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!
Jan 1, 2012 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act |
Half of the dorm room; notice the hummel and ukelele on the wall - playing music helps survive the academia and four walls - the other half of the room is occupied by my Italian roommate
24 years ago, after my last child was born, I took a few classes at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe – it was my way of “getting out of the house” without taking any responsibilities with me except those that I carried in regards to schooling. Then I was not interested in achieving a degree so I took fun classes. However, I’ve raised my family on my art income without a back-up “real” job and I thought it’s time to get my Bachelor of Fine Arts; in this way I have the balance of the Indigenous and Western credentials. Why is it important to have that balance? To gain more understanding of the complexities of living in a cross-cultural world.
The Center for Lifelong Learning at the Institute of American Indian Arts
At first, I scoffed at the concept of having to take the requirement classes in Drawing I & II, Geometry, Intro to Indigenous Studies, Contemporary Art, Native Art History I & II, English Composition I & II, etc. — yadda, yaddie, yaddue! Like golly, Holy Moses, do I have to take stuff I pretty much already know!? Friends of mine thought that with my status as a full-time artists for three decades, I ought to be a teacher at IAIA, not a student! Often I had wondered what the heck am I doing wasting my time getting stupid credentials. Yet, I’ve discovered how much I DON’T KNOW and how much fun it is to go through the assignments and learn additional stuff! We humans are so doggone arrogant and funny!
Easy walks on IAIA campus
At IAIA, we either gain weight because of the astounding food at the cafeteria, or we lose weight because IAIA is an easy campus to walk. Up on a mesa, it has 360 degree views of spectacular skies and faraway mountains. Although a biting cold in Winter, it’s sunny about 395 days of the year. And for those of us coming from Southeast Alaska, well…although the countryside lacks the dramatics of the big spruce, hemlock, alders and cedars, there is an ancient silence in the high-country deserts of the Southwest. As any of us Indigenous peoples know, go out onto the land and feel its gifts. There is the everlasting to appreciate.
Sweatlodge skeleton at IAIA; in use during the late Fall/Winter/Spring - what other 4-year accredited college are you aware of that conducts sweatlodge ceremonies?
There is a footpath for runners and walkers alike on campus. I don’t remember how many acres belong to IAIA, but it’s enough to continue growing. Hopefully, as IAIA grows its campus, the designers will always keep in mind our need to be connected to the earth, especially for many of us who are missing our homelands and require being outside — feeling the earth beneath our feet and enjoying the horizon.
Courtyard of the sculputure building at IAIA -- If I am not mistaken, this monumental, marble sculpture is by Craig Dan Goyesun - behind bars, the courtyard gate was locked. I thought this an interesting image.
IAIA is a unique environment. I hadn’t come to appreciate its qualities until this past Fall Semester. There is an Indigenous Studies department that was added to the “normal” Western curriculum of IAIA. Some of the classes from this department are requirements for a BFA. As mentioned earlier, I resisted taking the requirements, yet I discovered how much I don’t know and better yet, I discovered how much I want to learn! I am actually considering achieving a Minor in Indigenous Studies. We’ll see what transpires within this next year.
The Chama River near Abiqui, New Mexico - October 2011
I commute from my studio home in Colorado to IAIA. The 3-hour drive is one of the most scenic in North America (2nd best to that drive from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory to Haines, Alaska!). The drive enables me to relax, listen to Van Morrison’s “Listen to the Lion” and books on tape.
The Chama River with first snow - December 2011
I drive through Geronimo’s Apache homeland and “Georgia O’Keefe” country. Although the high-country desert is a vast difference from the rainforest of my homeland in Southeast Alaska, I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate the beauty both environments have to offer. I am privileged to have the option to experience these kinds of freedoms in America.
