarissas-studio-part-1-the-living-room/
Part 2: “The Kitchenette” at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/studio-part-2-clarissas-kitchenette/
Part 3: “The Drawing Room” at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/clarissas-studio-part-3-the-drawing-area/
Using woodless color crayons, Clarissa does an abstract of Mt. Juneau beginning with the sky
Would I have known how much I enjoy doing outdoor drawings and paintings of the landscape!? I joined Juneau’s Plein Rein group thanks be to the encouragement of my friend Lis Saya! My first outing was a couple of days after my birthday — best birthday present I ever gave to myself…!
Juneau Plein Rein members set up at Marine Park in Juneau, Alaska
Many years ago, Lis told me that she was not one who bought things though if she were to add up the amount of money she spent on experiences, she would be rich. I told her that she is rich with experience! Even though Plein Rein is not expensive, the act of going out into the country, setting up one’s easel and enjoying the scenery, the weather and what unfolds on your canvas is enriching…there’s something magical about it all…and I like magic!
Local musician and artist, Lis Saya works on a pastel of Mt. Jumbo across the channel on Douglas Island
Periodically, I will include posting plein rein images on this blog, no matter where I travel, whether it be to Yukon, Southeast Alaska, New Mexico, Colorado, etc. I am blessed to have the privilege and mindset to have done all that I have done, do what I am doing and continue full steam ahead. Even though I may not have a home just yet, my heart is my home, and my heart is full of love for what I do and what I am becoming, therefore life is good.
Mt. Jumbo in the distance beyond the gates placed on the tour ship docks; as if we will pay attention to these kinds of security measures…
Hand-built in 1994, patterns are being tweaked on Clarissa’s old-fashioned light table before they are copied on her Epson printer
I use my Macbook for doing layout of designs to be printed on my large format Giclee’ printer, and I know that I can scan and duplicate small patterns, but golly, gee golly, I still use my wonderful light table for tracing patterns and other images worth duplicating. There’s just something real about going through the motions of duplication on hard-copy paper in hand!
Really? People still use light tables and overhead projectors!?!? How’s that? We’ve got computers and printers to do the jobs!!!
Well, call me from the old school where teaching a new dog old tricks can only go as far as the bone can be thrown, and some of us just can’t throw that far anymore! So, sure this dog has learned new tricks like how to turn on a computer and where to push play on Netflix and “bookmark” this page to order more El Naturalista boots before they go up in price!
However, this dog still prefers to project the design on the plastic transparency placed on the overhead projector platform which projects the image onto the wall up yonder! And this dog still prefers to trace the other half of the design by hand tolerating the bright, blinding florescent lights below.
Like I said, I can only throw the new bones so far; because old bones are familiar, I will continue to dig them up and out and naw on them affectionately.
One of Clarissa’s most trusted tool, the old-fashioned over head project made by 3M Company
“Clarissa’s Studio” is a 7-part series showing the 7 areas of Clarissa’s studio where I work full-time and live part of the year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Over the next three months (starting this past May), I will introduce you to various parts of my humble 700 sq.ft. sanctuary divided into sections. Here are the parts of “Clarissa’s Studio Series”:
The first two blog entries on “Clarissa’s Studio” series include:
“The Livingroom” at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/clarissas-studio-part-1-the-living-room/
“The Kitchenette” at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/studio-part-2-clarissas-kitchenette/
An image of a mountain goat done in Tlingit form line
Parked at the base of the Perseverance Trail head in Juneau, Alaska, was this red Jeep. I couldn’t help but notice the mountain goat image on the side of it’s back window. Traditional Chilkat weavers use mountain goat wool for their warp and weft yarns. Mountain goat have a special place in our hearts. This particular Jeep had a special image I just had to share, even the license plate!
Custom Alaskan license plate is just “baaaaaa dass!”
Raven Button robe is a collaboration of designer Preston Singletary and sewer Clarissa Rizal
A couple of years ago, I wanted to make some button robes, but I didn’t feel like designing them. I guess I was just feeling lazy! So I did what I’ve never done before – I asked another artist for designs! I called up my friend Preston Singletary and asked him if he had any designs on hand that were suitable for button robes. He sent me two; one of the robes is now owned by Crystal Rogers Nelson and the other one is this one: Raven. Made with black and red wool melton cloth and some of the thousands of antique mother-of-pearl buttons I have been collecting for a good 25 years. Little does Preston know that we are 2 of 11 Native American artists invited to submit something for an exhibit that is traveling Russia for over a year.
