Jun 12, 2014 | Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Poetry Alaskan, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
An illustration by Nobu Koch and Clarissa Rizal in Hannah Lindoff’s children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast”
Juneau author Hannah Lindoff first children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” will be hot off the press and available to the public this coming September. Illustrated by artists Nobu Koch and Clarissa Rizal, Hannah read the story during the weekend of “Celebration” at 11am on Friday, June 13th at the Juneau Public Library. Lily Hope also told one of our T’akDeinTaan clan stories of “Salmon Boy”. Sondra Simone Segundo read her book “Killer Whale Eyes” Photos follow:
With the help of her daughter, Hannah reads her first children’s book “Mary’s Wild Winter Feast” to a full room at the Juneau Public Library, Juneau, Alaska.
I was brought to tears when Lily Hope told our T’akDeinTaan Clan story “Salmon Boy” – if you have the chance to ever hear her tell this story, drop everything, attend and listen…!
Ketchikan Tlingit writer, Sondra Simone Segundo reads her very first children’s book “Killer Whale Eyes”
Thank you to all the parents and children who came out this morning to attend this storytelling event! Thank you to the co-sponsors Juneau Public Libraries and the Sealaska Heritage Insititue. Gunalcheesh!
Jun 12, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
9 canoes gathered at the shores of Sandy Beach in Douglas, Alaska the day before “Celebration” began on Wednesday, June 11, 2014
There have been numerous canoe gatherings along the Northwest Coast for the past 20 years – they started after I moved inland to Colorado. Since 2007, I began spending part time in my home state of Alaska and part time in Colorado, Yukon and wherever my work takes me. This June the timing was right and I made sure I attended this gathering – mainly too because my friend Wayne Price had his first sailing of two traditional dug out canoes that arrived at this gathering – they were the only two traditional canoes; the others were fiberglass.
Michael Jackson from Kake, Alaska with dance staff – little does he know Clarissa has her latest Chilkat robe in her arms
I am sorry I cannot provide all the communities who partook in this event though I know Haines/Klukwan, Kake, Juneau and Yakutat were represented.
Clarissa waits for Wayne Price in his dugout canoe to place the Chilkat robe on him
Paddlers raise their paddles enthusiastically as they have permission to come ashore to their hosts homeland
One of my heroes, Ethel Lund (center) flanked by two friends
Clarissa with her daughter Lily and grandson, Louis Hope
The tide has gone out, the tour ships are leaving Juneau port and the paddlers are coming ashore!
Village of Kake, Alaska paddlers carry their canoe ashore
Deana Dartt-Newton, Wayne Price and Clarissa Rizal
Backside of the “Resilience” Chilkat robe woven by Clarissa worn by friend and carver, Wayne Price
Wayne and Cherri Price stand beside Wayne’s traditional dugout canoe – their entire crew paddled from Haines, Alaska to Juneau to join in the canoe gathering
The dugout and the any paddles were carved by students under the guidance of Wayne Price
I dare say I have missed out on all the canoe gatherings in the past 20 years, but hey, better late than never!
May 22, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, For Crying Out Loud, Health and Wellness |
Clarissa heads into the cat skan to check for internal bleeding…
The assessment after the bike accident (that happened on May 12th) revealed that my front brake system on my bike had gone awry causing the brakes to clamp down on the front tire which hurdled me over the bike, bouncing me on the cement street and hit my head on the curb! At the urgency of my youngest daughter, she took me to the emergency room to make sure I had formed no blood clots or bleeding on the brain. (And do you know how many thousands of dollars that cost!?)
To her relief, I was clean of harm…BUT my body suffered multiple bruises and I had sprained both hands/wrists badly, especially my left hand…I have not been able to do anything with my left hand except that although still painful, I can at least WEAVE! Slowly but surely I can weave as long as I take breaks to not cause additional strain.
I ice-packed the sprain the first four days to reduce the swelling. In addition, to assist with the brusing and a speedier recovery, I used the famous “Skookum” salve made by Harlena Warford in Hoonah, Alaska that you may buy on line from www.gutsuwu.com. I swear by this product. I applied this salve to all my bruised areas and to my bruised brow and face; it was amazing to see and feel the results!
