ABOUT

Motto: To be a Good Ancestor. 

 Where does the motto come from?

Love that we are a product of thousands of years in the making. Surreal to be a collective of all the people before me and their experiences. Shared knowledge. The body stores memories, like clay. Inherited grief, strength, tenacity and tragedy.

I want to be a good ancestor. I am a wounded healer. I have always wanted to help people. I don’t believe we can escape our past. We have to make friends with sadness. The best way to heal yourself is to heal others.

“You understand suffering. That’s why you should teach.”

We are a young species, other animals have been around much longer and there's so much we can learn from them. You don't need a degree in science to be knowledgeable about Nature. Everyone from the moment they are born has the ability to see the patterns in the world. 

Woman-owned- I am the sole- creator. I want to be transparent that the nature of Ollin Studio is "small batch" and made with intention. However, this is so much more than me. Therefore, the image of three. It symbolizes not only creativity but community. Guided by my Ancestors, Helped by my community and wanting to support others. The things being shown are my creations, made by my hands. Thus, the fun play on words of "Pam-made." 



Transparency: 

No Big corporation. Confident that your money is going to a small business owner.  A fellow human. To offer no judgment. Transparency in where time and energy go, I follow my own tastes and intuition not the money. I enjoy conversations. Listening without love is an empty sound.  Listening with love is understanding. 

“I like to think of myself as a practical Pam. If I can get a bargain on something, I  extend that to my customers.” Inspired by Joseph Grant the owner of Falcons Lair in PA because it wasn’t just business- it was about the people too.

Ollin Studio Purpose: 

Pamela is creating to keep the tradition of 'Tallers' (taˈʎeɾ) or workshops alive. The way they contribute to the community by continuing techniques passed down. Art has been done by humans for thousands of years. History books mainly speak of the Aztecs. Pamela wants to represent her people in this generation- The Purépecha.

“I want people to feel.” -Creator of Ollin Studio

About the Mascot?

The wolf- oooooo where do I start- I've always told stories. They would vary in dialogue and adventures but the theme remained the same- in the mountains, among the woods. 

Serendipitous to be writing this now at home- in the mountains, among the woods.

I believe this quote from Ceramic Artist, Jodie, sums it about up:

“She settled on the wolf because she feels like it is her spirit animal, they are able to be independent as well as work within a team AND they’re ruthless killers who will relentlessly chase their prey for hours on end…”-Jodie Neale

What does Ollin mean? 

Ollin pronounced "All-In.” Origins from Ancient Nahuatl Language. Ollin is derived from "Yollotl" meaning heart and "Yolistli" meaning life. 

OLLIN is "to move and act with all your heart, right now."

Ollin Studio is where Pamela is able to create via various mediums. It's self-expression while gravitating towards Nature. The belief is to be a Good Ancestor. 

Catchphrase: Go Ollin!

Inner Voice of Ollin Studio: 

Pamela wants to commit to living her life wholeheartedly as the words “Ollin'' signify. To lead an authentic life, foster connections and build meaningful relationships with others by recognizing them as fellow humans. 

Vulnerability: the heartbeat of Ollin.

All humans will feel pain. Pamela seeks to make people feel joy through creatures and drawings. Having accepted her artistic side, Pamela wants others to know they too can be creative. 

This is where I am thinking: "I am afraid to be an artist.” The world has said you can't be smart and creative. If I want community- then create it. If I am to be the first to be in a space then let me represent my people in this generation. Products by Ollin Studio are in small batches. The main focus is my mental well-being and the ability to give my all when in the studio. I will be transparent and show my vulnerability. In hopes that others can feel seen. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing, good food and good company. The mission of Ollin Studio is to curate a space where humans can be human. No judgment, just love. There's enough pain in the world- the human experience is not meant to go alone. 

I want to set my roots here. Feel grounded. This business has a vision to express compassion to others. 

Ollin invites you to bring your whole self. 

Made by Pam:

Ollin Studio is a 'Taller' (taˈʎeɾ) or Workshop where “Pam-made” things are made. 

A play on words: Handmade versus Made by Pam Hands. 

Hecho a Mano. Purveyor of Pam-made Things.

Whether it be hand-drawn art to ceramics, stained glass or crochet. Each piece of art is part of a “Pam Heart.” Each movement made with intention, every idea fleshed out by panicking and then getting my-shit-together, while often reflecting on how much I love my corgi, Churro.

Future Plans for Ollin Studio?

Offer community to others wanting to follow their dreams. There's room for you at the table. 

"Bring your whole self." 

Having known rejection, Pamela wants to be able to eventually teach and hold workshops so that others see nothing can stop you from being a creator. 

Inspiration: Where do you seek it? 

 As the saying goes, it takes a village. I can’t be creative on my own. My why: one young woman tells the truth about her soul and another young woman a generation later is uplifted. There’s someone else like me. I’m not alone with my story. 