“Woven Together” is an exhibit intended to share a small part of Native American culture with Russians in the Urals. This will likely be the first exposure to Native American culture for many who visit the exhibit. Typically, the Consulate supports such artistic exchanges in order to encourage contact between Russians and Americans and to promote interest in the diverse people that inhabit the U.S.
Clarissa Rizal sorts antique mother-of-pearl buttons for the Raven button — a collaboration between designer Preston Singletary and button robe maker Clarissa Rizal
The exhibit will travel to three cities in Russia – Yekaterinburg, Orenburg and Surgut. In all three cities there will be opportunities to show objects in display cases as well as on the walls.
Yekaterinburg is an industrial city and the capital of the Urals. Previously, they have hosted an exhibit of Native American photography.
Orenburg is a remote city in the south of the Urals that is simply interested in learning more about other cultures. This will be their first time hosting an exhibit the American consulate and they are very enthusiastic.
Surgut is a city located in a region that is home to the Khanti and Mansi peoples. The region is committed to preserving and honoring the cultural heritage and traditions of the Khanti and Mani peoples, and they are particularly interested in the Woven Together exhibit to learn more about Native peoples in the U.S.
Corners of “Raven” button blanket made by Clarissa Rizal designed by Preston Singletary 2015
“Frog Speaks” sand-blasted glass window by Clarissa Rizal – 2001
Back in 2001 I had the privilege to apprentice with two glass artists Preston Singletary and David Svenson at the Pilchuck School of Glass. We were working on the glass pieces that were inserted into the totem pole that David had designed to honor the 30-year anniversary of Pilchuck. The main body of the totem pole was carved at the Alaska Indian Arts in Haines, Alaska by Wayne Price, John Hagen, Steven Brown, Lee Heinmiller, David and others. While at the school, Preston encouraged me to use some of the school’s other studio spaces, like the print-making studio, or the sand-blasting area, etc. I learned how to prepare a plate of glass for sandblasting so I could create an embossed, limited-edition print of one of my favorite button blanket images called “Frog Speaks.” I kept the glass plate; since it’s been a part of my window decor in my studio. Maybe someday I’ll make a second edition of this print OR maybe someday I’ll make a series of embossed prints — just never know!
Amongst 6 other weavings on 6 looms, Nila Rinehart sketches out her pattern for a small child-size Chilkat robe
Since 1989, I have taught at least one class per year; and every year since 1992, I have spearheaded an informal group of Chilkat/Ravenstail weavers gathering. This year, my long-time friend Margie Ramos hosted this class at her vacant apartment. Cozy and warm, it was the perfect thing to conduct the class! Thank you, Margie!
All the students eagerly await the cutting of the birthday pie; My long-time friend of 50 years, Margie Ramos (2nd from right), baked me a blueberry/pear torte L to R: Laine Rinehart, Catrina Mitchell, Nila Rinehart, Karen Taug, Margarget Ramos & Crystal Rogers Nelson
This particular class requirements were: 1). Must have prior experience in weaving chilkat and/or ravenstail, 2) must have a project on the loom ready to begin weaving, 3) weaver is female, must have reverence and gratitude for the style of weaving, etc. 4) must have own pattern or the ability to draft up a pattern (no matter how crude or excellent it can become), 5) Bring sense of humor
Crystal Rogers tries to fix the curve of her Chilkat face’s outer lip
Such a fun class as usual, I am very proud of each weaver’s work and the self-directed project each would like to complete. That’s what this class is all about: tapping into your own inner drive, being aware of your goals, and making the necessary steps to complete your goal.
Karen Taug is terribly happy and content about returning to her Chilkat weaving of a headband
Chilkat weaving isn’t for everyone, though for those who enjoy the weaving process; those who have come to know the weaving and it comes to know you, we find it’s truly a spiritual practice.
Lily Hope explains counting the number of warp ends to her inquisitive children Bette and Louis
In 2017, I have every intention of beginning to teach young girls. My goal is to rent a place in Haines for the a month or two during the Summer 2017 with all three of my kids and their kids (at this time, 7 grandchildren). The three oldest grand-daughters will be 9 and 7; these are the perfect ages to begin teaching them the discipline and art of Chilkat weaving. I would like my children/grandchildren to experience a Tlingit holistic approach to weaving which will include not just drawing the design and preparing the wool to spin, but also, berry picking, fishing, putting up foods for winter, etc. I will have three grand-daughters in this very first children’s class; I will be keeping my eyes and ears open for two more girls around the same age. If you have any recommendations of any young girls who may be interested, let me know!
