In the latest episode of the Arts to Hearts Podcast, Charuka Arora interviews June Stretton. The episode delves into a meaningful conversation on how to be a successful artist without a plan B. June shares her journey as an artist, starting on Instagram and gradually evolving into a storyteller through her artwork. She discusses the challenges of being an artist and the role social media played in her journey.

Furthermore, June talks about how her personal experiences and empathy for women and children influence her work. She emphasizes the importance of capturing the right light when creating 3-dimensional artwork, and how it can make all the difference in the final product. June encourages artists to follow their own hearts and stay true to themselves while creating their art.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the life of an artist, their struggles, and how they can push through to achieve their goals. It is an inspiring conversation that will leave you with a fresh perspective on the art world and how to navigate it successfully.

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About June Stratton

Oil painter June Stratton (b.1959 Honolulu, Hawaii), now residing in Savannah Georgia, is known for representational figurative oil paintings that incorporate the figure with natural landscapes. Recent works incorporate gold leaf and handmade plaster (fresco-secco) casts. These casts are created from both the organic environment surrounding her studio and treasures the artist has collected over the years. Large paintings may contain as many as 30 individual casts which are then gilded or painted with oil.

Her work is collected by art collectors and art galleries internationally including recent solo shows with Robert Lange Studios SC.

Select Collections include Bennett Collection of Women Realists, Texaco Incorporated, US Department of State, Bank of America, The Mayo Clinic, and The St Regis Hotel.

Recently published in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine Issue #35 Editorial “Path to Creation”, PoetsArtists Figurative Realism, Issue #100. Also, American Art Collector, Cover, October Issue 2016

June Stratton’s studio looks over salt-water marshes a few steps from her home in a lush sub-tropical coastal area near Savannah Georgia USA.

“MY PAINTINGS ARE MY EMOTIONS, DARK AND LIGHT; BEAUTIFIED.”

Key Highlights From The Episode

Welcome to this thought-provoking episode of the Arts to Hearts podcast that delves into the world of art, creativity, and resilience. In this episode, we will explore the fascinating journey of June, an artist who has captivated audiences with her unique storytelling and visually stunning artwork. Through a detailed analysis of her own words and experiences, we will uncover the main themes that have shaped her artistic career and discuss the implications and potential impact of her work. Join us as we embark on a journey of self-discovery, creative expression, and the power of storytelling.

Exploring the Themes

1. The Evolution of an Artist

June’s artistic journey began in the early days of Instagram, where she first started sharing her artwork. She recalls her initial struggles and the challenges of finding her own style. However, over time, she gained confidence and trust in her own abilities. She explains, “I am more secure now and I trust myself more. When I started out, I was more sponge-like, trying to absorb everything. But now, I follow my own heart and have become more me.”

2. The Power of Visual Storytelling

One of the most captivating aspects of June’s work is her ability to tell stories through her art. She combines visual elements with narratives, creating a unique and immersive experience for the viewer. She explains, “I try and tell a story, and I found that the little clips I put along…some of them are a little bit on the feminist side. But now I have to say, I’m a humanist before I am a feminist. I believe that humans are the worst thing that happened to the earth, but since we’re here, I would like all humans to live peacefully and gracefully.”

3. The Challenges of Being an Artist

Being an artist is not an easy path, and June acknowledges the mental struggles that come with it. She explains, “The hardest job in the world has got to be a parent, and one of the other hardest jobs has got to be an artist. It’s mentally struggling. You have to stop those voices and just focus on your art.” She also highlights the importance of balancing the light and dark aspects of her work, saying, “I try and do one serious piece and one lighthearted piece so I can balance my force and not go nuts on all the dark pieces I could come up with.”

4. Empathy and Advocacy through Art

June’s personal experiences, including surviving abuse and trauma, have shaped her art and given her a deep empathy for others. She shares, “I have some insights about how I got myself into those situations and that I’m not too blame. I have a lot of empathy for other women and what’s going on with them around the world.” Through her art, June aims to shed light on the experiences of women and children who are often marginalized and overlooked. She believes in the power of art to spark conversations and create change.

Implications and Potential Impact

June’s work has the potential to inspire and provoke thought in viewers. By sharing her personal stories and experiences, she invites others to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Her unique blend of realism and three-dimensional elements adds depth and complexity to her art, making it visually captivating and emotionally resonant. Through her art, June challenges societal norms and advocates for a more inclusive and empathetic world.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As June continues to evolve as an artist, she remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new techniques. Her dedication to storytelling and her ability to create visually stunning artwork have garnered attention and admiration from audiences worldwide. With her unique perspective and unwavering passion, June is poised to make a lasting impact on the art world. As she continues to experiment and grow, we can expect to see even more thought-provoking and visually captivating work from this talented artist.

In a world that is constantly changing, June’s art serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, resilience, and the human spirit. Through her storytelling and visually stunning artwork, she invites us to reflect on our own experiences and the world around us. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us find inspiration in June’s journey and embrace the transformative power of art.

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