June is interested in elusive narratives and difficult-to-grasp surfaces and edges, from mirror surfaces to cliff edges. Trained as a painter, she has an eclectic approach to working, finding media to suit different ideas — from wax graphite powder or smoke to plaster, paint and video. She has recently returned to drawing and painting and begun a new body of work influenced by old black and white news footage of bold young women playing by the sea, collecting eggs from sea cliffs or dancing on overhead girders – new stories from recurrent themes.
Earlier work questioned the objectivity we seek when looking in mirrors or making maps to understand our place in the world. This resulted in 'blind mirror' plaster sculptures, graphite and wax panels, a graphite-lined octagonal chamber for contemplation (The Cabinet of Imagined Mirrors), a series of cartographical curiosities and handmade compasses (Lessons in Cartography), paintings of isolated buildings and individuals "on the edge", represented by lighthouses and caravans; and a film and text-based installation based on the experience of flooding (Sandbag Haiku).
Her interest in text and the importance of titles is probably explained by her first degree in English. Born and brought up in South Wales, she then worked as an editor in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh, spending 12 years in Scotland. While there she pursued her art practice at the 369 Gallery, Edinburgh, tutored by such artists as Callum Innes, Rose Frain and Moyna Flannigan. She later studied painting at the University of Brighton, joining MAZE Studio Group, Brighton while working as a Visiting Lecturer. She now combines her practice with freelance Artist Educator work and working Front of House at Fabrica, Brighton, and the Towner Gallery, Eastbourne.
Earlier work questioned the objectivity we seek when looking in mirrors or making maps to understand our place in the world. This resulted in 'blind mirror' plaster sculptures, graphite and wax panels, a graphite-lined octagonal chamber for contemplation (The Cabinet of Imagined Mirrors), a series of cartographical curiosities and handmade compasses (Lessons in Cartography), paintings of isolated buildings and individuals "on the edge", represented by lighthouses and caravans; and a film and text-based installation based on the experience of flooding (Sandbag Haiku).
Her interest in text and the importance of titles is probably explained by her first degree in English. Born and brought up in South Wales, she then worked as an editor in London, Glasgow and Edinburgh, spending 12 years in Scotland. While there she pursued her art practice at the 369 Gallery, Edinburgh, tutored by such artists as Callum Innes, Rose Frain and Moyna Flannigan. She later studied painting at the University of Brighton, joining MAZE Studio Group, Brighton while working as a Visiting Lecturer. She now combines her practice with freelance Artist Educator work and working Front of House at Fabrica, Brighton, and the Towner Gallery, Eastbourne.
