Sep 23, 2015 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others |
One of several carved pieces by Lyonel Grant for the Evergreen Longhouse Weavers’ Studio, Olympia, WA
I flew to Seattle for a number of reasons: alternative doctor diagnosis and treatment, work with Sue on a button robe, meet up with my niece and fellow artist to discuss our exhibit next year, and check out the Maori/Coast Salish carvings for the planned “Weavers’ Studio” at the Evergreen Longhouse campus in Olympia, Washington.
Maori carving by New Zealand’s number one Maori carver, Lyonel Grant
These carvings were designed and created by the top New Zealand Maori carver, Lyonel Grant. You may check out his website at: www.lyonelgrant.com
Collaborative piece carved by Maori carver Lyonel Grant and Coast Salish carver Peter Boome
Detail carving of Coast Salish artist Peter Boome and Maori artist Lyonel Grant
Sep 21, 2015 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, Tools-of-the-Trade |
One of the most up-town covered, outdoor fire pit shelter seats approximately 150 people in a cozy, intimate setting
A little over 10 years ago, when Preston and I had been talking about putting together the first gathering of Northwest Coast Artists to be held during Celebration 2006 in Juneau, Alaska, he had mentioned Islandwood retreat learning center on Bainbridge Island, Washington State as a possible location. He felt that the location of this beautiful retreat in a heavily wooded forest would foster a networking of life-long friendships, kindle collaborations, and create a very tight group of artists where we could truly focus on any art and cultural issues in a very real way. 10 years and 2 Northwest Coast Native artists gatherings later, we finally made it a point to visit IslandWood yesterday; it was obvious to me during this site visit why Preston insisted on IslandWood as the place for conducting next year’s gathering of Tlingit artists – the location of this retreat is astounding!
The purpose of this gathering of Tlingit artists is to establish a loose coalition of mentors to consciously create a mentorship “guide” for our younger generations so we continue to endorse our future artists in whatever field they work.
The warmth of solid oak and maple dining room
There are five, dedicated, professional Tlingit artists who are at the helm of helping to organize this retreat. They include: Sue and Israel Shotridge, Donna Beaver Pizzarelli, Preston Singletary and myself.
At this time, Artstream Alaska and the Evergreen Longhouse are two organizations who will help sponsor this gathering.
We will be re-vamping the Artstream Alaska website where we will have information on the gathering. The goal for website completion is by November this year.
In the meantime, although all of us work together on all aspects of organizing this gathering, we each have organically “fallen into our main roles.” Sue and Israel works on cultural values and the administration, Preston works on fundraising, Donna gathers materials to eventually design and create the website, and during my travels, I have been networking and collecting names of Tlingit artists.
Standing at the entry to Islandwood’s main hall, program coordinators L to R: Clarissa Rizal, Preston Singletary, Swil Kanim, Sue Shotridge (missing: Donna Beaver Pizzarelli)
At first we were going to invite any and all Northwest Coast artists from any background and tribe. Then we got to thinking about the differences in some of the values and we thought the gathering will already be challenging enough with the variety of egos, that we would like to keep it simple. We will be inviting only Tlingit artists for this gathering. We envision other tribes will be inspired to create their own mentorship program for their next generations.
The main lobby before the “Great Hall…”
IslandWood’s Story:
IslandWood is a nationally recognized outdoor learning center located across Puget Sound from Seattle’s urban center. IslandWood’s mission is to provide exceptional learning experiences and to inspire lifelong environmental and community stewardship. Each year, more than 25,000 people participate in IslandWood’s programs on the 225-acre campus and in communities throughout the region. In addition to our school programs, IslandWood offers a graduate program in partnership with the University of Washington, summer camps, and community programs for children and adults. Revenue from conferences and retreats and contributions from the community enable IslandWood to underwrite our outdoor education programs for children from low-income communities.
For more information on IslandWood, you may visit their website at: www.islandwood.org
Islandwood Program Director Christine welcomes the four of us to tour the small portion of the 250-acre landscape
As I mentioned earlier, Artstream Alaska will be our main sponsor for this project. When the re-vamped website is launched by November 1st, we will be inviting selected Tlingit artists to check out all the information to see if they would like to participate. We are inviting Tlingit artists based on their artistic merit, their involvement in the arts and culture and their obvious concern for the health and well-being of our people.
Sue Shotridge and Preston Singletary walk one of the many paths through the woods on the Islandwood Retreat
Currently, the dates for this 3-day Tlingit Mentorship Retreat is set for next year, September 16 through the 18th, 2016. This will be a retreat. We ask that each artist make a clear commitment all 3 days and nights. We encourage artists to book any outside activities (i.e. visit family and friends in the Seattle area, shopping, sightseeing, etc.) before or after the 3 days.