And for continual circulation and support, I used my trusty “Incredibrace” for both wrists—I travel with these companions; they have been life-savers over the past year!
I am reminded every day how precious an artists hands are!
X-raying painful hand/wrist for broken bones!—there were none!
May 11, 2014 | For Crying Out Loud, Health and Wellness, Honoring Others |
Clarissa’s mother Irene Loling Sarabia Lampe berry-picking at SueAnn’s home – My mother protected herself from the blood-sucking mosquitos; she wore two layers of clothing, fingerless gloves (before you could buy them in the store) AND a shower cap! — August 2001
One of the most favorite things to be and do with my mother was berry picking…We picked berries almost every August since I can remember filling up our freezers and jars until she was 80 (just 4 years after this photo was taken). 2005 was the last year we picked together; she decided that it was risky to be romping around in the forest even though she was very careful. She was avoiding breaking a leg or worse yet, breaking a hip which she warned us to never do since at that age will be the downfall of one’s health.
For the past three years, Mother’s Day has been a day of both sorrow and joy. Like any of us whose mother’s are one of our best friends for life, I miss her so I have my moments of sorrow; yet, at the same time, I am a mother to three great kids! After our mother’s passing on July 4, 2011, I wrote a blog entry about my Mother; you may read and see more photos of her at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/?p=1983
I invite you to also read her obituary with historical photos at: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/?p=2025 These photos include images of my Grandmother and Grandfather Mary and Juan Sarabia, childhood, etc.
Top: Clarissa’s parents William and Irene Lampe with first grandchild, 18-month-old son, Kahlil on father’s boat the “Clarissa Rizal”, Excursion Inlet, Alaska – July 1978 — Middle photos of Clarissa’s children: Kahlil, 5 yrs old; Lily, two yrs old; Ursala, one yrs old — Bottom photo: Clarissa, 2nd grade school photo
I am fortunate to be the mother of three fine kids; and my children are now parents!
Clarissa and her children Ursala, Lily and Kahlil in front of “Jennie Weaves An Apprentice” Chilkat robe – July 2011
I am blessed with four wonderful grandchildren with two more “waiting in the eaves” to be born this July and October!
Just got out of the movie theatre….Clarissa’s four grandchildren L to R: Elizabeth Hope and her brother, Louis, Violet Hudson and Amelie Haas — they make up the three clans of H’s: Hope, Hudson and Haas!
I have known for a very long time that I am one of the most wealthiest women I know. My definition of wealth is defined by my family, who we are, where we come from, who we be and what we do. I wish you a very a Happy Mother’s Day,…today and always!
May 9, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa Rizal finishes weaving the ANB (Alaska Native Brotherhood) and ANS (Alaska Native Sisterhood) logos.
Weaving an average of 9 hours per day for the past 5 months, Clarissa must deliver this robe to Portland Art Museum staff members in Juneau during SHI’s biennial “Celebration” this mid-June.
Clarissa begins weaving the (SHI) Sealaska Heritage Institute’s logo (bottom center)
Read about Clarissa’s design description of this robe is in a previous blog entry: http://www.clarissarizal.com/blogblog/?p=2914
Clarissa’s progression of the Sealaska Heritage Institute’s logo in the “tail” of the overall design of the robe.
May 2, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, North Tide, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Ursala;s Graduation cap
Our family has “style.” We are very much into creating our own style of dress, decor, language, etc. My parents were both very stylish and so are my kids. So when Ursala said she wanted to paint her graduation cap to wear during the Ft. Lewis College ceremony, how could I be surprised?
Clarissa Rizal quickly sketches the design for her daughter’s graduation cap
Apr 17, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa Rizal and apprentice Teahonna James – April 15, 2014
It’s nerve-wracking to weave a Chilkat robe in a total of 5 months, absolutely nerve-wracking. Though when I have a student who lives an hour from me who is willing to make the drive and sleep in my studio to learn how to weave, that is a real plus for me to make the deadline — and of course, it’s a plus for her because she gets to learn how many tricks-of-the-trade and how to weave a robe! So the trade is perfect for both of us!
