Dec 10, 2010 | Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
The "Ghost Face" Chilkat bag has been re-donated for another fundraiser for Robert Lampe
It’s true; Connie Hamann, the winner of the Chilkat “Ghost/Spirit Face” bag, has re-donated the Chilkat bag for another fundraiser effort for Robert Lampe as he undergoes chemotherapy treatments. She felt it was more important to help support the cause than to wear this handbag. Wow, thank you Connie! So this is how we are going to handle this fundraiser: the 10th person who contributes $100 wins the bag!
For those of you who missed out on the last fundraiser, here is your chance…!
To make a contribution, please notify me of your intent first via email at: clarissa@www.clarissarizal.com This helps me keep track of the chronological order of contributions. THEN, mail a check directly to: Robert Lampe, P.O. Box 413, Hoonah, Alaska 99829
Or you may pay via Paypal. To do this, go to the 1st fundraiser announcement blog entry on this site. Click the “Health and Wellness” category to the right – when that page opens up, scroll down and select the blog entry titled “Tlingit Art Opportunity Fundraiser…” Once that page opens up, scroll down the page to the “Donate” button and click through. When you donate via Paypal, I automatically receive an email of your payment.
Remember, the odds are 1 in 10 that you may win that bag! Good luck and thank you once again for your support!
Dec 9, 2010 | Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Compelling Tlingit lecturer David Katzeek
I dropped all my other deadlines this past Monday and ran into town just to see David Katzeek speak; who wouldn’t? 30 years ago, David was the Executive Director of the Sealaska Heritage Foundation. I used to work as their Scholarship Coordinator. He was the first to tell me how my clan, the T’akDeinTaan were known for their singers and clan songs. (I think he knew I could kind of hold a tune in a bucket.) he always had words of encouragement for everyone. Back then he was just finding this big voice deep within. Over the years I have had the opportunity to hear this compelling speaker; he is an invaluable treasure.
Standing room only at the Sealaska Corporation's board room "brown bag" series of lectures during Native American Heritage month
David spoke about providing the basics of learning how to learn and the importance of positive reinforcement conveying to each human being that they are a “precious” being. Sealaska Heritage Institute has been sponsoring these Monday brown-bag lectures. If you missed David’s lecture, grab a cup of tea or coffee, light a fire or candle and be inspired while you watch Sealaska Heritage Institute’s video at: http://www.vimeo.com/17573934
Familiar locals in the audience: photographer Brian Wallace, curriculum developer Linda Belarde, lawyer Kathy Ruddy and I suspect a Juneau Empire reporter because he acted like one!
The Juneau Empire’s Tuesday edition also has a review of David’s lecture at: http://juneauempire.com/stories/120710/loc_746903841.shtml
Dec 8, 2010 | Honoring Others |
Aloizy Kuchta
…and with a name like “Kootka”, it sounded like an Indian name and I figured he was part Tlingit! Instead I found out from reading the Juneau Empire’s obituary his name is Aloizy Kuchta and he’s originally from Poland. (Huh, oh? That explains his Eastern European accent; gawd, what do I know?)
Al and I hadn’t seen one another in years, however we ran into each other during Celebration weekend back in June in front of Goldbelt’s hotel. We hugged, shook hands, laughed and wondered where the other was all this time! I even took a photo of us on my little digital camera (and I looked all over for that photo in my iPhoto files and could not find it – I am sad I do not have that photo).
After reading his obituary, I realized this man has known me all my life! No wonder (like many of us) he was always so kind. He watched me grow up: holding my parents’ hands, walking to school, running around in the woods, on the docks, on my bike, building bonfires out Thane Road, rowing “borrowed” skiffs, holding hands with a boyfriend, then being married, raising children, doing my landscaping business, etc. etc. Just think about all the people he watched grow up in this town.
My father and Al were friends; they had similar interests in fishing and hunting. Al was like a distant uncle not so distant. He always wore twinkling eyes, even when I last saw him back in June. Although he was obviously (finally) getting old, I could still feel in him the robust strength and love of life.. He walked just a little slower, he nodded his head a bit gentler, yet he still had that uplifting hug!
