Mylene Quito Bellen on her art, connections, and the reality of painting as a mom.

Jackson Pollock considers painting as “Self-discovery. Every good artist paints what s/he is.” This is true for Mylene Quito, whose work very much shows her identity as a mother.

Her rendition of reality with acrylics on canvas gently urge viewers towards topics she feels deeply about. These range from the iconically religious, which confess her deep faith in the divine, to the whimsical whirls of textured color from her Pattern Women Series, that evoke the chaotic beauty of childhood, to the somber tones of her Grey Series— which even in their bleakness seem to comfort the viewer— accompanying them in their loneliness.

“Most artists have one style to be known,” shares the young mother of three, “but I’m still exploring.” Mylene reveals that her work is indeed, a “materialization of her youth.” She cites that her earliest ventures into art were inspired by her own mother, a tailor who left Mylene at a young age to work in Malaysia. “She sent us so many clothes,” recalls Mylene. Woven patterns, pleats, all manners of color— in a very real way, these textiles formed the fabric of Mylene’s childhood. “It was my coping in a broken family, as well as integrating my experience into art.”

Using her own intuition and drive, Mylene is proudly self-taught. “I was a housewife from the start, and I run several small businesses (a store, canteen, salon), but painting was a hobby that developed into my true passion.” She says that she often finds herself in “art blocks” where the imagery is distant and fuzzy. But when her muse visits, it tends to be an all-night affair. “Sometimes, I work for 24 hours straight,” she says, “my only indication of time passing is when my kids wake up!”

By most measures however, her approach has been productive. The sheer range and volume of her output has also drawn considerable attention from aspiring collectors, with her recent work being quickly picked up by celebrities and entrepreneurs. “I’m actually surprised. Raymart Santiago, Nadine Samonte, and John Prats— they all bought my work. It just went around by word of mouth.”

Yet while she enjoys her recent success, she considers setbacks just as important. “It’s important to learn from,” says Mylene. She remembers an issue with a client where the price of her work was miscommunicated. “We had to work through it and find a solution. I ended up conceding small pieces so that we’d both walk away feeling ok.” Ever since then, she has been extra-clear when making deals. This clarity has helped her connect both on a personal as well as international level.

Canvassing Connections

“It’s very hard to sell paintings here, if you don’t know people in the gallery scene.” Says Mylene. Not that that seems to have slowed her down. A firm believer in taking one’s destiny in their own hands, she has participated in exhibitions from Malaysia, Japan and China. “I also have an upcoming solo exhibit in New York, next year,” she casually says “I was invited by Consul General Elmer Cato. Of course I was nervous, but immediately accepted!”

In the local scene, she is currently hosting “She’s a Warrior – Art for a Cause” – an online exhibition whose proceeds will go towards helping pay for a child’s Leukemia treatment. “I also have other events like this. I sponsor an orphanage and mentor some public school children in painting, as well as provide cash for art supplies to provinces.” Off-hand, she counts 20 schools which she supports. “I firmly believe that art is a force for good, especially through teachers— who mean so much to me in my growth.”

Then again, not everyone appreciates intentions, no matter how well-meaning. Mylene recalls relationships she’s had to let go, because they were no longer serving her. “There is so much competition in the art scene. It becomes political, especially when people start comparing.” Which is why she’s decided to as much as possible, “not fight for a share of the pie,” and instead bake her own. “I’d rather have peace of mind than a piece of the pie.” She jokingly says.

“I want to contribute to society through passion or talent,” Mylene states, “I want to create art not just for ourselves or for fame, but for the new generation. And I hope they’re inspired to help out and pay it forward.” She aims to instill this thinking in those closest to her – her own kids.

Brush Your Teeth, Wash Your Brushes

While most moms remind their kids to brush their teeth, Mylene reminds hers to wash their brushes. “My kids are already so curious,” Mylene says delightfully, “my 1-year-old has already begun painting, but my eldest already has an exhibition!” At 4-years-old, Ganesh Felix is the youngest painter to have an exhibit at SM. “It’s our way of bonding.”

When the family isn’t spending time expressing themselves on the easel, they also enjoy several physical activities. Basic gym equipment is available for exercise “a requirement since the lockdown” but Mylene’s current favorite activity is pole dancing. “It’s a form of expression that I feel resonates with me.” As well, she uses it to “pay” for her calorically expensive Netflix-and-chill nights. “I like to invite friends, host, drink, and bond in person.” She enjoys wine while painting, as well as beer, and coffee. Mylene says her cake habit is balanced by adlai rice— a charmingly relatable factoid.

And her advice to young artists? “Don’t mind age. I started out late,” she stresses, “everyone is on their own journey… but while you have a chance – don’t dally. Keep going through it— ESPECIALLY when it gets hard.” And a special message to girls in the field— “There is a scene for your art, and your gender has nothing to do with it.” Lastly— “Give back! To your community! To the younger ones, the next generation. Also to teachers – because they hold our youth in their hands…” Advice that sounds like it could come from any good mother. Except instead of helping kids be safe, Mylene hopes her words help kids take risks, embrace their art— and let their craft take them places.

—alike.com.ph

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