Artist’s Spotlight

Ovvian Castrillo-Hill

Sculptor

This journey is one woman’s transcendence from her many identities. This is one woman making a difference. This is Ovvian Castrillo-Hill.

As the daughter of the acclaimed sculptor Eduardo Castrillo, Ovvian Castrillo-Hill was surrounded by creativity from a young age. Her passion for the arts was not a choice she made; it simply happened. Growing up with art all around her, she developed an innate understanding of the medium and its ability to tell stories. She learned the techniques and methods used by her father, who was a great influence on her artistic development. Being able to learn from her father, who is a renowned and respected artist, has given her a unique perspective on the artistic world. This has allowed her to create her own unique style and develop her own talents as an artist. Her art reflects her personal journey as a daughter, mother, wife, and woman, and she continues to explore her passion for art.

In the Philippines, Ovvian Castrillo-Hill’s works have been showcased in a variety of exhibits, garnering attention from art collectors from all corners of the globe. Her body of work is a stunning and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of transience and displacement. Through her incredible use of cut and welded brass and stainless steel bas-relief sculptures, Castrillo-Hill delves into the emotional depth and complexity of never fully feeling at home in one place. Each sculpture is a breathtaking masterpiece, crafted with intricate precision and masterful skill. Her canvas works are equally spellbinding as her sculptural creations, exhibiting the same level of technical proficiency and emotional profundity. The use of negative space adds a sense of longing and displacement to the artworks, making them truly mesmerizing to behold. Her works are both powerful and emotive, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of identity and the human experience of feeling torn between two worlds. Overall, Ovvian Castrillo-Hill’s pieces are a true celebration of the human spirit and the resilience of the human experience.

Her participation in these exhibits not only showcases her talents but also helps to promote Philippine art and culture to a wider audience. Her works have been displayed in galleries and museums, as well as in public spaces such as the Philippine Stock Exchange Building, where her iconic piece ‘PATH TO PROSPERITY’ was unveiled in 2018. Her works have been received with great acclaim, solidifying her reputation as a talented artist and a valuable contributor to the Philippine art scene. Her participation in these exhibits not only helps to promote her own art but also helps to bring attention to the Philippines as a source of unique and exciting art.

In Canada, Ovvian Castrillo-Hill has been a force to be reckoned with. Since 2019, she has been showcasing her talents in painting and sculpture at the Peace River North Art Gallery, located at the North Peace Cultural Center in Fort St John BC. Her work incorporates a unique blend of Canadian lumber and found objects, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Not only has she made a name for herself in the Canadian art world, but she has also been recognized on an international scale. She has entered and won several art competitions, including a public art design competition and an award trophy design for the City of Fort St. John, as well as an art competition in South Korea.

In addition to her work in the fine arts, Ovvian has also delved into filmmaking. She has received two grants from TELUS STORYHIVE to create documentary series, further showcasing her range of talents. In January 2023, Ovvian was honored to accept a position on the Board of Trustees for the Peace Laird Regional Arts Council in British Columbia, Canada. She is also the current International Director for the Philippine Sculptors Society (Est. 2022) and the Cultural Director of the North Peace Filipino Canadian Association.

The Castrillo Legacy Art Studio Inc, which she co-founded, creates various works of art and designs with the goal of continuing the legacy of her father, Eduardo Castrillo, a highly respected and well-renowned nationalist, pioneering monumentalist, and abstract sculptor. Using techniques and methods passed down from her father, Ovvian and her family strive to elevate culture, nationalism, and faith through their art.