Teahonna James has shown a great dedication to herself and I in learning how to weave Chilkat. She is totally committed, has a sense of balance and organizational skills and is a talented “expert” in weaving….but I’m not going to tell her that so we can avoid getting big-headed about it! %^} I appreciate having the gift of apprentices who squeeze Chilkat weaving in between the lines! Recent apprentices Crystal Rogers and Vanessa Morgan are two others who do this too.
There are several other apprentices too from the distant past who have become strong weavers and teachers in their own communities. I know my mentor and teacher of Chilkat, Jennie Thlunaut would be proud of them too. There is a sense of peace knowing that I fulfilled my promise to Jennie; there is a sense of pride with the students knowing they are a major part of that promise.
Thank you, Teahonna; I appreciate you making the time and effort to come over the past couple of weekends to assist me in gettingerdun!
Apr 12, 2014 | Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects |
The beginning collection for a library…
A couple of weeks ago, I decided I would create a library for my team members in Worldventures, a network marketing company based in Dallas, Texas offering wholesale travel. For the past couple of months, I have been in my own personal training to become a network marketing professional — I’m “Going Pro”. I have read a number of books, listened to self-help CD’s, watched DVD’s and youtube videos — all quite inspiring and motivational with great trainings in techniques and personal development.
Before I begin inviting folks to take a look at our WV services, I want to provide a support system that would assist in the new member’s home-study course in network marketing and of course info on this specific company. I hired my daughter to create a blog website specifically for WV members of the Four Corners area. I typed out notes to my favorite network marketing professionals and xeroxed copies. I also created a library of books whose topics range from financial advice to personal growth and spirituality to network marketing. I collected most of these books from our local thrift shops at great deals, or in some cases, they were free!
Carving the book stamp…
I carved a small stamp from linoleum to mark the books that are “mine.” Just want to make sure that the books are returned. —- I love creating little libraries. There’s something about handling a hard copy book as opposed to the viral books on line, though there are wonderful reasons to have books to read on our latest technological devices!
Each book is stamped on the inside cover to provide identity and unity
If you would like to check out our company, visit my company page by clicking here. If you like what you see and want just the discount travel product, contact me; if you would like to join our exciting network marketing team, contact me; if you would like to do both, well then, what are you waiting for!?
Apr 4, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, To See or Not to See |
TheGreat Sand Dunes between Crestone and Alamosa, Colorado is 30 square miles at the base of 14,000+ peaks
I will learn to take weekends off on a regular basis from creative endeavoring work. Weekends are a luxury for the self-employed and it’s about time I incorporate this type of luxury, (though in the next two months I have a major deadline to complete the Chilkat robe I am weaving), so I am postponing regular weekends until AFTER I deliver the robe!
Having at least one day off from work helps rejuvenate and revitalize our bodies, mind and spirit. We need this type of “food” to nourish and support us. It helps keep our creative juices flowing!
I appreciate a great travel partner who instigates simple great adventures and is attracted to the same subtle and not-so-subtle images, energies and beauty in nature. Of the many places Dan and I have traveled to and through in Western North America over the past 5 years, from the American Southwestern states up through Montana, Alberta, Yukon and Southeast Alaska, the early evening day trip to the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado last weekend captured my entire being. I felt as though I were walking on holy ground, sacred ground…vulnerable yet spiritually and physically powerful. I am happy I followed Dan’s lead to this place of mysticism and sacredness.
Patterns made by the wind
These are the highest sand dunes in North America up to 750 feet covering 30 square miles at the base of the Colorado Rockies between Crestone and Alamosa. We arrived in mid-afternoon when the sun was lowering on the horizon for better contrast of light and dark. I complained like a kid “…are we there yet!?” because the straight highway drive was absolutely boring, especially after driving through phenomenal scenery driving down from the Leadville area the day before!!
The Great Sand Dunes National Monument Park has excellent signs guiding visitors to respect the environment with do’s and don’ts
I yearn to return to the Sand Dunes. I imagine just to sit and be there. In peace. Alas, I have other commitments and major deadlines one right after the other; I have a Chilkat robe that I have to finish weaving by June 1st, then I have to deliver it, then I have 6 classes to teach in Yukon and Alaska and I do not return back to Colorado until mid-Summer when the Sand Dunes Park will be cluttered with too many people!!! — So alas, we must wait until AFTER Labor Day weekend because we will avoid the crowds.