Just outside Islandwood’s “Great Room”
Once the Artstream website is re-vamped and we’ve got our ducks in order (goal is November 1st), we will send out our invites to our Tlingit artists pointing them to read about our mission statement, the confirmed dates and times, the agenda of the mentorship project, the cultural leaders who will be helping to guide this 3-day event, and the list of artists who will be committing to attend this historical event.
Islandwood’s Welcome plaque just before the shed of many hand carts
Our space has a capacity limit of up to 50 artists. The room and board is covered for each artist attending all 3 days. At this time, we are seeking funds to help pay up to $250 (or less) for each artist’s travel expenses. This will be invitation only, though we are open right now to receive names and contact info of anyone who you may know who fits the bill for a Tlingit mentor.
Stay tuned!
Swil Kanim and Preston Singletary discuss the meaning of being a mentor
Mentorship project coordinators L to R: Swil Kanim, Sue Shotridge, Preston Singletary, Clarissa Rizal
Sep 19, 2015 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Relationship Overdrive, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa pounces the paper pattern of a button robe designed by fellow Tlingit artist Israel Shotridge as he points out making sure she does not veer off the lines!
There have been a few times I have collaborated with an artist; they design something and I make it, or I design something and they make it. In this case, I am preparing to transfer a design onto wool melton cloth to begin making a buttonrobe designed by Israel Shotridge for his daughter, Autumn.
While working on the pouncing (the wheel has many sharp, tiny spokes that punch tiny holes into the paper), Israel asked me if I come to other people’s homes and hang out with them. I laughed. Like what? Do you think I go to someone’s home and help them get a button robe made? No…
Going to the Shotridges’ house is a special treat. Why? Because Israel and Sue are quite the team and they are a kick in the pants to hang out with. And Israel’s wife, Sue is one of my best friends. Bottom line. We talk business, art, Native politics, spiritual stuff and of course, men. What else?
Sep 18, 2015 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The inside pocket of Clarissa’s Franklin Covey Daily Planner
Nearly 40 years I’ve been a multi-tasking artist, mother, partner, etc.; in order to accomplish the variety of tasks I set for myself (being that kind of intense, goal-oriented kind of personality), I had a college-ruled, spiral bound notebook for every aspect of my daily, weekly, monthly activities. Each notebook was dedicated to recording all the dates and necessary information to accomplish goals in each of these categories:
- Household/garden/vehicles
- My art business Clarissa Rizal LLC
- Family members & relatives
- Organizing Community-oriented projects (i.e. theatre and music productions, classes, etc.
I had no idea there were such things as daily planners until about 10 years ago…! Like where in the heck was I raised!?
The zippered pleather Franklin Covey Daily Planner’
I eliminated usage of spiral bound notebooks; I like keeping all my information in one compact place. I refer to my daily planner periodically all day long, seven days a week. I ordered this Franklin Covey daily planner, brand spanking new from Ebay for only $25 which retails at about $70. I scored. For a personality like mine, a daily planner is a must for all I plan on accomplishing.
The inside week sheets of the Franklin Covey Daily Planner
Of course, I plan the week with standard Franklin Covey sheets (shown above). Then there’s the daily routine of “chores” which I check off daily in my custom-designed printed columns (shown below) by my daughter, Ursala Hudson. I indicate phonecalls, emails and texts I must place for the day or week, along with any blog post ideas and/or updates, record the number of hours I weave or number of hours sewing a buttonrobe, contact information for a supplier or appointments at the docs or dates with the family and/or friends. The most pleasurable act of keeping track of my goals is checking off the box when I complete each task! Yep, that simple act of defining an accomplishment!
Divider are custom personalized prints of daily and weekly details created by Ursala Hudson, indpendent artist & designer
Sep 16, 2015 | For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive |
Hankyboy Hudson – on his master’s 28th birthday
7 years and 2 days ago, Hank was given as a birthday gift from a boyfriend to a girlfriend. A sensitive young pup who never outgrew his loving kindness, he passed today in his master’s arms. She said it was the first time she had experienced the spirit pass from its body; as it was leaving, just for a few seconds Hank looked like a bear. Not surprised as his master’s name is Ursala.
Sunset Hank
We’re missing you Hankyboy!
Sep 14, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Like most furs, cut sea otter fur from the back side using a very sharp xacto blade or an old-fashioned shaving blade – Clarissa Rizal 2015
Sea otter, mink and beaver furs are generally used to trim the top edge of Chilkat and Ravenstail robes. I mark on the back side of the pelt about 1/4″ strips. Always cut using a sharp, fine blade along your mark. Try to lift up the pelt as you cut so the blade does not touch the surface of the table; you want to avoid making defined cuts in the fur line. Like anything it takes practice to cut along your defined lines so be easy on yourself!
