Father’s Day Feature: How Art Connects Mario Olmillo’s Family

A father fulfills many essential roles in the family, ensuring everyone’s needs are met while supporting and guiding his children. The unique contributions of a father cannot be replaced by anyone else, as they play a vital part in a child’s development. While mothers offer intimate nurturing, fathers often engage in activities and stimulation that prepare children for the real world.

On the other hand, art can be a powerful medium for self-expression, connection, and inspiration. One family, in particular, attests to this power as their father’s passion for art blossomed into a shared creative pursuit that binds the family together.

Mario Olmillo began his art journey in 2004 while working abroad. He started by reproducing famous paintings and brought some of his pieces back to the Philippines during his yearly visits. These visits included painting sessions with his children, Marion, Hana, and Rosette, encouraging them to be creative and have fun. Even when he was away, his children engaged in their art forms, continuously inspired by their father’s encouragement to create.

In 2020, Mario retired and started pursuing abstract and Dutch pour art. His children encouraged him to share his art on different digital platforms, such as FilipinoArtPH, which inspired him to create more.

“I think the artistic inclinations run in the family,” Mario says. “My mother played piano, while my father played guitar. I played drums and guitar as well. And my wife continuously motivates our children to engage in music.”

As Mario and his children engage in their projects, they support each other by finding new avenues for sharing their work. His son creates digital art under the pseudonym “Loopymoon,” while his daughter occasionally posts digital hand lettering on her Instagram (@thefineprint.letters).

“Musicals Lettering Series Part 2: No. 2 🦷 Little Shop of Horrors” by @thefineprint.letters

“B. Clown” by Loopymoon

Mario believes the supportive environment he and his wife created played a crucial role in their children’s artistic development.

It has been my focus ever since to encourage them to express themselves through art.”

He hopes his children will continue to pursue their artistic passions and achieve their goals, whether winning competitions, promoting their work, or improving their skills.

Mario’s journey illustrates the power of support and shared creative pursuits within a family. They are creating a legacy of inspiring and learning from each other, which he hopes will inspire others.

Their artworks are discounted for a limited time only; purchase them HERE.

— Toby Denise Concepcion