Dark and light waves has been imprinted in my heart and mind inspiring me to want to paint, draw, charcoal images of nothing but sand dune language!
Dan soaks up the sunset, the silence and stillness
I know Dan and I must return to this place. Not just for an afternoon but for at least an entire week. Camp out. Hike. Bike. Play flute. Play a hand drum. Do Tai Chi. Take photos. Paint. Draw. Sit and be still at the top of one of the 750 ft. peaks. I have even imagined living nearby just a few miles South of the dunes, or make a yearly trek in a camper van and just hang out. I have never been to a place that has tempered me like the way a camp fire tempers me. I feel a large solid heart filling my entire chest and abdomen – it is obvious the spirit of the Great Sand Dunes has filled me to no end. We shall return. Soon.
Who would walk with their back against the sunset?
Click Here …..to view more photos of the Great Sand Dunes…and better yet, the next time you are in Colorado, check out the power and spirit of this magnificent place!
Apr 1, 2014 | Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, Uncategorized |
Cheap Chilkat weaving in colors of red (a taboo), black, turquoise and cream — by Clarissa Rizal 1985
30 years ago, when there were less than a handful of weavers, I thought I’d try my hand at Chilkat weaving without an instructor. I wove this Chilkat sampler using cheap clothesline for warp and commercial 4-ply black, turquoise, cream and red (a taboo) weft yarns. Instead of using the traditional yellow, I thought red would be nifty because the rest of our traditional artwork uses these same colors, so why not?
According to a Chilkat weaving elder from Haines, Alaska, the late Maria Ackerman Miller warned me not to use red in the weaving because it signifies the weaver as being egotistical. Both Maria and the late Jennie Thlunaut said weavers only use red for example in the tongue of a wolf.
Cotton clothesline used as warp for a Chilkat sampler by Clarissa Rizal — 1985
I have never publicly shown this weaving until now. I’ve hidden it for 30 years and it is now coming out of the closet. I have reasons for this. I want to show an example of one of my very first attempts at Chilkat weaving, where I didn’t have some one to help “show me the way” nor receive proper instruction on using fine, traditional materials or to teach me the taboos…yet (not until my apprenticeship with Jennie Thlunaut the following year in 1986). I show this sampler here also to show any beginner students of Chilkat weaving to have compassion for self as you learn the intricacies of weaving in this style; you WILL become a better weaver — a few of us start out as perfect weavers, others like myself do not! Not until last year have I felt like I know what I am doing in Chilkat weaving… 30 years later! hello!
I also wanted to show my tendency to get a big head, especially when I was younger!
Teachings such as the ones I received from Maria Miller Ackerman and Jennie Thlunaut are invaluable; they help keep us on the right “spiritual” path. Our elders will tell us many things we do not understand, though we have the respect to follow through with their words and their example without question. In our culture, we do not ask the question “why?” A respectful Native (or non-Native) person will heed an elder’s lead.
It is good to be humbled now and then. Sometimes we do get big-headed; we forget the words of our Native mentors, though there are things that bring us back to “who we are.”
Mar 31, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness |
After 20 years of not doing Tai Chi, Clarissa plays with spontaneous movements based on the ancients. — (The lighting in Southwest Colorado is like none other! This photo was not Photoshopped) — Photo by Ursala Hudson
On another intense deadline to complete half of a full-size Chilkat robe in 6 weeks is not only daunting, but sounds ridiculous, right? Like, will I have time to sleep a full night, conduct other business, tend to family, household chores, play with grandchildren, and have a picnic now and then with my Dandan? Where do I fit in some exercise?
The real question is: will I really achieve the goal of completing the robe by June 1st?
Mar 29, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
The three marks above the Sealaska Corporation logo…Clarissa Rizal
The top of the shared head and beaks of the “Eagle” and “Raven” of the Sealaska Corporation logo — by Clarissa Rizal
Almost completion of the shared eye of the “Eagle” and “Raven”, Sealaska Corporation logo — by Clarissa Rizal
