Pamela Olin Has Gone to the Dogs

(Metaphorically speaking, of course.)

From The Pen Woman, Spring 2021

 

By Wilma Davidson, Sarasota Branch

It’s no surprise that Sarasota, Florida, artist and new Pen Woman Pamela Olin hails from a family of artists; what is a surprise is her way of “giving back” through her creative talents. For the last few years, she has been one of several artists honored to have volunteered hundreds of hours to create the superhero dog and puppy statues around the Sarasota area.

These statues have become a key branding for the Southeastern Guide Dogs organization. They are sponsored by individuals and companies to support the breeding and training of guide dogs for veterans and children and those with visual needs.

Olin’s work with the Southeastern Guide Dogs began when she volunteered her time as an Apple employee (she is a techie, too) to help make technology more accessible to those with no or low vision.

“Voiceover technology was the lifeline for these people, and I wanted to make their limited world limitless,” she explained.

The organization soon discovered that Olin is more than a technology maven. She is also an artist. And she was offered the opportunity to complete her first guide dog superhero statue.

When these “superhero statues” arrive, they are already about 50 pounds of Forton, a mix of plaster, epoxy, and fiberglass. Olin covered her first dog, Disco, in mirrors. She felt that these superheroes on parade should “reflect life for their owners.”

Not only does her creative sense become readily apparent when you look at Olin’s superheroes, but, so, too, does her unmistakable optimism. Her love of experimentation is alive and well; her desire to create art that has permanence is alive and well; her desire to get art out to the people is alive and well.

She finds joy in giving back through her art. No doubt about it. Pamela Olin is one “top dog” herself.

Learn more about Pamela Olin at pamelaolin.com.