Mar 18, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The basic sketch using oil pastels – Clarissa Rizal
I first heard about the beautiful Blanco River Basin from my friend, Nancy Vidal who has lived in Juneau, Alaska for nearly 40 years. When I moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado 21 years ago, she said her family had a home in the Upper Blanco Basin. In fact, we met a a few folks who still live in the basin who grew up with Nancy and her family. A couple of days ago, I spent an afternoon with Dan in the Basin during a sunny, early Springtime day. Dan enjoyed his time photographing this awesome landscape while I did my very first landscape drawing. Such a fine day!
According to one of the few resident’s perspective of Square Top Mountain in the Blanco Basin, “…this is the front side of the mountain…”
I felt right at home here in the Basin with big mountains, some scarred with barren slopes of glacial markings and others covered with evergreens; the Blanco River ran clear and steady sparkling in the sun like Alaska on a rare sunny day.
The Upper Blanco River; Pagosa Springs, Colorado – when we compare the size of our rivers in Alaska to the size of the rivers here in the Southwest, we are reminded about how big everything is in Alaska.
In 99% of my photographs in my blog entries I do not use Photoshop to enhance colors or change my photographs. I am making note of this herein because the intensity of the blue skies in these photos indeed capture the nature intensity in these photos.
The Hare Ranch, Upper Blanco Basin, Pagosa Springs, Colorado – and yes, folks (especially those of us in the North Country), the sky is really that blue here in the Southwest…!
Supplies for on-site drawing: Nice folding wooden chair, drawing pad, oil pastels, water bottle and chips with a hand-woven basket to stash it all.
I totally forgot I have a portable easel that I could have used; oh well, there will be a next time because I have every intention of doing more “plen-air” landscapes this year! I love being outdoors in beautiful country in great weather, either gathering foods for winter, gathering supplies for weaving and now the bug of creating art images outdoors has gotten under my skin!
Mar 17, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
A 1/4 slice of the “Resilience” Chilkat robe as of Friday, March 14, 2014 – woven by Clarissa Rizal
One of the most important challenges a Chilkat weaver encounters on a daily basis is creating the balancing act of the following: taking care of other business (personal & business), making time with family, main relationship and friends, and making time for our health and well-being. The past week has been challenging. I just want to make sure I get the next section of weaving done (the Sealaska Corporation logo) by next weekend. However, I’ve spent a day preparing for and partaking in a birthday for a grand-daughter, spent a day supporting a friend in a medical challenge, spent a day recouperating from both events, and spent another day dealing with the insurance/registration/wheels of a car, insurance/mortgage on the house, figuring out how to replace the washer machine when we don’t have the finances for another, attending a conference call and placing orders online for supplements. That’s four days of no weaving; that is most frustrating when I am pressed with a deadline to complete this robe on time!
In the world of Chilkat weaving we just have to take a deep breath knowing fully well the robe will get done in time and say to ourselves: C’est la vie!
Mar 10, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Chilkat Weaving Class taught by Clarissa Rizal and Lily Hope at SEARHC’s Board Room, Juneau, Alaska — July 2010 — L to R: Fausto Paulo, Mary Ebona Miller, Gail Dabaluz, Trisha Makaily, Leandrea Makaily, Catrina Mitchell, Ricky Tagaban, Lily Hope, & Jeanette Tabor
As of this date March 10, 2014, there are five Chilkat or Ravenstail weaving classes Clarissa will be teaching this Summer in Alaska, Yukon, B.C. and Washington State; here’s her schedule (subject to change depending on additional classes):
Chilkat Weaving Class held at Catrina Mitchell’s home, Juneau, Alaska — 2010
1). One Day “Gain-Confidence-In-Chilkat-Skills Class held the day after Celebration 2014 in Juneau, Alaska: Sunday, June 15th; 9am to 3pm Location: TBA For a description of the class, costs, etc., please read the blog entry with specific details of this class by clicking here.
For further information and sign up, please contact Clarissa at: clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com
Chilkat and Ravenstail weavers taught by Ann Smith and Clarissa Rizal gather on the back deck of the Kwaanlin Dun Cultural Center on the Yukon River, Whitehorse, Yukon Territory – June 2013
2). Ann Smith will be teaching Ravenstail and Clarissa will be teaching Chilkat Weaving during the week of the Adaka Festival at the Kwaanlin Dun Cultural Center in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada — June 27th through July 3rd, 2014
To see photos and read about last year’s Chilkat/Ravenstail weaving class taught by Ann and Clarissa during the Adaka Festival 2013, click here.
To inquire or sign up for this year’s class, contact Charlene Alexander, Executive Coordinator of the Adaka Festival
The cabin of Chilkat Weaving demonstration at the Teslin “Celebration 2013” in Teslin, Yukon Territory
3). Clarissa will teach a two-week Ravenstail Weaving Class July 6 through July 21st, at the Teslin Cultural Center on the shores of Teslin Lake. We will weave a headband; all equipment, supplies and materials will be provided.