Sep 8, 2015 | Honoring Others, Poetry Alaskan, Relationship Overdrive, To See or Not to See |
Towards Telluride
A woman as you were not born of man’s legendary rib
Nor from any salt of this earth
A cosmic slipstream bore your name and called you forth way before
The first sun melted mist from the birth of a new island
You walked barefoot amongst the thorns in the wounded wood
Even honoring all those who fell
You and innocence were one with the pines and the willow
And mountains and rooftops could hear you whisper
Even so you planted seeds in protected soil sprouting rainbows
That arched their backs to reflect all divine light rooted in love
Even so child-like laughter blossomed forever in the sound of your name
Above yellow above green above blue above purple
Curtains could keep us separated from a woman like you
Though you moved between the lines with grace, respect and honor
Curtains gathered aside you made pillars of them flexible in the wind
Defining the space of what is and what isn’t
Where are we to come now where are we to go as you have flown higher
Leaving hearts broken but not broken worn but not worn
Where you come from to where you go we will follow in our due time
Upon that cosmic slipstream bearing your name our names forever named
—Clarissa R. in honor of Danielle C.
Sep 7, 2015 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Ravens & Eagles, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market, To See or Not to See |
Clarissa weaves “Copper Man” Ravenstail ceremonial dance robe – 2006
The New Mexico PBS “Colores” television series recently posted their youtube video clip on me and my work. Most of the film clips was shot by my son, Kahlil Hudson, with in-studio interview by KTOO radio station in Juneau, and most of the still shots of my Chilkat and button blanket robes were photographed by Jeff Laydon. The video clip is about 8 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5nLxfERNwg
Sep 6, 2015 | Latest Art Projects, Ravens & Eagles, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
With hecklers from the side line, Ozzie Sheakley sports a “sporty” jacket with the 40-year anniversary design of a canoe with images of the 4 main clans from Hoonah, Alaska. Designed by Clarissa Rizal — photo by Deanna Lampe
I rarely wear these type of sporty jackets made of synthetic materials. I am spoiled with the wool jackets made by Woolrich or Pendleton. Remember the halibut jackets that were worn by all the cannery workers here in Alaska? And later on the Pendleton company started coming out with their fancy, lined Pendleton jackets and coats. That’s more my style. However, a jacket that has this cool image on it make me want to spend $250!
Sep 5, 2015 | Acting Out and Musical Chairs, For Crying Out Loud |
Stylish dancing shoes go out on the town in rainy Juneau, Alaska
It’s true; all three of these women are artists. They work hard for a living and how often do they get a chance to wear a nice pair of shoes from “Shoe Fly” and go out and boogie and shake out weeks’ worth of working, working, working!? Especially in Juneau, Alaska? For many, many years Juneau was known as the dancing capital city of Alaska. Now it’s very rare to dance to a live band; it’s the culture. It seems the latest generation of young folk don’t create dance bands anymore? I guess they are all plugged into their iphones music app instead of creating their own music?
Sep 3, 2015 | For Crying Out Loud, Honoring Others, North Tide, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Haa Shagoon” film written, directed and produced by Joseph Kawaky – 1981
I was not even 25 years old when this film was shot. In the Summer of 1980, because of sudden news of a death of a dear love, I was in Haines on a private retreat in a small cabin on Paradise Cove with my then 9-month-old daughter, Lily Hope. I remember hearing about the struggles the local Tlingit were having with the local, state and federal governments regarding the Native rights and use of the Chilkoot Lake and River. It was an emotional time for many of the local Tlingits. Over the next couple of decades, I had come to know many of the folks in this film. I watched this film many years ago when it first came out in 1981, just a year after it was filmed. I bought this copy for only $10 at the Sealaska Heritage Institute retail shop and watched it again. All but one or two of the elders in the film have all passed. It was emotional 34 years ago as it was today.
Sep 1, 2015 | Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
“Raven Steals the Sun” Chilkat “tunic” t-shirt design by Clarissa Rizal – 1994
Over 20 years ago I designed this Chilkat “tunic” specifically for a t-shirt. I think only 5 or so shirts were printed. I’m not sure why I didn’t print any more than that. Anyway, if all goes as planned, I will have these T-shirts available for sale at the Clan Conference in Juneau, Alaska where a group of us local weavers will be doing another demonstration/presentation in the lobby of Centennial Hall starting on Thursday, October 29th. See you then!