Nila Rinehart drafts a second pattern for her child-size Chilkat robe with on-lookers Lily Hope (with daughter Eleanor), Crystal Rogers Nelson and Laine Rinehart
Shgen George (with daughter Elizabeth) nears the completion of her black border of her Chilkat robe.
Shgen George came hours earlier for a couple of days to gain as many hours as she could, beyond the class hours. Clarissa Rizal’s Chilkat robe hangs to the right; she begins shaping the background in her design field
Clarissa’s late afternoon Tai Chi – Colorado
Over the past couple months I’ve gotten back into Tai Chi; it helps my aging bone structure to feel a bit more limber. Tai Chi is a tool to keep up your physical and spiritual circulation – 20 years ago when I took up Tai Chi, I only did it for about two years then I quit…I got involved in too much of my business life, family and working-on-the-house-and-garden-life, and although I loved the movement, I didn’t make it a priority to keep it in my life. Not like now; I do a lot of sitting, so I’ve got to do something that “moves” me…!
100 audience members on board the Allen Marine whale watching tour included 15 Alaskan authors and 3 illustrators, of which Clarissa was one…
I was born nearly 60 years ago in Juneau and it’s only recently twice in less than two weeks I have been invited on a whale-watching cruise; both trips were something new to me since 1) we weren’t fishing? 2) we didn’t have a port destination, and 3) it didn’t cost me a penny. And both trips were during the stretch of amazingly fine weather we had the entire month of May so it made whale watching all the more enjoyable!
Leaving the Auke Bay boat harbor on a fine early evening: 6pm. — The Mendenhall Glacier is at the base of the snowcapped mountains…
Every year in conjunction with Allen Marine, Hearthside Books hosts their “Alaskan Authors Whale Watching” tour/sail open to the public. $59/person you receive all the appetizers you can eat and a chance to hang out with friends you hadn’t seen in awhile.
Lots of appetizers including salmon spread on croissants, fresh fruits and veggies, chocolate eclairs, etc.
Even though Nobu Koch and I are not authors, we were invited guests because we are the co-illustrator’s of Hannah Lindoff’s children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” recently published in the Fall 2014. To order a copy of the book, and check out other blog posts about this book: Click here to read about “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast.”
Hannah Lindoff, author of children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” introduces her illustrators, Clarissa Rizal (left) and Nobu Koch
Alaskan author Heather Lende, introduces her latest book “Find the Good”
Humpback whale
Ishmael Hope reads a requested poem from his book of poetry called “The Courtesans of Flounder Hill”
Chief Editor Jeff Brown introduces his latest edition of “Real Alaskan Magazine” which he publishes annually on April 1st.
Kim Heacox introduces his latest book “Rhythm of the Wild”
Alaskan Whale Watching Cruise – fluke
Writer Hannah Lindoff, Illustrator Nobu Koch, writer/poet Ishmael Hope
Hannah Lindoff, Nobu Koch, Clarissa Rizal
Author Mary Lou King introduces her latest “90+ Short Walks Around Juneau”
Authors Peter Metcalfe and Kathy Ruddy introduce “A Dangerous Idea”
Children’s book author Sarah Asper-Smith and her husband, illustrator Mitchell Watley introduce their book “I Would Tuck You In”
Sea lions cluster along a rock slab coastline of Admiralty Island
Many enjoyed the back deck in the second consecutive week of sunshine!
Last but not least, Juneau author Stuart Archer Cohen introduces his 4th novel “This Is How It Really Sounds”
“Clarissa’s Kitchenette” includes the basics: microwave, Fridge, Water, hot pot, with table and chairs!
A remodeled 2-car garage, “Clarissa’s Kitchenette” does not have running water nor plumbing, so there is limited eating and/or cooking that goes on in this space, though I still have the kitchenette basics: microwave, fridge, bottled water and a hot pot! (And to the very right of my water jug is my metal cabinet tool box covered by a South American weaving).
Three, small, metal cups rest under the water spicket ready for small hands of thirsty grandchildren in “Clarissa’s Kitchenette”
Grandmothers must always be prepared when their grandchildren come to visit, even if it is just one who lives next door! And when the others come to town, well then, they gotta share their cups now, don’t they (until of course, Grandma fetches 4 more cups to accommodate!).