Click here to see photos and read about last year’s Chilkat Weaving Gathering and Demo in the cabin which is part of artist’s demonstration during Teslin’s Biennial Celebration 2013.
Inquire or sign up with Melaina Sheldon at the Teslin CC at: Melaina.Sheldon@ttc-teslin.com
4). (Note: There will be just a 3-day break from the Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin to demonstrate at the Atlin Music Festival in Atlin, B.C., the weekend of July 11, 12 & 13th. The Teslin class students (and the Whitehorse or any Alaskan weavers) have the option to demonstrate weaving at the Atlin Music Festival; though your attendance is not required. We will resume the second week of the Ravenstail weaving class in Teslin on Tuesday, July 15th, ending July 21st. )
To see photos and read about last year’s weaving demonstration at the Atlin Music Festival, click here
Teahonna James demonstrates at the Atlin Music Festival, Atlin, B.C., Canada – July 2013
5). A beginner’s Chilkat or Ravenstail weaving class in Yakutat is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, July 27 through Thursday, July 31st. Specifics TBA – stay tuned!
6). Clarissa will be teaching Chilkat weaving during a Chilkat Weavers’ Retreat held on Vashon Island, Washington State, during the week of September 9th to the 16th. You must have prior weaving experience and a project already started on your loom.
See more photos and read last year’s blog entry on the Beach House Retreat by clicking here.
Class size is limited to 10 students. For more information and sign up for this year’s Retreat, please contact Sue Shotridge at: sue@shotridgestudios.com
Chilkat Weaving Retreat will be held at the Beach House on Vashon Island, Washington State
Mar 8, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Easy carrying of two 36″ Chilkat weaving looms – the 36-inch loom is generally used for weaving dance aprons, a pair of leggings, a child-size robe, or anything smaller
Each of our Chikat and Ravenstail weaving looms are hand crafted by a local woodworker; it’s not like we can just order these on eBay, Amazon or any fabric or yarn store. Not yet, anyway! Most of our weaving looms are collapsible for easy transport to and from classes, to and from our auntie’s or friend’s house, and to and from the art shows or demonstrations. We need a variety of size of bags to transport our various-sized weaving looms.
Top “wrap-about” zipper of the fabulous Manfrotte (Model # MBAG120PM) for Microphone and music stands – which in this case, thanks to Preston for gifting me this bag, is converted into a Chilkat weaving loom carrying case!
I have hand-made the smaller weaving 24″ looms bags like the black leather one below; however, I need very sturdy, resilient bags for the much larger weaving looms. I have used ski bags with wheels for my 7″ weaving looms, snowboard bags for my 6′ and 5′ weaving looms and most recently this padded microphone/music stand bag with the wrap-around zippered entry at one end!
Two types of weaving loom bags for a 24″ hardwood loom: the black leather bag with button and beadwork trim was made by Clarissa Rizal nearly 25 years ago, and the green cotton bag with front pouch is a yoga mat bag. Both of shoulder straps
When traveling across country by boat, car or plane with a large weaving loom, I recommend owning a padded, sturdy bag, preferrably with wheels! I have traveled annually with my weaving looms of all size for nearly 30 years. I know the ropes, folks — it’s all in the bag!
Mar 6, 2014 | Health and Wellness, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa practices her voice lessons while weaving and exercising on the ball!
A few weeks ago, I bought this exercise ball with the intention that I would somewhat make an attempt to get back into shape. Though I had every intention of “exercising” to which I still don’t just exercise, I used the ball while I was eating meals, while I was on the computer, while practicing voice lessons and reading. Then it dawned on me that I could use it while weaving!!! HELLO!! This is one of the most important pieces of weaving equipment! This is the perfect seat; it is just the right softness, provides perfect posture, moves side to side as you are weaving a long horizontal line, and all while toning up your muscles! GO OUT AND BUY ONE NOW!!!
There are a variety of companies producing “body balls.” They cost about $10 to $20. Generally they are available in three sizes according to your size. Choose the one that is appropriate for your size and color preference – though sometimes you won’t have a color choice.
Generally all balls come with a pump in the package. The above photo shows the pump on the left and the un-inflated ball.
And then I remembered today that Crystal, one of my weaving students, had mentioned that she was going to buy either an ergonomic chair or an exercise ball; that was about a month ago; at 30 years old, she knows how to prepare herself for the best seat in town — golly, where have I been for the past 30 years weaving on a hard bench!? Hello? AND, we must remember that as we get older, let’s face it, our bums begin to lose their natural “padding!” The body balls are THE answer for the rest of your weaving life!
