The Secret Life of June Rollins

30 Apr The Secret Life of June Rollins

June Rollins is one of our favorite Craft Shop people and bloggers here at the Folk School. But did you know that June is also an awesome artist? This Easter, June painted an awesome portrait of Edward, our beloved Rooster and we loved the card so much, we wanted to find out more about June Rollins’ artistic ventures!

June in the studio

June’s artist statement reads, “Daily experiencing the creative process and encouraging others to do the same.” Wonderful idea! June also writes a great blog about her adventures in art. To read it, click here. 

Lauren Kelischek Interviews June Rollins

LK: June, what’s you favorite subject to paint?

JR: Whatever calls to me. I’ve painted a variety of subjects from my photographs including commissioned house portraits, pets, people, flowers, landscapes. In the last few years, I’ve also painted intuitively with alcohol inks. Dreamscaping emerged out of a spirit of play and has had an impact on all of my art.

Dreamscape No. 303

LK: How long have you been painting?

JR: I had been practicing photography since the mid-80’s when a desire to paint from my photos began in the mid-90’s. I was drawn to watercolor and learned from books and videos. I consider the official start of my “beginning to paint” in Oct. 1999 when I enrolled a 10-week continuing education watercolor course from Edrie Knight at Mitchell Community College in Statesville, NC. I remember watching the confident way she dipped the brush into the water and pigment and applied it to the paper and thought, “So, that’s how you do it!” I had been way too cautious and timid in my approach. A light bulb turned on for me while in her class. Edrie’s encouraging guidance and being with the other students combined with my previous study and practice was what really got me started.

LK: What other crafts do you like to do?

JR: I’ve enjoyed crewel, embroidery, macramé and counted cross-stitch. Now that I’m at the Folk School, I hope that list expands

Iris 8: On to Glory Watercolor

LK: What’s your philosophy with your art work?

JR: In the beginning, I was very intentional with learning the craft. As skills were refined, the desire for creative play emerged. I believe a back-and-forth blending of the two is what works for me. Whether in discipline or play, this quote by Leonardo Da Vinci sums up my philosophy: Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art. 

Margaret the Folk School chicken

LK: What’s your favorite item that the Craft Shop sells?

JR: Because I have mainly focused on 2D art, I am fascinated and enamored with all of the other creative, artistic expressions. From the soft, rich colors and textures of woven textiles to the strength and functionality of blacksmithing. I’m eager to be exposed to processes I may not have tried without being here at the Folk School and I’m hoping there will be a space for me in an upcoming felting class. But to answer your question, I believe my favorite items in the Craft Shop are the books because of the great selection and variety we offer and because I see instructional books as a gateway available for anyone desiring to learn and try something new.

Treasures at the Beach

LK: Where’s your favorite place to be at the Folk School?

JR: I’m still exploring and making discoveries. One of which has turned into my latest fascination, Edward and his four lady-friends Margaret, Marilyn, Flossie and Florence (“Flo” to her friends). I’ve delighted in photographing and painting them. This watercolor of Edward is being donated to the Gala Auction. As far as another favorite place, the Dining Hall Counter shortly after the students have eaten, employees are offered what’s left and the food is awesome. And of course I love the Craft Shop and the people I work with.

This is the image that June used to make an Easter card for everyone in the office

LK: How long have you been coming to the Folk School?

JR: I first visited the Folk School May 2012 when my husband, Rob, was appointed to serve at Murphy First United Methodist.  I met with Billie Shelburn, the Resident Artist for Painting and visited the Craft Shop. I’m beyond grateful and honored Billie welcomed me as a local, guest instructor and my art has been accepted into the Craft Shop.

LK: Have you ever taught any classes at the Folk School?

JR: I’m scheduled to teach All About Iris, a 5-day intermediate watercolor class beginning Feb. 16, 2014. To see examples of the work and read how I came to be inspired by bearded iris, visit: http://junerollins.com/junerollins.com/Watercolors/Pages/All_About_Iris_Series.html

Iris 2: Come Hither