My work seeks to explore the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world, more specifically focusing on the female form, native woodland and wildlife. This is an evolving process which I am continuing to refine and I have employed various media and techniques over the years including gouache, acrylic, metal leaf, collage, leaf monoprinting, oil and beeswax. My current works are ixed media, multi-layered works on board.
My inspiration comes from the woodlands around my home in the Scottish Borders and I focus on mainly native tree species such as birch and beech. I strive to evoke the veneration and awe ancient peoples had for the natural wild environment and my ultimate aim would be to recreate something of this experience in the viewer
JUNE BELL
PROFILE
I was born in Hawick in 1961 and attended Trinity Primary and Hawick High School. After training as a medical doctor I spent several years abroad, initially Lesotho and South Africa, then rural Thailand.
After returning to Scotland I married and my husband and I spent some years on the Isle of Lewis where both our children were born. We then returned and settled in Greenlaw near Duns where I worked as a GP, later moving to a practice in Hawick and retiring two years ago to focus on my artistic career.
Artistic journey
I have always drawn and painted, but had no formal artistic training (except Higher Art, A grade) until I attended Leith School of Art. I learned to use a variety of artistic techniques and media, including beeswax and oil paint which have become my main media
EDUCATION
1984 MB ChB. Edinburgh University
2011-12 Drawing Course (2 days/wk). Leith School of Art, Edinburgh
2012-13. Portrait Course (1 day/wk). Leith School of Art.
2013-14. Painting Course (1 day/wk). Leith School of Art
2017-18. Continuing Professional Development Course, (1 day/wk) Leith School
of Art
Exhibitions
2016. Solo exhibition, ‘Secrets of Trees’. Hawick Museum, Live Borders.
2018. Joint exhibition ( including Lynne Bingham and 3 other artists,)
Coburg Studios, Edinburgh.
2019. Joint Exhibition with same group as above
Art Club, Edinburgh
2023 Sept/Oct. Joint Exhibition with Lynne Binham, ‘Meditations on Trees’.
Halliwell’s House museum, Selkirk. Live Borders.
2024. Jan/Feb. Solo Art exhibition at Cranshaws Church supporting launch of
Cranshaws Forest Church
Galleries and Art fairs
2016-2023. Work exhibited at Flat Cat Gallery, Lauder. (Gallery changed hands 2023)
2022 2 months as featured artist, Flat Cat.
2018-2022 Work exhibited at White Fox Gallery, Coldstream (gallery closed 2022).
2018-2023. Work exhibited at small exhibitions Allanbank, near Duns.
2022- current. Work exhibited at Whitehouse Gallery, Kirkudbright.
2023 March Shared a stand with fellow artist, Borders Art Fair
2023 August. Mixed group exhibition Torrance Gallery Edinburgh
2024 March. Own stand at Borders Art Fair.
I have also exhibited at The Big Art Show in Paisley