Al was one of Juneau’s old-timers. We “big city” kids grew up with familiar downtown Juneau faces – so many of them are gone now. With the familiarity of these folks, there was a sense of security. Many old timers watched out for us. When I see old people still walking around, even as slow as they might be, they are a treasure; it’s like having beautiful flowers on the table and quoting my friend Brien: “…reminding us how short life is…”
As our parents’ generation is moving on, the “Baby-boomer” generation is moving into the position of being “old-timers.”
There will be a service at the Catholic Church this Saturday, December 11th at 9:30am. You may read more about Al Kuchta in the Juneau Empire at: http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/120510/obi_746080692.shtml
Dec 7, 2010 | Health and Wellness |
Check this out! Plastic glasses with tiny holes can assist in training and strengthening your eyes to "see"
I am terribly spoiled; I have always had 20/10 vision my entire life until recently – Like many of us, I have to use reading glasses; my arms are just not long enough anymore and I read as if I’m playing the trombone. To no avail have I trained myself to keep a pair of glasses handy. I’m always reaching for them somewhere. And you know what? I’m tired of depending on glasses to read or write or paint or weave or sew; I’m frustrated when I have to stop whatever I’m doing and I’m in a groove, in a flow creating art – then dang, if I have to look for the glasses.
So a friend noticed my irritation one day and suggested that I try a pair of these glasses – the kind that are supposed to be able to help bring back your vision. Two days ago I bought a pair at Rainbow Foods. They are made of plastic with tiny pinholes: weird. Well, I’m one to give things a try as long as there aren’t any side effects. I immediately began using them. Believe it or not, I can read just 4 inches away from my nose. I do not use my reading glasses any more; I use these every day, even when I work on the computer – I have found that it is actually more comfortable on my eyes to use these glasses than reading glasses because these glasses cut out 1/2 of the blaring computer light. I have less visual stress! I think this $20 investment is one of the best things i can do for my eyesight.
These glasses are called “Natural Eyes – A safe, completely natural relaxation technique for your eyes…..vision training for your eyes…takes only minutes a day…”
Want to know how this system works? The following are excerpts from the booklet that comes with this pair of glasses:
“Background Information: Vision techniques are not really anything new. Various applications of visiion training have been used throughout history. The Indian yogi, Patanjali, devised techniques to tone and condition the extraocular muscle more than 2,000 years ago.
In the 7th century te Greek physician Paulus Aeginta used a mask which had eye holes in it forcing the crossed eye to straighten out.
In the early 20th century, the American opthalmologist, William H. Bates, commented, after 30 years of research: “The theory that poor vision is unavoidable does not fit the observed facts, and I have seen many cases in which errors of refraction spontaneously recovered or changed form.” Bates further believed that stress can adversely affect the visual system. To induce relationship, he advocated covering the eyes and swinging body. He devised exercises to improve eye movements and help sharpen acuity. Through his research, and the continued research of his followers, the field of behavioral optometry was born.
Stress Reduction: In a high-pressure technological society, stress and tension may have been an affect on vision especially for people who do a lot of reading, accounting, or computer work. It is important that we take the time to release the stress and tension that builds up in our lives and our bodies. Relaxation and exercises may proven to be important stress reducers.
Natural Eyes: You may notice that when you wear your Natural Eyes, blurred objects come into better focus. The phenomenon occurs with no magnification or corrective lenses involved. Dr. Janet Goodrich explains: “The clarity is due to the fact the blur circle on the retina is reduced.”
Wearing Your Natural Eyes: Try to wear Natural Eyes at least 15 minutes or more each day. Wear Natural Eyes for distance of close-up viewing. You may use Natural Eyes for watching TV, videos, reading, or working on your computer. While wearing Natural Eyes your field of vision is reduced. DO NOT attempt any activities that require a full field of vision. DO NOT Drive a car or motorcycle – DO NOT ride a bicycle, walk or job – DO NOT use when preparing food – Only wear Natural Eyes when stationary.
The hole pattern on your Natural Eyes will gradually seem to disappear after your eyes have adjusted. Natural Eyes should be worn over your eyes, not over contacts or glasses.
Adjusting Your Natural Eyes: IF your Natural Eyes do not fit properly, submerge the glasses in warm water for no longer than 10 minutes. This will help to soften the frames. Then take Natural Eyes out of the water and slowly bend the nose arch until they fit properly. When cooled, they will remain in the new adjusted position.
