Lino F. Villarruz graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas. He is a founding member of the Arts Association of Capiz (formerly Capiz Arts Council) which he served as its Visual Arts Director in 1995. Mr. Villarruz has received numerous art awards throughout his career including the Capiznon Artist Award. He comes from a musical family and was a guitarist for the band he formed with his brothers when he was in his teens. He lives in Roxas City with his wife and children.
How did you come to realize you wanted to be a painter?
Lino: I liked drawing and found I was good at it during high school so it was easy for me to decide to study Fine Arts in college.
Who were the artists who influenced you the most?
Lino: The artists I admired most and who influenced my work were Vicente Manansala, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, Mauro "Malang" Santos and Pablo Picasso.
How would you describe your artistic style?
Lino: My style of painting can be described as a combination of the style of the painters I admire most with my own flair added to the mix. I love to do abstract designs.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Lino: My family has always been my inspiration.
What medium do you prefer best?
Lino: I prefer oil on canvas as the right medium for my painting style. I find it easy to blend colors with it. I also use acrylic in some of my paintings.
How has your style changed over the years?
Lino: I was not able to express the kind of art I studied right after I graduated from university. Art appreciation was in its infancy during those years and modern art was not understood yet. It wasn’t until I worked with Ang Panublion Museum in Roxas City when the Capiz Arts Council was organized and I was able to introduce modern art to the public in my capacity as Visual Arts Director.
What do you think of the art scene in Capiz?
Lino: The art scene in Capiz is growing and local artists are beginning to connect with artistic activities in the bigger cities like Metro Manila.
What is your dream project?
Lino: It has always been my dream for Roxas City to have a big art gallery, if not an artists village.
What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
Lino: It has been my desire to enhance art awareness and appreciation in Capiz.
How would you like people to perceive your art?
Lino: I hope people will remember me and my art as a moving factor to promote Capiz as an art loving community.
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About the author: Charie Albar is a travel writer and lifestyle blogger. She is the founder of Balay ni Charie Foundation, a grassroots organization that gives school supplies to the children in Capiz. She divides her time between Capiz and California. Check out her blog, travelswithcharie.com.
Conversation with a Capizeño is a series of interviews with Capizeños who are making a difference in their community.