Ovvian Castrillo studied at Maryknoll College Grade School in Quezon City from 1978-1983, Freese Elementary School and Bell Jr. High School in San Diego California until 1985. High school was spent in Traweek Jr. High in Covina California, and Assumption High School San Lorenzo Makati City. She has a degree in Interior Design from the University of the Philippines, which she received in 1993. Trained as a designer, and honed as a design/art writer and consultant, she began sculpting in 2003 under the tutelage of her dad, Eduardo. Since her 3rd show in 2009, she has taken a hiatus to become a wife and mother, whilst expressing her art through a multitude of commissioned work. In 2016, she resumed her studio work preparing for shows and projects, lined up to 2019.

What are the usual themes in your work?

The usual themes of my work revolve around the human experience, most tied to my own. The themes of feminism, motherhood, freedom, prosperity, creativity, nation and family are among those that I have explored---not just in my visual art work, but in my literary work as well. I used to write for the dailies and select magazines about these topics as well.

Tell us about your latest project/s or anything you are currently working on.

I just finished a pubic artwork for the City of Valenzuela entitled "The Infinite Nurturing of Youth". Currently, I am working on a concept I've had from a few years back. It might very well be coming to fruition soon. This is the creation of  Filipino-Canadian Friendship monuments---ideally, one in Vancouver and one in Manila. As an immigrant and mother of a mixed-race child, I find much value in building representation. Filipinos have been in Canada for over a century, but no such monument has ever been erected to celebrate the unique Filipino-Canadian culture and association. I am hoping to change that.

I am also curating a community art exhibit here is Fort St. John BC, scheduled in June 2020 (EX SITU 2020).

How do you study or research for a project?

I largely work with materials I have quite literally grown up with, but I do still research on the other materials I tend to use in conjunction with the metals that I customarily use. As for themes, I delve into the subjects simply by living. I cull my concepts from my own experiences, conversations, observations. I have never shied form living life to the fullest. Anyone who knows me can tell you that.  

One of the best compliments I ever got was when my dad's friend called me a 'bon vivant'. I am a visual and experiential person. I collect my information as I go. I think the most important part of this 'research' process is authenticity, and by that I mean my very own, as well as assessing the source of my information. My antennae for BS has become formidable through the years. At the end of the day, I only really affix value to that which is authentic.

What are the processes involved in your art-making?

First and foremost, I conceptualize by running the themes in the mind. Sometimes I draw and illustrate these, and sometimes I proceed to cut-and-form my materials directly. It's almost like a dance, really. I literally let myself go and allow myself to form based on the rhythm of my movement. 

The process I use is one I learned apprenticing for my late father, EDUARDO CASTRILLO. We use a 'constructivism' method which he pioneered. It is akin to origami---in that 3-dimensional artwork is made from 2-dimensional sheets.

When working for an exhibition, how do you know which work to include?

In a curated show, I go by the theme of the day; but otherwise I let my work speak to me. With the show space in mind, I look through my studio and wait for which one will scream, "Me! Me! Me!" 

Artworks are like an artist's children in more ways than one.  You do kinda birth them, and parting with them is always bittersweet. I use that emotion as a guide.

Name some of the artists who have influenced you in your practice.

My sole visual arts influence really, is my father, Eduardo--and by transition, his influences are mine. Giacometti & Botero were among those he noted. I would add Calder among mine. Sculpture, especially public sculpture, cannot be viewed on its own. Other elements, such as lighting, shadows, viewpoints, longevity & relevance come into play.  But really though, my influences are more inter-disciplinary. I am moved by music, theatre, cinema, literature...even food. I am enriched by the all the artists who bring me joy (or whatever human emotion) in those other fields as well. I could bring Joni Mitchell with me when I render my illustrations, or a dialogue from the latest Oscar winning film as I bend brass. Whatever I imbibe, I bring with me when I make my art. 

Among your works, which of them could be called your favorites?

I would count 3 as my favorites:

1)The first would be my very first installation. It was a 14-foot brass Christmas tree for the Makati Shangri La Lobby in 2003. It was meant to be a family Christmas Tree fundraising project of the hotel, but my dad said I could do it if I wanted to. I pretty much designed and made that tree, under my dad's supervision.  It was very special, in that it was the first artwork I had made for public viewing; and because it was one my dad and I worked together on.

2)The second would be a very special piece I called "Summer or Five". It's a colorful acrylic and brass wall piece that I made for the Anchor show we had ion 2016. It depicts our family's very last summer as a family of five (before any of us got married). We took a road trip up north. It was a unique experience and one that I cherish.

3)The third would be my work for the Philippine Stock Exchange Building, entitled PATH TO PROSPERITY.  It is my biggest public sculpture to date, and more importantly, it is a depiction of a unique 'ovvian' proficiency.  I knew that being a sculptor would be challenging, and getting out of my father' shadow, even more so. But in my aspiration to uphold his artistic legacy, it elates me that people recognize that PATH TO PROSPERITY looks like a 'Castrillo'...but not an 'Eduardo'. 

That's because it's an 'Ovvian'.  

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Just one? Oh my gawd...choosing is a struggle. I have many involving family. 

I have many fond memories with my brothers in my dad's studio in Makati. We went there on weekends, and it was always a treat. I remember my dad used to do hammer-out (repousse) work on copper sheets. We used to watch him. He then arranged for thin GI sheets, and 'dos por dos' mallets for us so we could work on our very own hammer-outs.

I remember my dad bringing the whole clan to see Superman in Magallanes Theatre. Our party must have been over 40 pax. 

When I was about 10, mom used to make 'kamay' and feed us--as in all of us, dad included. It was pretty funny, we'd watch betamax at dinner time, and instead of bringing plates out for everyone, my mom elected to 'feed' us 'tapa and rice'. It was kinda like a mama bird feeding the babies in a nest. Bizarre, but true. Remembering this brings me the warm fuzzies.