June is a treasure and treasurer of thing lost, forgotten and discarded. She coaxes stories and histories from disparate things and weaves them into something enchanting. Her pieces invite us in to layered worlds of delight complete with all their shadows and secrets. Her practice speaks to a kind of cherishing that is much needed.

It’s always such a treat to come to your quirky studio! The sound of the ticking clocks and the eyeful of old treasures are such a comfort. I always find something new and wonderful every time I come for a visit! Your creative and deep mind never ceases to amaze me. What wonderful and eerie stories will you tell next, I wonder? I can hardly wait to find out.

Meeting June in her studio was the highlight of our annual Cultural Crawl. We were captivated by her detailed works of art and the personal meaning found in every created piece. June brought each piece to life for us with her story of its creation. Each one holds a part of June’s beautiful personality and creative expression. As long time ‘crawlers’ of the arts we always seek out the unique. June’s work embodies it - working with found and salvaged materials to create works that are detailed and finely sculpted. It speaks to the beauty that surrounds us in nature, in common objects, and in our own integrity. We always look forward to spending time with June and viewing her new works.

I love coming to your studio. Seeing you describe the fascinating stories of your art is always a delight. I like the soothing sounds of the ticking clocks, and seeing the intriguing new curiosities in your collections.

A cross between an antique store, a curiosity shop, and a museum. That is June Conley's studio and her collection of materials out of which she spins her tangible, visual stories. It is a small space in Vancouver's China Town with tables and shelves for her tools and the most amazing objects just waiting to be handled, turned around and inspected. There are, of course, finished pieces - call them mounted assemblages mutely yet eloquently telling their stories. I discovered June's studio during an Eastside Culture Crawl and knew right away that I would be back - bringing others with me. Which I have done and will again.

Imagine that Joseph Cornell and Leonora Carrington wrote a novel in sculptures. Having trouble? Then I suggest you visit June's wunderkammer workshop! It's a place of magical creative madness, where ordinary objects are transformed into extraordinary narrative-oriented assemblage. Her pieces are sometimes beautiful, sometimes disturbing, but always profoundly affecting.