Looking towards "Ghost Ranch" of Georgia O'Keefe country during first snow - December 2011
Many years ago, my mother and father, Irene and William Lampe, encouraged me to get a degree; they said it’s the way to “get ahead” and understand living in the Western world. My mother said that back when she was young if she had the grant opportunities we have now, she’d have gone to school and she often wondered what her life would have been like. On behalf of my parents, I’d like to thank the following Grantors for their support:
* Chugach Heritage Foundation * Sealaska Heritage Institute * Tlingit & Haida Central Counil * Huna Heritage Foundation * Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and * FAFSA
Nov 11, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, To Market To Market |
nDigiDreams videography class - Institute of American Indian Arts - Santa Fe, NM September 2011
Spearheaded by Jennifer Coots, Business Program Professor, the Institute of American Indian Arts Indigenous Studies Department sponsored a class, for those of us interested in being introduced to creating 5-minute videos. Each of us told a personal story related to our cross-cultural upbringing and experiences leading to how we were led to attend The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe.
Our teachers were Carmen and Brenda from nDigiDreams. nDigiDreams conducts community-based digital storytelling training workshops. “We believe our diverse cultures, identities, histories and stories hold enormous strength and beauty and we seek to train and empower indigenous individuals and communities with new media tools to realize optimal health and wellness.” Carmen and Brenda have conducted workshops in Indian Country; think about hosting a workshop in your community. You may check out their website (and view other storytelling videos) at: http://www.ndigidreams.com/
Brenda Manuelito, Jennifer Coots (IAIA Business Professor) and Carmen Rodriquez
You may view my very first video entitled “Generations of Love Made Visible” along with some of the students’ videos on U-tube. Cut and past this link onto your browser: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBF1FA84C49C930F7
Thank you very much for visiting!
Apr 13, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Latest Art Projects, Showing Off, To Market To Market |
Jennifer Coots Marketing Class - Spring 2011 - Institute of American Indian Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico
On Wednesday, March 30th, I was invited to present my business’ marketing plan for the Marketing Class taught by Jennifer Coots. I created this marketing plan last year Spring 2010. This marketing plan has helped change the way I have run my business. I also attribute my acquisition of a First Peoples Fund grant to having learned so much about running a business through these classes I had taken at IAIA.
During the Fall and Spring 2010 semesters at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, I completed a 5-course business certificate. I have been a self-employed artist working in a variety of artistic mediums since 1977 and I had not any formal training in the area of running a business. I shot from the hip, attended the school of hard knocks and didn’t ever question why I hadn’t ever taking any classes and lessons…until I took these classes! What a difference!
It was so much fun doing this presentation for this Marketing class. Jennifer distributed a copy of my Marketing Plan to the students; that was pretty cool. Little would I know that a plan I created last year would be an example for other artists in this very same class. I just loved sharing my intentions, my experiences and my success. It’s been a year since I laid out this plan. I have accomplished every marketing method I had outlined in my Marketing Plan last year. (Golly, you’d think I was proud of myself!–Of course I am! Who wouldn’t be!?) When the students asked what my most valuable marketing method has worked for me; I answered: (surprisingly enough) my blog! — And I told them why…
You may be only five courses away from creating a successful business of your own. The Institute of American Indian Art’s College of Contemporary Native Arts is offering a Business and Entrepreneurship Program, to art students and small business owners seeking to develop their business skills and discover their inner entrepreneur. Courses cover issues relevant to artists and Native-owned businesses, but non-Native students and non-art related business owners will also benefit from the business and entrepreneurship certification earned through this program.
Jennifer Coots in her office at the Institute of American Indian Arts
Jennifer Coots brought this program to IAIA; I wish I had been educated way back when I first began supporting my family via my art. I encourage every artist who is serious about making a living doing what they love to do, to do themselves a favor and sign up for these classes IAIA has to offer. The unique thing about these classes is we learn differences in values in Western vs. Native American ways of going about our lives and business, as there are some real conflicting issues that may or can, inhibit us from moving forward with our work.