Always prepared to share a quick snack in “Clarissa’s Kitchenette”
High dining table and chairs have become the style; at first I didn’t like that, however, I like the height for certain things, especially eating. To the very left is my free-standing, 6′ acrylic painting on canvas stretched across a curved column entitled, “Totemic Theories.” Hand-made ceramic bowls are being collected one-at-a-time from Durango Pottery and woven placemats and napkins from Pier 1 via gift to me from grandmothers-in-law, Charla Ellis. “Leaf” plates are from Walmart about 10 years ago. A Northwest Coast shower curtain designed by Morales hangs between the kitchenette and the bedroom.
Throughout my studio, I have weavings from various parts of the world. In photo below, on the wall is a field of geese with children walking camels past a lone house. This weaving was hand-made by young teen-agers in Egypt. The woven rugs and pillow coverings in the living room were made by the Zapotec in Mexico. In the rest of my studio, I have rugs woven in Tibet, a Nepalese prayer rug, a large, English tapestry, a large, woven box from Sweden, an Irish throw from County Clare, and throughout my studio, my trash cans are large woven “baskets”. Other baskets are from Africa, China, India, etc, and then of course, I use cedar bark baskets to hold my honorary weft yarns for Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving. Then not to mention my bedroom wicker set with carvings, and my wicker living room furniture. It wasn’t until about a month ago, I came to realize my surroundings are full of weavings! Golly, does this mean I am really watch you might call a weaver?
View into the “Studio Living Room” from “Clarissa’s Kitchenette”
“Clarissa’s Studio” is a 9-part series showing the 9 areas of Clarissa’s studio where I work full-time and live part of the year in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Over the next three months (starting this past May), I will introduce you to various parts of my humble 700 sq.ft. sanctuary divided into sections. Here are the parts of “Clarissa’s Studio Series”:
The first blog entry on “Clarissa’s Studio” series include:
“The Livingroom” at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/clarissas-studio-part-1-the-living-room/
The new guy on the block: Haa Shagoon Gallery features local Northwest Coast arts and crafts
Haa Shagoon Gallery recently opened it’s doors on May 1st this year featuring mainly Northwest Coast art from locals as well as anywhere else along Southeast Alaska and West Coast Canada, though one can find antique woven grass baskets, carved ivory and baleen from Alaska’s far north. Owner Don Morgan says he has sold twice as much artwork since the first two weeks than he did in two months at his other location in the Senate Building just a couple of doors down from his new location!
Owner Don Morgan of the Haa Shagoon Gallery
Haa Shagoon is a Tlingit phrase meaning “Our Land.” Haa Shagoon features artwork from about 20 Alaska Native artists including Jnu Didrickson, Boyd Didrickson, Debra O’Gara, Kay Parker, Ray Peck, Brian Chilton, Irene Jean Lampe, Lily Hope and Clarissa Rizal, to name a few. Items available for sale include carvings of totem poles, plaques and masks, Ravenstail robes, aprons, headbands, limited edition silkscreened and Giclee prints, silver, copper and gold jewelry, pottery, etc.
Everybody’s talking: Artists Jnu Didrickson, Israel & Sue Shotridge, Don Morgan
Generally every day, Haa Shagoon features an on-site artist demonstrating their work; sometimes there are two or three artists, yet always at least one, Most of the artists are locals who live in Juneau, but on occasion Haa Shagoon may feature an out-of-town guest artist spontaneously dropping in and demonstrating for the day! Jnu Didrickson is a regular demonstrator working in carved wooden masks and silver jewelry.
Haa Shagoon Gallery is sandwiched between El Sombrero Restaraunt and the Alaskan Hotel on South Franklin Street, Juneau, Alaska
On special occasion Chilkat or Ravenstail weavers may get the notion to demonstrate the weaving technique, just so we can “get out of the house!”
A Chilkat weaving demonstration took place on Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 24th with (L-R) Lily Hope, Clarissa Rizal and Irene Jean Lampe
I have approximately $60K worth of inventory featured at the Haa Shagoon Gallery; they carry the most work I’ve every had in any gallery at one given time in the past 15 years. They feature a variety of my work created in the past 3 years including, 5-piece woven ensemble “Chilkat Child”, the “Egyptian Thunderbird” button blanket, the 6-foot “Totemic Theories” charcoal on canvas, “An Ocean Runs Through Us” limited edition Giclee triptyck, and a wide selection of limited edition Giclee prints.
Front entry of Haa Shagoon Gallery
Haa Shagoon does a 70/30 commission; when an item sells, the artist receives 70%, Haa Shagoon receives 30%. Most galleries do a 50/50 split. Contact Don Morgan if you are an artist interested in Haa Shagoon carrying your work, please give Don Morgan a call on his cell at: 907-209-1501