Oct 31, 2012 | Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
Clarissa drafts her pattern for her first child-size Chilkat robe. It will fit a child from about 2 years to 6 years old, depending on size of kid. It is a robe that can be also used as a dance apron by an adult.
Jennie Thlunaut’s last Chilkat weaving was a child-size robe finished directly before she passed in July 1986. I don’t know why I never thought of weaving a child-size robe, but I got inspired by seeing all these little people dancing on stage at the commemoration of the new cultural center in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory this past June. It was my mother’s birthday; my Mamma was on my mind as I watched these little kids as confident in their dance as any adult I’d ever seen – I know my mother would have enjoyed seeing these kids…then suddenly in my mind’s eye, I saw children in Chilkat robes….! And that was that! In honor of my mother, in honor of those children and their inspiration and in honor of my own grandchildren, I’ve got the borders woven on my very first child-size Chilkat robe! And today I’m finishing up the design!
Oct 29, 2012 | Class Act, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
A canvas spinning pad is strapped to the thigh and moistened to provide friction for spinning Chilkat warp. Yes, the pad was made my Clarissa today while Teahonna split cedar bark and prepared wool to begin spinning her first 100 yards of Chilkat warp!
Oct 25, 2012 | Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
Close-up beginning a series of mixed-media collage drawings on replaced cabinet doors; the series is called “Tlingit Cabinet” Series
Several years ago, when the way-too-little sewing room got replaced by a cedar sauna, I saved the cabinet doors. Because I cannot stand to throw away perfectly good wood, and these ones where already “framed”, I told myself that “…someday I’ll do some paintings on them…” (even though I hadn’t really painted much except one of the “Painted Ponies” of New Mexico). Finally, after about 10 years storage in the attic, I have begun the series. Again, this style of work is inspired by my collage/painter friend, Cecil Touchon. Partner Dan Shanks prepared the small boards (there are three small ones; three big ones) using acrylic matte medium to glue down sheets from a couple of old books. Then I use a couple of graphite pencils, dark and light with some cinnamon-colored, and do some shading – it’s a lot of fun – and like the rest of the contemporary work that I do, I just never know how it’s gonna turn out! Stay tuned for the completed triptych of this first set of cabinets. – And by the way, if you know of anyone who is remodeling their kitchen, etc., and they are getting rid of cabinets that are in good shape, send those folks my way! Thank you!
Oct 23, 2012 | Class Act, Latest Art Projects, Tlingit Culture Accentuated |
The back side of two child-size Chilkat robes side by side on Clarissa’s front porch – yes, it is past mid-October and it’s warm enough to weave! Where are we? Well…the color of the sky is the big give-a-way! We’re NOT in Southeast Alaska…
As I demonstrate on my robe, Crystal learns on hers. It’s the perfect pair. In this way, I don’t weave her experiences – she weaves her own experiences. The weaving looms are quite portable and compact. They were originally designed by my Ex and I years ago; these ones were created by local woodworker, Bill Hill.
Front view showing the borders of the child-size Chilkat robes
Crystal Rogers weaving her Chilkat robe; it is almost ready to begin weaving the design field – how exciting!
Drawing upon other Chilkat robe designs Clarissa has designed laying about her drafting table, Clarissa draws preliminary sketches for Crystal’s Chilkat robe.
