By Leah Hernandez
The famous American bodybuilder, actor and artist, Kai Greene once said, “In the mind of every artist there is a masterpiece”. Those words are the definition of how truly phenomenal June Ann-Henry is. This 68-year-old mother of four has been an artist for over half of a century and is showing no signs of quitting anytime soon. The multitalented Henry is one to watch as she possesses unique skills not only in artistry but in singing, voice-training and teaching, but more so she dedicates most of her time teaching young children and hosting workshops to share her artistic talent.
“My art is not just about the painting I do, I’m also a singer, songwriter, voice trainer. It’s across the board because I’m multi-talented. I’m always into something else….I believe that I am doing good work, which as you can see in my work that I try my best matter of fact everything I do. I try to do it excellent” she asserted.
The Sunday Times Magazine was fortunate enough to learn more about the exciting experiences encountered by this art professional, during an evidently interesting conversation at her home in the city. Like most talented individuals, this stalwart captured her motivation together with passion from those dearest to her and from a tender age it was evident that Henry’s talent was undeniable.
“Since I was a child I like to do art. I remember even prophesying in my art. I did a picture with a husband and a wife and I put my real husband name in it and I was a child then….I was just about five-years-old then and that’s my earliest recollection of my art. I was also influenced by my father as he liked to draw birds and I was encouraged by my uncle who bought me paints and so on. He was always interested in me becoming an artist” a jovial Henry explained.
It is wise to accept challenges so that one can feel the exhilaration of victory because it is only through resolution and determination victory is gained. Being a perfect example of the readiness to accept challenges, Henry is always prepared to make the most out of the very least.
“Basic challenge is money because the paints are very expensive and the canvases are very expensive and people don’t want to pay for it. They want the work but they don’t want to pay for it. Basic challenges besides money are to manoeuvre what little that you have to in order to make it work” the devoted artist related.
Embracing and showing off the creativeness of the beautifully painted pictures in the room, the Sunday Times Magazine asked the visibly enthusiastic senior of the inspiration behind each work of art completed, and in a smooth voice, she responded saying, “Sometimes I have a dream, other times I get inspiration from nature…I like to draw because I feel that different groups have different concepts of ideas to share with the world and if artists don’t come forth and share with the world, you imagine what the world would be like without artists?”
The rest of the world was also afforded the opportunity to view the creations done by Henry whilst on missionary trips to various destinations. Countries such as Brazil, Suriname, the United States of America and Canada are among those that have these radiant art pieces of our very own local artist, on their shores.
Being very proud of her work and accomplishments at home and abroad, Henry encourages other local talented persons to stop having less confidence in themselves and pursue whatever dream it is until it becomes a reality.
“I would say to that person, pursue it! It’s just as if you take one step, take baby steps. Anything you wanna do you, take a little baby step and then you know you can go further and further until you reach wherever you want to be” Henry positively said.
This committed member of the Guyana Women Artist Association is currently focused on her voice training classes at the Carnegie School of Economics but more importantly her over-successful artistry career.
This industrious woman seeks to share with the world her inspiration and concept of what an artist truly is by use of her colours and paintbrush on each canvas. Her words are “I am art and art is me, art is my life”.