Mar 4, 2014 | Class Act, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Just finished the eyebrows of the Chilkat face – the “being” can now “express” it’s emotions…
I envision many of you Chilkat weavers have started this year off with a project or two on your loom(s), or you are at least intending to complete the one(s) you have on your loom(s) this year! I would like to help inspire and assist you to complete your project(s) and gain confidence as a weaver of Chilkat.
I will be conducting a workshop in Chilkat weaving for just one day in Juneau the day AFTER Celebration on Sunday, June 15th. (Some of you who are from out of town may make arrangements to spend another day to attend this valuable workshop!) My daughter, Lily Hope will be my assistant.
This workshop is for experienced weavers of all levels. “Experienced” meaning you have at least some basic knowledge of how to warp your loom, how to weave the two strand twine and the three-strand braid, etc. This workshop is about refining your skills and gaining confidence as a weaver of Chilkat.
It doesn’t matter to me if you learned from another Chilkat weaver or were a student of mine, we are all in the same boat – you are welcomed to attend.
The workshop will focus on tricks-of-the-trade skills learned from Jennie Thlunaut and those that I developed the past 30 years of weaving. These include (but are not limited to):
- Jennie’s fingering technique for grace, speed and accuracy (Weave a Chilkat robe in 5 to 6 months instead of a year! Yes, this can be your reality!)
- Why we “open wide” (no, this has nothing to do with mouths)
- Why we “give it the finger” (no, this has nothing to do with behavioral problems)
- Jennie’s methods of warp markers, creating square corners with your braids, how to interlock gracefully, etc. (Learned from the
- The importance of paying attention to your braids (like the way you pay attention to your hair braids)
- Why and where you would use two different shades of weft (even Museum staff wonder why this technique was used in the old robes)
- How to weave the various types of noses (let’s make the weaving of noses fun!)
- Which color is woven first when interlocking on a curve (you wouldn’t think so, but this technique is very important)
- Turning the corners of your eyes (oh so very, very important; the mainstay of Chilkat eyes!)
- Splicing (you will know when you are doing this wrong!)
- the “fast-black” weavers (is it a person, place or thing?)
- spinning warp tricks-of-trade (fine warp and weft produces fine weave)
- how to avoid shoulder, neck and back aches (what!? As if this is important!?)
- exercise while weaving (yep, get on the ball, folks; tone yourself up while you weave!)
- why it is best to have several weavings going at once (like I have time to weave more than one weaving!?)
- And whatever else you need to know! (Be assertive; create your list of questions now and bring them to class!)
Date:
- Sunday, June 15, 2014 (the day after Celebration ends)
- 9am to 3pm
Location:
TBA — I have not found a location just yet. I am looking into this. The location depends on the number of people who are interested in this workshop. I may conduct the workshop in someone’s home if we have 10 people or less (because I like having a kitchen so we can eat!), or if we have more than 10, we conduct the workshop in an office boardroom or possibly the JACC, etc.
If you have a suggestion for a location, please let me know.
Supplies:
- I will not be supplying any materials and supplies. You must bring your own loom already “dressed” with your weaving project on it.
- If you need any warp to start a new project before this class begins, I will contact our two warp spinners Ricky Tagaban or Teahonna James; place your orders ASAP.
Requirements:
- You will need to bring your own weaving project already on your loom; also your own tapestry needle, scissors, twine, notebook, pen/pencil, camera
- You may take as many photographs as you want though I will not allow video taping.
- bring food to share (we will be eating our lunch together)
Optional:
- bring your own body ball (click here to see what this is)
Deadline for sign up:
- June 10
- Maximum # of students: 20
Cost:
- $50 cash, check, or visa
- Make payment by June 10th; the earlier the better to reserve your spot in the class
- I will be in Juneau by June 10th
- If you need to pay via visa, we can meet up and I’ll swipe your card on my “Square”; if you pay by check, make it out to “Clarissa Rizal” – and of course, cash keeps things simple and is always welcome!
After Class at 4-5pm:
Directly after class, for about an hour or so, I will be available to talk to those of you who want to be a self-employed artist; those who want to weave, weave and weave, but are wary about making a living at your work. I know that after 37 years of being a full-time, self-employed artist working in a variety of mediums and raising three kids and a husband all the while, I am a living testament to “it can be done!” I can help provide you some advice and opportunities which may assist you in working towards this goal. I will provide you with a list of do’s and don’ts, grant organizations, entrepreneur classes at IAIA, and a couple of methods to make residual income. There will be no charge for this information. Let me know if you are interested and I will pencil you in!
if you are interested in taking this one-day class, contact me via phone (970-903-8386) or email (clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com).
Let’s face it, we’re going to have a blast! (Like “Hello!” — imagine a room of weavers “weaving on the ball!”)
Thank you for your time and interest!
