Daanzho! I am Ollin Velarde, a Jicarilla Apache artist. As a teenager, I attended three different high schools; Sandia High in Albuquerque, Mountain View in Oren, Utah and Dulce High School in Dulce, New Mexico.
As I attended Mountain View, I had two classes of Architect. It taught Basic Technical Drawing and House Plans and land designs. It was here that started me off inthe art field. My instructor Mr. Hill encouraged me to pursue a career in Architecture. Instead I started sketching pictures relating to my cultural background. It was then and there that I pursued my artistic ability. Later on, in 1984, I attended the Institute of Indian Arts in Santa Fe for one semester and furthered my artisitc ability. Until today, that is what I've been practicing.
For the past 7 years, I've been designing T-Shirts for our annual Go-jii-ya Celebration!
I was injured by an automobile accident that has made me physically challenged. Painting is what gives me pleasure and keeps me from feeling sorry for myself.
PAINTINGS ON SALE AT THE NA'EE CHII GIFT SHOP.