Eye Exercises: Following a simple eye exercise program for a few minutes a day along with your Natural Eyes may naturally enhance the ability of your eyes to focus. (this booklet lists) an exercise program designed to aid in the relaxation of your eyes. It is not necessary to wear Natural Eyes while doing the following eye exercises: (with illustrations, this booklet suggests Eye Stretching, Scanning, Pencil Push-ups, Palming and Swinging).
Note: Results from use of Natural Eyes may vary from individual to individual. Such use is not intended in any way to be a substitute for serves from an eye care professional, as may be required.”
I want my eyesight back; I intend to keep on creating my art without the crutch of reading glasses. In about 4 months, I’ll let y’all know whether or not my eyesight has improved any.
Dec 6, 2010 | Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Lily and Betty stand before Clarissa's showing of her latest paintings on canvas (with a few prints)
I didn’t walk Juneau’s Gallery Walk last weekend; instead I exhibited my latest paintings. There’s a first time for everything. I haven’t shown any of my Tlingit-influenced contemporary works on canvas until this past week. First I displayed my work at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market during Thanksgiving weekend, then a few days later at Sealaska’s Annual Holiday Fair, and then the next night at the First Friday Gallery Walk in Juneau. Three shows in one week. That’s enough for the year. I’m wiped out. Yet, I am energized by the public response to my paintings. I received three main responses: either folks loved the colorful images, or were taken aback and wondered what the heck I was doing, or they paid it no mind. All the responses were acceptable – if I had no responses, I think the work would be considered “dead.”
Clarissa with her Limited Edition of dolls entitled "An Ocean Runs Through Us"
I began working in this contemporary style about 10 years ago when i started making collages influenced by my friend Cecil Touchon (www.ceciltouchon.com). He encouraged me to take our hand-silkscreened reject prints and make collages. I had been saving the rejects for about 15 years and knew some day that I would put them to use and create collages. Then this past year, like Cecil, i began making paintings based on some of the collages.
Mary and Roz's "Trickster Visions"display their hand-crafted copper, abalone and Mother-of-Pearl earrings
Daniel Buckscott's photographs are a backdrop for his wife Jennifer's table of home-made jams and jellies along with home-made soaps graced with photo images of Daniel's Alaskan images
Perseverance Theatre were giving away tickets to "This Wonderful Life" if you answered pertinent questions of the classic play - opening night was the same night as this evening's Gallery Walk, Friday December 3rd - the play will run each weekend through December 26th (except Christmas Day)
Many thanks to fiddlers Lis Saya and her son, Lief who played Classic Christmas songs for several hours
First-time viewers of Clarissa's contemporary Tlingit-influenced paintings on canvas
Girlfriends since they were their children's present age, Miah Lager with son, Indie and Lily Hudson with daughter, Betty
...and with a Grandma...
Tlingit language teacher, Marsha Hotch with linguist Alice Taft and Clarissa
Grandma Kathy Hope Erickson with daughter, Kelsey and grand-daughter Isadora, and Lis
Lis Saya (again) with Irene Robinson and her daughters Katy Harman and Jacqueline Harman Tagaban
Nov 30, 2010 | Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Juneauite Connie Hamann won 1st Place: the Chilkat "Ghost Face" leather bag
Thank you to all who donated towards the cancer fundraiser for my brother, Robert Lampe! The winners are as follows:
1st Place: Connie Hamann, Juneau — 2nd Place: Eileen McDargh, Dana Pt., CA — 3rd Place: Atricia Makaily, Juneau — 4th Place: Jan Parrish, Juneau
The drawing was held at 4pm, Sunday, November 28th at Clarissa Rizal’s Public Market booth at Centennial Hall in Juneau. 10 minutes before the drawing, silversmith and friend, Ria (Swanson) Larson donated a pair of her silver “Forget-me-not” earrings; thank you Ria! You may visit Ria’s website at www.riaswanson.com
2nd Place winner, Eileen McDargh lives in Dana Point, California – I am sorry I cannot provide a photo of her being thrilled at accepting her gift. However, you may enjoy the smiling faces of Atricia and Jan.
