CLARISSA CALLESEN
CLARISSA
CALLESEN
Multidisciplinary
Visionary
Artist and Instructor
rescuer of the discarded and unappreciated
I create from a place of passion, imperfection, and deep authenticity—turning discarded objects into art that tells a story, stirs emotions, and makes you feel something.
Creativity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up, making a mess, and being brave enough to keep going. I pour my heart into fiber, found objects, art journaling and the beautiful chaos of the creative process.
I have a soft spot for the forgotten and the broken. Giving discarded materials new life feels like a kind of magic—raw, honest, and deeply personal.
New for this retreat: private one-on-one creative coaching!
Meet with me individually to tackle creative blocks, refine skills, or strengthen your practice—personalized guidance designed to support your growth beyond class time.
Oct 20-28th 2026
Gubbio, Italy
Essence of Italy
Small Group, Big Inspiration
Join me in the beautiful town of Gubbio, Italy, for a workshop designed to nurture your creativity and spark new inspiration. With a small group, you’ll enjoy personal guidance, a supportive atmosphere, and the chance to immerse yourself in Italy’s timeless charm. Spaces are limited to keep the experience personal—reserve your spot and bring your creativity to life amidst Italy’s magic.
You’ll work with bespoke textured papers, learn the elusive gel plate transfer technique, and explore my personal tricks for creating an authentic, cracked, ancient surface—textures that feel as if they’ve weathered centuries of sun, wind, and story.
Spring Art and Soul retreat
Portland, OR
Explore your creativity this March with three hands-on workshops!
Layered & Unruly: Rogue Art Book
March 18–19, 9:00–4:30
Dive into texture, layers, and bold art-book making.
Eco Dyeing: Color, Chaos & Botanical Magic
March 21–22, 9:00–4:30
A rare chance to explore new, experimental botanical techniques.
Gelli Plate Images: Beyond the Background
March 23, 9:00–4:30
Take your prints to the next level with layered, innovative imagery.
GRAB YOUR SEATS QUICK
My fiber art is an emotional, tactile exploration of imperfection, memory, and transformation. Using rescued textiles and found objects, I create sculptural pieces that carry the beauty of what’s been discarded—raw,
honest, and deeply human.
Each piece tells a story.
My installations are immersive environments built from rescued materials and stitched-together stories. I create them to pull art off the walls and into real space—inviting you to step inside, feel, and experience rather than just observe. Rooted in vulnerability and authenticity, these spaces transform the cold gallery into something raw, emotional, and alive.
Art Journaling
Art journaling has been my creative sanctuary for 25 years—a space where I can explore, express, and simply be. What started as a way to process emotions has grown into a deeply personal ritual, a refuge where symbols, colors, and unexpected juxtapositions tell my story in ways words cannot. Here, perfection has no place, and the critic stays outside.
This is where I am free.
2D Art
Although 2D work hasn’t been my primary focus, it has always been an integral part of my creative practice. As with all my art, texture remains at the core—layered, tactile, and deeply multimedia. Incorporating found ephemera, Gelli prints, paint, sand, rust, and more, each piece is a fusion of materials that brings depth and dimension to the surface.
Visionary
art environments
Visionary art environments are immersive, large-scale spaces built from personal vision—often using reclaimed materials and created outside the traditional art world. These places are my sacred spaces, my “churches.”
I’ve had the joy of contributing to East Jesus, a sustainable art environment in Slab City, and I’m now working toward building a small visionary space of my own—raw, handmade, and deeply alive.