"Live as though all your ancestors were living again through you." -Ancient Greeks 

There's a lot of growth needed yet with the guidance of her community and ancestors, Pamela will bring to life the vision of wearing your heart on your sleeve. Accepting the vulnerability and being an unwavering pillar in the community. A journal entry prompt was to write your own obituary. Pamela knew death, as most other humans say it is part of the journey we all experience. 

“Everything that you love, you will eventually lose but in the end, love will return in a different form.” 

A dog well-loved, Grandparents remembered, friends too soon, etc. The obituary read: "I want to be remembered for having a positive impact on the community. 

My mom calls me, "Rayito de sol" and "Sunflower." I want to be that positive light. To help others. A drive for justice and equality for all. I want to be authentic. If something scares me- say it but do it anyway. A book my mom gifted me in high school that inspired me to think about being an artist was, “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Picked off the shelf for its bright colors and promise of delightful pop-up art yet has stayed in my heart for the truth the words held.

Who is the Artist? 

Pamela is an old sensitive soul born in Chicago, Illinois. A Feral, Purépecha Woman in the Mountains. Founder of Ollin Studio. A creator. Raw meets Elements. Multifaceted and a jack of all trades approach. Art is the language she uses to find community.  A student of the Earth. 

"Greatness often comes from developing a superpower that adapts to the blow that almost killed you."

Her spirit tested, and at first failed to see that her vulnerability was her super power. That those feelings gave way to art- the universal way to show the mind's eye.

Bittersweet.

When I was 22, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He is in remission. A silent battle. But for the rest of my life, that sense of invulnerability was gone. 

I want people to feel. Everything I do in my work is about who you ARE- and it comes from the generations. 

I'm not here to accumulate material wealth. I'm not someone who is here to gain power. I'm here to ease suffering.

Quote from my Co-creator (Pa): "Emotionally you are 2.0 me. I am proud of you. You're 10x better. When the student becomes better than the teacher."

"If you could use your time and energy consistently towards the things that truly matter what would that look like? And then write that down.”

  To sing often, play the guitar, be with my loved ones, craft visual stories with my art, to be in the moment with Nature.

Make People fall in love with your "why?" What do you want your audience to feel? 

'Meaning- making' is the heart of humanity. It gives us the power to transcend suffering. 

"He who has a why to live for can beat almost any how." -Nietzsche 

I want people to feel. Everything I do in my work is about who you ARE- and it comes from the generations. I want them to be honest with their feelings. A space for acceptance. You are loved. Effortless perfection- there's no pressure to, "Keep up Appearances." 

Be you. Social code is to hide- I want to be seen. I want Humanity. "Bring your whole self." 

"We endure way more than we should, and can, because we downplay what it's actually doing to us." -Susan Cain 

When in reality showing sorrow can create strong bonds. I can keep the connection alive with my ancestors without keeping the pain. 

What is the thing you long for most, your unique imprint, singular mission, wordless calling? 
To create. Together.

Write "Home"... wait a while, what would you write?

Warmth. Food. Music.

Who is the artist or musician or athlete or scientist, etc. you love and why do you love them, what do they represent for you?

I have so many but my childhood one that continues to motivate me is Steve Irwin. He had an enthusiasm and boundless love for wildlife--> inspired millions of people to develop an appreciation for the beauty of our natural world. He knew his purpose, provided education and ignited passion. Material things held no shine for him. He wanted to save the world. 

How did Ollin Studio Start?

Kept putting my “whole heart” into something- whether it was a school project, relationships, work, etc. I played the supporting role and invested in others' dreams. 

    Sense of purpose- create with my hands. To make art. To organize the file cabinets of my mind and show them to the world. Because though my brain can be scary at times, it’s also filled with awe-inspiring, child-like wonder, whimsical, beautiful thoughts/ideas. Sun and shadow.

     Learning to have confidence for myself. Told I could do anything and be an artist. Then I was told, “you’re wasting your intellectual talent.” 

Why can’t I be both?

I can be smart AND creative. One is not better than the other. They can coexist. 

 What is your ache? “Your ‘ache’ is the way you embrace the sun and the moon.”- Leonard Cohen

Learning to slow down to be present and just exist. How my ancestors lived a laid-back lifestyle in harmony with Nature. Intentional. A lake named Patzcuaro nestled in the mountains. Forest rich with oak and pine. Fishermen and farmers that produced beautiful crafts such as Feather art. Grew corn, created pottery, wove blankets, created matts from palm leaves. Skilled metal workers and forged weaponry. There are traditional canoes, butterfly nets and copper hooks for fishing made by the Purépecha that are still in use today. 

Seeing my vulnerability and sensitivity as my superpowers. It allows me to love life more, knowing it’s not forever.

“Pirekua”--> traditional chant that can echo love, grief, appreciation, etc. 

A hallmark of Purépecha people of their resistance and commitment to identity- was music. I love to sing with my brothers and the occasional karaoke. I sing to let the echo in my heart out. Don’t we all?