Juneauite Trisha Makaily won 3rd Place of "Gray Wolves" Limited Edition Giclee reproduction
Juneauite Jan Parrish won a pair of "Forget-Me-Not" silver earrings donated and made by Ria (Swanson) Larson
We raised a total of $1375.00. Robert (Bunny) and his wife, Sarah arrived from Anchorage yesterday from his first round of chemotherapy. Perfect timing – just 15 minutes after Clarissa walked in the door from closing at the Public Market, Bunny and Sarah arrived. They were quite surprised, honored and humbled to receive this kind of support from (most of the) folks they don’t even know.
As many of us know, there are all kinds of “hidden” expenses for families undergoing cancer treatments (i.e. travel, food, household bills, etc.). Any funds a family receives is always a blessing. Again, thank you very much to all of you who contributed towards this fundraiser. In our Tlingit language: Gunalcheesh!
Nov 30, 2010 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, North Tide |
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Where's the real reality - water or sky?
- You would think I would tire of Mendenhall Glacier and icebergs – I guess I am making up for lost time where I hadn’t been visiting this Wonder of the World most of my life until this past Summer/Fall
It could be all about the icebergs!
With Climate Change and all, who knows how much longer we'll have big chunks of ancient ice - you ever think about this? In our lifetime, the ice may be completely gone...and then what?
Alaska is an enormously beautiful country. We are very fortunate in many ways to be blessed with such wonder.
Mendenhall Glacier
Just in case you missed it the first time...
Nov 29, 2010 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, North Tide |
High Tide Near Walmart - a VERY unusual site to see the tide this high unless of course, it's November!
As you will notice, I did not include photos taken during our storms sometimes with 100-mile-an-hour winds – of course I didn’t include any here because I wasn’t out in the storms. During November, I was too busy preparing for the Public Market to run around in our Fall storms.
Lemon Glacier in unusually sunny weather during November in Juneau, Alaska
5 Swans in our first snow of the season
Winged Mt. Jumbo on Douglas Island
Nov 28, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Clarissa's Booth C-4 at Alaska-Juneau's Public Market displays her recent acrylics on canvas, Limited Edition Giclee reproductions, hand-made dolls, last of her greeting cards and hand-silkscreened prints, and a few copies of her Chilkat Weaver's Handbook
The last time Clarissa did the Public Market was back in 1989 where after her move back to Alaska from New Mexico; she had a booth in the center of the lobby and introduced the then intriguing dream catcher to Juneau. The Market was fun back then as it is even now!
Limited Edition Giclee prints and original paintings include "Rain", "Tlingit Jedi", "Totemic Theories", "Good Thing I'm Crazy Else I'd Go Insane", "Gray Wolves", "Frog Speaks" and prints of her "Tlingit World Series" collages
Clarissa's mother, Irene Lampe and brother, Rick Lampe pay a visit to the booth
“Across the street” is Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring Native drums, moccasins, carvings, rugs, jewelry and the best collection of antique shell buttons I’ve ever seen! He’s turning 49 today – we’re just gonna have to beat those drums, sing Happy Birthday Tlingit style and shake a leg!
Mt. Juneau Trading Post's booth at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market "across the street" from Clarissa Rizal's
Fabulous Northwest Coast Native art (and regalia-making supplies) at the Mt. Juneau Trading Post
Jack Tripp, Jr.'s fabulous display of Tlingit art - check out the Chilkat wool rug handwoven in Nepal (no, it's not a traditional ceremonial robe - it's a rug!)
Nov 28, 2010 | Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, To Market To Market |
Juneauites cheer the sampling of Devil's Club Chai tea created by Ryder Radcliffe, son of Jan Parrish, accupuncturist and owner of Alaskana Botannicals
Handmade wreaths, healing salves, Devil’s Club Chai and walking sticks, applie and rhubarb/strawberry pie, and essential oil spray mists are (all hand-crafted) items you will discover at Alaskana Botannical’s booth C-3 at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market held this weekend at the Centennial Hall in Juneau. Visiting with Jan Parrish and her son, Ryder Radcliffe is an educational experience. I’ve learned many healthier ways of living as I’ve heard them speak with customers because my booth is right next door to theirs. We did not put up a dividing wall between us, and I’m glad we didn’t; it’s great to have “real neighbors!” Visit Alaskan Botannical’s website at: www.alaskanabotannicals.com
Jan Parrish and Ryder Radcliffe at their Alaska-Juneau Public Market Booth #C-3
We’ve got one more day of the Public Market – tomorrow from 10am until 5pm – musician friend Lis Saya is talking about bringing her fiddle to accompany the possibility of a Native drummer at Jack Tripp, Jr.’s Mt. Juneau Trading Post featuring traditional Native arts which is “across the street” from Clarissa Rizal’s contemporary Native paintings and Alaskana Botannicals…maybe there will even be a “street” dance! – Come join us for our last day at the Market!