Learn more about the Business & Entrepreneurship Program: visit IAIA’s website or contact Jennifer Coots at jcoots@iaia.edu or 505-424-2356
By the way, Jennifer Coots lived in Juneau, Alaska pretty near 20 years. She was a fisherwoman and aspired to becoming a musician/singer/songwriter. She got side-tracked when she moved to the Navajo reservation to take care of her mother who was diagnosed with cancer. While living on the reservation, Jenn saw the level of poverty and she wanted to do something about it. She had the idea that the local artists needed to learn business sense, so she set out on a mission to finish her degree in Business and assist her fellow Native American artists to bring up their level of existence, workmanship and craft.
Jennifer Coots’ vision is totally awesome. I would take up her classes again if I wasn’t on to learning more about the art of business while doing the business of art!
Jan 14, 2011 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Latest Art Projects |
Navajo artist and IAIA student, Shawn Nelson painting an "Uncle Sam"
Have you thought about going to an art school? Want to attend one that only has less than 300 students? Want to go to school with a variety of Native Americans from all over this continent? Want to learn about film-making? Painting? Traditional pottery? Print-making? Computer graphics? The Art of Business? During the 2009-2010 school year, I attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although lots of hard work, it was a blast! I intend to return.
Melissa painting an entry from a B&W photograph
Even though I am presently living in Juneau, Alaska, I am still working towards obtaining my BFA at IAIA. How can I still be working towards my BFA even though I’m living in Juneau? I am taking online courses via the University of Alaska Southeast! My very first online class was last night in our “Art Appreciation.” Taking these online classes works for me because I am doing a lot of business travel this Winter into Spring. Have laptop, will travel. You may visit UAS’s website at: http://www.online.uas.alaska.edu
You may want to visit IAIA’s website at: http://www.iaia.edu/ after checking out some of these photos…
My "Marketing Plan" presentation during finals week - I had my classmates gather around my monitor to check out the Power Point Presentation that I learned in my "Intro to Digital Media" class taught by Carlos Peinado
Surprisingly, my most favorite classes at IAIA were not necessarily the art classes (although I thoroughly enjoyed my art classes), but my Marketing/Business Classes (that are a part of the Business Certificate Program), and to my utmost surprise, the Introduction to Digital Media class, where I learned how to do Power Point Presentations, create and print a brochure, lay out a book and get it printed, and podcasting. Professor Jennifer Coots brings the Art of Business to IAIA – and she is one heck of an excellent instructor. The enthusiasm in our classes is at the base of our beloved teacher. You would not necessarily think that doing business classes would be exciting; yet, Jenn addresses many issues that arise such as the conflict of the Native and Western values in regards to the marketing and sales of Native art – she made us think about these things that were not at the forefront of our minds yet were outward struggles that many of us had been dealing with.
Beadwork artist Tammy Rahr's Marketing Plan presentation was an actual art booth set up as if she were at an art market, selling her beadwork, packages of beads, display of products, her brochure and business cards, etc. We loved it!
Taos Pueblo artist, Sharon Vargas, painted on cardboard, brown paper bags and discarded computer boxes - I'm going to do that some day too!
Of course, one of the best things about attending art school is the inspiration from all the other artists doing their thing the way they do their thing; I’ve included a few of my favorite classmates in this blog entry, alongside a photo of my Intermediate Painting instructor, Jeff Kahm. I had other students and faculty who also inspired my work, but I didn’t get very good shots of them and their work so I didn’t include them on this blog entry. You see? I have to return to IAIA just for this reason!
Latifa and her mixed-media painting on canvas
World artist Vigalie paints a hand while Professor Jeff Kahm models his hand
Artist Shawn Nelson begins another monumental painting
Poets Al Pizzarelli and Donna Beaver Pizzarelli stand with Creative Writing Professor after giving a guest lecture to the Creative Writing class on Haiku poetry
Shawn is modestly flanked by two beautiful women artists Latifa and Sharon