Do you know the lessons of your own particular sorrows and longings? 

I am going to Therapy to learn more about myself. The Anxiety and Depression- a cycle I am learning to navigate with confidence. An Anxiety where my value is based on productivity. A Depression where my body feels- heavy. I do appreciate art and how you can relate. You cannot have the good without the bad. A yin and yang if you will. Reminds me of Jaime Sabines poem:

“Alguien me hablo todos los días de mi vida al oído, despacio, lentamente.

Me dijo:  ¡Vive, vive, vive!

Era la muerte.”

A lesson I’ve learned is that I can transcend my grief when I perceive how connected I am with all the other humans who struggle to transcend theirs. Self-Empowerment: Use your superpower of "personal power." The ability to inspire others to identify and sympathize with them. Motivates people to work for you towards shared goals. Phrases I began to use: “I’ve learned”, “It struck me that”, “I now realize” and “I understand.” 

Timeline

2023 September Pamela travels to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to visit family during the Independence festival. An admiration for her ancestral roots began. A study of where she came from began. Ollin is derived from "Yollotl" meaning heart and "Yolistli" meaning life from Ancient Nahuatl Language. Learned how to do metal work from a 'Taller' (pronounced tah-yehr) that has established the community around them over generations. Pamela leaves in awe and leans into her vulnerability.

Side Note: Now I am no longer working as a barista and decided to take the leap into being a full-time artist. During my childhood, teachers entered my crafts into competitions. There's enough room in the Box of Pam for Intelligence, Strength, Bravery, Laughter, Creativity, Silliness, Loving-Nature, and a Level Head. 

2023 December Badass coder and childhood friend, Abby, helps with the website. Ollin Studio was born. Instagram handle is changed to "an_ollin_studio" with the announcement of "Creator of Ollin Studio coming 2024" and it's surreal. To say it's a Brand- the word fails to summarize what it means to Pamela- it's her heart which is a collection of those before her. She aims to be a Good Ancestor- to use the tools she has been given to love others and learn from Nature.

2024 January Northbound Studio was able to capture the dream into Graphic Design and the first round of revisions are complete. OLLIN is "to move and act with all your heart, right now." Pamela attends first wheel throwing course at High Country Clay. Immediately Pamela books the next course having fallen in love with Clay and the community it had curated in Boone, North Carolina.

2024 February Mother confirms lineage is Purépecha tribe from Michocan, Mexico. 'Masters of Fish' that lived in harmony with Nature. Seeking knowledge through Nature as Ancestors did. We are animals that are part of the ecosystem. There are ceramics from the Purépecha tribes in museums dating back to pre-Spaniards, they were able to keep their lands and trade with the Spaniards by paying to the crown instead.

Side Note: Attendance at community ceramics studio increases. Mud wrestler. Schedules monthly dinner Facetime sessions with mom to learn traditional dishes and eat them together. I miss them.

2024 March Stained Glass courses at Craft Community via Appalachian State University.

Fast Fact: Pamela is practicing the techniques she learned from Aunt Sue in Raleigh. The bond and love of Stained Glass began when Aunt Sue handcrafted Heart shaped design as the wedding gift in October 2022. The craftsmanship left Pamela no other choice but to seek out her advice in getting into the craft. Ceramics provides a 'third space' and Pamela is able to bring friends and family. Zachery builds a workbench and Pamela has a home studio to create Stained Glass in their Barn in Laurel Springs. The "Great Pottery Throw Down" is an inspirational show and gives Zachery and Pamela motivation. 

2024 April Learned Stained Glass repair and design from Beth Shuford. Walking the campus of ASU- it made my heart warm. I’ve always loved learning. Sad that my courses ended, grateful for the knowledge and friendships.

2024 May Organized studio and took photos of Inventory. Decided to go with 13 items as I was born on November 13th so it seemed fitting. I am obsessed with dinosaurs. Went to my hometown Chicago for the food my body needed- Ricobene’s. And Yes I do bring a cooler and freeze breaded steak sandwiches to have in NC. 

2024 June Traveled to Montana for an early birthday celebration. I lived a dream of mine- to walk Glacier National Park and simply exist. The rocks! Honestly, the most beautiful rocks I’ve ever seen. Pastel blue, a mauve purple, and a copper red. 

2024 July Lake House with the Family. Camping. Last of the Summer activities. I look up to the sky and wonder if I’ll ever truly feel ready to launch my website. Then I set a date and it’ll be live on 7/19/2024 at 8pm EST. 

2024 August "WE WENT LIVE!!!" Abby cheered over the Discord server. My vision blurred- it's happening. I know 12 year old Pam is BEAMING. At the fact that I am an artist. That I made my first connections to people who saw my art and thought, "That's the bee's knees." 

Fast Fact: Pamela has completed her chest tattoo! Petals Puppet out in Charolette works at All My Heart Studio. Pamela often jokes that they have "all her heart and all her money!" If you're on the hunt for amazing tattoo artist!