Devil's Club walking and stirring sticks available for sale at Alaskana Botannical's booth C-3
Alaskan wild-harvested healing salves include Devil's Club, Comfrey and Spruce sap
jams and jellies include wild-harvested Alaskan berries
Ryder's special unique blend of Devil's Club Chai tea
Two "Medicine Women" customer Susan Clark and Jan Parrish, owner of Alaskana Botannicals
Family support for Alaskana Botanicals!
Spray mists include Jan's unique blends, artfully named "Glacier Mist", "Raven Woman" and Clarissa's favorite "Eagle's Feather"
What's a market without Alaskan rhubarb and strawberry pies!?
Nov 26, 2010 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
A portion of Clarissa Rizal's "Frog Speaks" acrylic painting on canvas - In this photo, the painting is not quite finished but it will be finished by the Public Market opening Friday, November 26th at noon - it measures approximately 40"w x 52"h
A few places I’ve exhibited my work are in Banff and Vancouver Canada, Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Seattle, Washington; and have done demonstrations at the Smithsonian in New York and Washington D.C. I do not recall exhibiting my work in my own home town! Like, what’s up, huh? Am I just too good for Juneau? NOT!
During this 3-day weekend, at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market in Centennial Hall, I will show some of my latest contemporary, acrylic paintings on canvas amongst a few of my favorite Giclee reproduction limited edition of prints on canvas, and a Collector’s Edition of handmade dolls. I will also have a few copies of my Chilkat Weavers’ Handbook available for sale.
Come visit and check out my work at Booth C-4 in the main hall of Centennial Hall. And while visiting me at my booth, you may still make a donation towards the fundraiser for my brother Robert Lampe, who is presently undergoing chemotherapy in Anchorage. All three of the gift items will be available for viewing at my booth. You don’t remember what those gift items were? Check out my entry here on this blog under the “Health and Wellness” section; click “Tlingit Art Fundraiser Opportunity for Robert Lampe.” The drawing will be held the last day of the Market on Sunday, November 28 at 4pm.
Limited Edition of 8 Tlingit-design dolls entitled "An Ocean Runs Through Us"
Juneau Public Market hours are Friday, noon to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 5pm. I look forward to seeing you at the Market!
Nov 25, 2010 | Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Cecilia Kunz's family members dance in remembrance of her during the opening ceremonies of Mary Ellen Frank's doll presentation at the Juneau City Museum
On Saturday morning, November 20th, my mother and I went to the Juneau City Museum to see Mary Ellen Frank’s public presentation of her Tlingit elder “Cecilia Kunz” doll. The doll was purchased for the City Museum’s permanent collection from a Rasmuson grant. We entered a packed house witnessing a group of dancers from Cecilia’s family members. The following photographs are a few shots taken during the presentation – these dolls are incredible!
Micalyne Kunz watches a video clip of her grandma Cecilia Kunz
Kim Metcalfe introduces the interview of Cecilia Kunz she had videotaped with her brother Mac Metcalfe
Doll maker Mary Ellen Frank presents the "Cecilia Kunz" doll in the same regalia Micalyne models, just in miniature form!
Ed Kunz, Jr., holds the doll of his mother Cecilia Kunz
Friend Frank Coronell checks out the Cecilia Kunz doll
Micalyne Kunz wears her Grandmother Cecilia Kunz's tunic - the doll's tunic is a replication of the tunic Cecilia beaded for herself many years ago
Mary Ellen Frank surprises the family with a gift of the "Ed Kunz" doll!
Ed Kunz, Jr. meets "Ed Kunz, Jr."
Micalyne Kunz and Ed Kunz, Jr. stand besides the mother and son dolls handmade by doll maker Mary Ellen Frank
"Cecilia Kunz" and "Ed Kunz, Jr."
Backside of life-size and miniature regalia
A close-up of the backside of "Cecilia Kunz's" tunic - check out the miniature beads!
A close-up front view of the "Cecilia Kunz" doll's tunic