Feb 21, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa Rizal finishes weaving the left “ship” – Valentine’s Day 2014
After 6 weeks of illness, weaving while singing voice lessons is heavenly! Golly, what a life! It feels so good to get back to “Resilience.” I designed and am now weaving this Chilkat robe called “Resilience.” You may see the full pattern with the design description by visiting the blog entry here. And you may see previous photos of the process of weaving this robe up until today by clicking on these blog entries here.
I am 6 weeks behind schedule because of my long winter illness. I am not even a third completed with this robe and it is due by June 15th – that’s only 3.5 months! I wove the “Diving Whale Lovebirds” robe in 5 months; looks like I am on for another marathon!
“Resilience” Chilkat Robe – close up of the eyebrow, the beginning of the Raven’s head – designed and being woven by Clarissa Rizal
Feb 18, 2014 | Health and Wellness, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The modest front of the “UnCalendar” Lifestyle by People Systems
As you all must know by now, I like to have some sense of organization. And if you have forgotten this or you don’t know, this UnCalendar is the BEST way for me to “keep it all together!” If I fall apart at the seams it’s not because I’m emotionally distraught; it’s because I don’t have my Uncalendar! Hello!?
Left page of the week…this is where I write down new plans, or extended old plans, bank deposit notes, projected income and/or IOU’s; it’s also where I write down a person, organization or business’ contact info (up in those left hand corner colored boxes)
I’ve been using these daily planners for the past 5 years. As Christmas gifts, one of my daughters bought one for every woman in the family. I think I am the only one that’s continued to remain anal. They come in two colors: red or blue. And they come in two sizes (if I am not mistaken). I used the 5 x 7 size for the first five years; this year I decided that I needed the 8 x 10…I decided that my plans this year were bigger than 5 x 7!
One of the best things about these planners is that there are no set dates, so you can start a daily planner at any time of the year…you fill in the blanks! I like this kind of freedom.
There are other sections to the daily planner (i.e. month-at-a-glance, etc.) that I did not photograph for here because they have been written in and I don’t particularly want to share my plans, notes, ideas, etc.
Right page of the week…This is where I write down my week’s goals and tasks; easy to visually navigate
If you’d like to purchase these fantastic daily planners, click here to the Uncalendar website, and begin your freedom to express your organizational abilities!
Feb 18, 2014 | Tools-of-the-Trade |
The Woodless Colour Pencils by Koh-I-Noor
About four of years ago, while watching a concert by our mutual long-time friend Buddy Tabor, my friend Lis gifted me a box of unique colour pencils and a drawing pad; typical artist/musicians, we doodled while listening to the concert. I had never seen anything like these. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SHAVE OR SHARPEN YOUR PENCILS!!! —- because there is no wood, it’s all color! Check them out folks; just pure color! You may purchase them through Amazon by clicking here!
Clarissa Rizal colors in a Northwest Coast design-influenced sketch using the “Woodless Colour Pencils”
Feb 16, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
“Ishmael” – a novel by Daniel Quinn — 1st published in 1992
I highly recommend this novel. If there ever was a story that could help explain the differences between any of the Indigenous cultures around the world and the Western way of living, this is the story. After the first 40 years of my life I evolved into becoming aware of the differences; writer Daniel Quinn explains it eloquently and he tells it like the way our elders would have: through a written version of an “oral history” between a Gorilla and a man.
While escaping from the cold in Alaska and Colorado and healing at my friend’s home in the 80 degree warmth of Scottsdale, Arizona this past month, I had some time to actually read because I had to do what is called “bed rest.” Doctor’s orders. There are only a couple of things that can keep me in bed, and book-reading is one of them! Since I was required to rest because of that past bout with Pneumonia, I raided my friend’s bookshelf! Golly, what a feast!
I cannot remember the last time I created the luxury of reading books. It’s been at least 4 or 5 years. “Ishmael” kept me rested!
To purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, please click here
Feb 14, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, To See or Not to See |
The “LOVE” Sculpture at the Scottsdale Civic Center in downtown Scottsdale, Arizona
After over a week, I finally got out of the house a few days ago and attended an outdoor concert at the Scottsdale Civic Center park. There was this sculpture attracting kids and adults alike to hang all over it. Isn’t that what love is like: we just “hang in there” like it’s never gonna go outa style!?
Feb 13, 2014 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
An idea for all those metal-smiths/jewelers of Northwest Coast design work! Design concept by Clarissa Rizal – February 2014
Anyone who has known me closely for a long time knows that these shoes are just not my style; HOWEVER, after I had seen them at T.J. Max these metal “dingdongs” attached to the shoe gave me an idea…an idea that I would like someone to do sometime…like within the next year!
I’d like to see some style of shoes that have carved engravings of Northwest Coast Native design work.
What do you say, you jewelers? You up for it? And what shoe company would go for this kind of thing?
