@pam.dsign | Skylines of our memories | Mixed media, collage, and threads, 2024 |
Mexican graphic designer and printed arts specialist. I’m an immigrant who settled in Chicago when I was an adult after living back and forth between the US and MX throughout my childhood. The United States provided an opportunity to trade and learn about other cultures and lifestyles, broaden perspectives, and enhance a second language. I enjoy participating in creative projects that have an influence on the community.
Pam is also one of the lead curators, and the graphic designer created for the exhibit.
Questions
Where were you born and what was the journey that you took to get here?
I was born in Durango, Mexico during the 90s bounced around different cities around Northern Mexico. A daughter out of marriage that brought a lot of judgement, however my mother opened doors that were not considered for women in the family like a Bachelor degree and independency. My father used to be on and off in our lives until he got assassinated on the road by cartels.
What brought you to the US?
A family decision, after my mother’s marriage with a permanent resident, It was decided to move to Idaho temporarily and decide if we could be adapted to the American ‘culture’ or him be adapted to live in Mexico after 40 years settled in the USA. After the second season coming to the US, we were rejected for unlawfully attending school, our visas got revoked, this made a split in our family for 8 years, we were indicated to wait for this process out of the country while my stepfather worked in Idaho and had the Immigration case moving forward.
What is your 5 year plan for being here? What would you like to achieve in 5 years?
I moved back to USA during my adult life when all the residency was approved, and my goal was applying for dual citizenship as soon as possible. This took me 5 years to be eligible, learning the language, taxes and worklife expectations. Chicago is my safe place as my grandmother’s family has settled here since the 1960’s, they have that essence that reminds me home. My expectations for the next 5 years are slightly blurred at the moment; I look to continue growing in the professional area. If I can continue with my nomad journey without losing connection with my family, I would like to be able to work remotely, connect with art programs and share my passion for the printing arts.
How much autonomy did you have in deciding where you are now? How much of a factor were you in the decision making to come to the US?
During my adult years, the decision to come to the US was a sign of appreciation to my father for all the effort he made to fix our status in this country, sadly our initial plans to settle in Idaho as a family faded over time, he retired and moved with my mom to Mexico where we had finished our school years and definitely made the USA a new challenge to pursue.
How far in your roots are you well connected to?
My family has a long story of constant movement. I follow our family tree closely, a lot of stories of my grandparents, I have a strong connection to my mother’s native land, having memories of my childhood with my grandmother and cousins. My solitary years had been my early 30s with a lot of introspection and constant meditation. Deep down I think it is melancholy.
How is your mental health/well being after all of this?
Feeling uprooted/connected to family? I considered that I just had a rough kind of unexpected childhood. Depression is considered a weakness at home.I lived in denial for several years, avoiding thinking about it until my 30s. I realized that I never healed, only escaped from my thoughts.It is proven that you must accept and embrace even the darkness within your personality rather than ignoring or escaping from them.
Butterfly Effect: Bridging Borders Exhibiting Artists
Aileen Nicole Castro • Akira – Light that Heals • Alejandra Lemus • Alex Covarrubias – Red Cave • Anna Silvonchik • Arte Duran • Bane.xxa • Christian Joshua Varela Solis • Cindy Uriostegui – Cattco • Cristina Marquez • Elena Diadenko • Elena Pach • EMNI • Gabriel Guzman • Grecia Solorio • Idil Duman • Isaac Galvan • Janis Appleton* • Javier Viñuela*• Kaltra • Kybo • Mariana Perez • Mary Antar • Pamela Rubi Trejo Soria • Peauxline • raqui • Riesling Dong • Rocio “Chio” Cabrera-Coz • Sailee Charlu • Shalala Salamzadeh • Sharvani Rathna Chittem* • Stef Skills • Victoria Park • *Group collaboration