For Mylene Quito, talents are gifts best used for making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Humble Beginnings
An artist’s work is said to be a reflection of his or her inner world. If so, Mylene Quito’s art was a way to hold onto something she had to let go of early – her family.
Born and raised in Pampanga, mother of three and an entrepreneur, Mylene started painting when she was just 8 years old, after her parents’ separation. She recalls that her mother’s last instruction to her before leaving to seek work abroad was to continue drawing. Rapidly flicking through her yellow pad, young Mylene sketched scenes of family and home akin perhaps to Wanda Maximoff’s vision in that Marvel series. One of her works eventually caught the eye of a teacher who entered Mylene’s art in a contest.
It won first place.
And Mylene learned something which distinguished her art from others – it told story. Several contest wins later, Mylene continues to discover more about herself and her evolving medium of expression.
Inspirations
Her inspiration includes many things and although it constantly evolves, Mylene’s art remains rooted to family. Mylene’s paintings visually describe how she feels at a certain point of time, and through her work, she’s able to see her growth and progress as well as that of her family’s.
“It reminds me of how perspective changes with age and how life takes on new and different meanings the longer you live.”
The youth and young Filipino artists are also a draw for her. She is adamant about giving back and creating an impact on other people’s lives. She believes that given the opportunity to succeed in things we are passionate about, people must use this to be a blessing to other people. Mylene’s advocacy includes helping young artists in public schools and orphanages. This way, she finds her talents much more meaningful. In this way, with her grace and talent, Mylene Quito is making a difference in the local art community.
When asked about her creation process, she admits that it is a bit bizarre. For Mylene, the inspiration comes, she lets it consume her until she ends up painting the entire day. No matter what time of the day, even in the middle of the night at 3am, she will rush to the studio the moment art taps into her senses.
What are her works?
Mylene specializes in painting patterns in a colorful way. She uses mostly metallic and bright coloured acrylic– playing around textures to create fine and raw details. One of her most in-demand collections is her “Familia Series” which has found patrons in celebrities like Derek Ramsay, Raymart Santiago, Shaina Magdayao. Other famous works of hers are her “gray series” – where rolling brushes and smudging tools are the dominant style.
Mylene has been constantly representing the Philippines in several international galleries. The latest one she was part of was the Penang Intercultural Art Exhibition at Island Gallery, No. 6 in Malaysia, where she is joined by several artists from Singapore and Malaysia.
Life’s experiences led Mylene to make her dreams of becoming a painter come true. With her pure intentions, talent, and perseverance, Mylene showed that achieving your dreams and goals in life is a matter of saying yes to opportunities, following your passion, and creating a purpose bigger than yourself.
For her it was on oil and canvas, one painting at a time.
For inquiries on her art and commissioned works, one can reach Mylene through Instagram: @mylene_quito or Facebook: Mylene Quito Bellen.
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