Claremont, CA – June Berger, a graphic designer turned full-time artist, is making waves in the local art scene with her unique blend of faith, design, and fine art. Originally hailing from Portland, Oregon, Berger’s artistic journey has taken her from the bustling metropolis of San Francisco to the serene beauty of West Vancouver before landing her in the sunny canyons of Southern California.
With a background in graphic design and branding, Berger brings a distinct perspective to her artwork. Each piece is more than just a visual masterpiece; it’s a carefully crafted message inspired by scripture. “I want each painting to mean something and communicate an idea,” Berger explains. “It’s a triad of faith, concept, and design.”
Her artistic process is a blend of inspiration and intention. Starting with a verse from the Bible that resonates with her, Berger translates her thoughts onto canvas through a series of sketches and deliberate choices. “I go large to small features,” she says, describing her meticulous approach. “Background, large shapes, smaller details.”
Themes of encouragement, grace, and gratitude frequently find their way into Berger’s work. Her personal journey, marked by both joy and challenges, deeply influences her art. “I want to remind and encourage like-minded people of faith that God is good,” she shares. “Perhaps make others curious about what Jesus can and will do for them.”
One piece that holds particular significance for Berger is “Lilies & Ravens,” inspired by Luke 12:23-27-31. This painting serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and faith, lessons she learned during challenging times as a single mother and business owner.
Berger’s commitment to giving back is evident in her decision to donate 100% of the proceeds from the sale of original paintings to Christian organizations. She also donates 100% of net proceeds from the sale of prints, products, and gifts to similar causes.
As an artist, Berger believes in the power of visual art to evoke emotions and convey messages. She hopes her work will inspire and encourage others while also sparking curiosity about faith.
For aspiring artists, Berger offers words of wisdom: “Work hard, take a lot of drawing classes, don’t cut corners, keep going, be original, trust the gift. Be nice, treat your clients well, say your prayers.”
June Berger’s art is a testament to the power of combining faith, creativity, and design. Her work is a visual journey that invites viewers to explore the depths of their own souls while appreciating the beauty of her creations.
For more visit JuneBergerart.com
Q&A with June Berger
What initially inspired you to pursue a career in visual art?
Inspiration = LOVE! From the time I was 4 or 5 years old, I knew something ‘magic’ happened when I picked up a pencil or crayon, etc. I realized I could make a career of it (ie, support myself!) when I was in high school and met what was then called a ‘commercial artist’.
I entered college and got into the graphic design department (U of O) and in addition to graphic design, had strong ne art training (drawing, printmaking, etc). My last 2 years of college were at California College of Art in SF where I got a design degree and also a degree in secondary education. I eventually founded and ran a graphic design / branding rm for 28 years in Vancouver, BC, closed the end of 2001.
Can you tell us about your artistic process? How do you approach a new piece or project?
I start with inspiration from the Old Testament or New Testament scripture; Something pops out to me that is particularly interesting, meaningful or inspirational. I proceed to a sketch. From there, I choose a canvas size / shape. I go large to small features: • Background • Establish large shapes, ow, direction • Larger details • smaller details
What themes or subjects do you find yourself drawn to
most often in your work?
Encouragement / promises in the Bible:
GRACE / Romans 8.28: For we know that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Left “Grace” sketch. Right is the finished piece with mixed media of oil and acrylic on canvas
(These three pieces represent different biblical inspirations.)
NEW CREATION III / II Corinthians 5.17 / If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; The old has passed away, behold, all things become new.
Instruction
PATHWAYS / Psalm 32.8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.
GRATITUDE / Psalm 103.1 / Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.
How do you feel your background or personal experiences inuence your art?
I was raised in a large, happy Christian home so God, His Son Jesus and His Word, the Bible were central to my life. That is simple when you are a child. It’s also a great foundation. The death of my father when I was 8 years old was a sad and destabilizing event for me. My independent, artistic and rebellious person came out when I was a teenager and hung around into my 20’s. When all that caught up with me and life got complicated, I turned back to the Lord and learned that God is faithful and His Word is all true; the promises, the warnings, the instruction the comfort, encouragement… all of it.
So, from a heart of thankfulness, I want to express all of these things in my paintings for 3 reasons: #1 To remind and encourage like-minded people of faith that God is good #2 Perhaps make others (on their own rebellious rant and quest for peace) curious about what Jesus can and will do for them if they ask and, #3 To create artwork to make a home a little more beautiful.
Could you discuss a particular piece that holds special signi cance to you? What does it represent or evoke?
All of these pieces are somewhat autobiographical but I think maybe LILIES & RAVENS speaks to me and I remember this message whenever I look at it.
Inspired by Luke 12.23-27-31 / Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the eld and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? And do not seek what you should eat or what you should drink, nor have an anxious mind. For all these things the nations of the world seek after, and your Father knows that you need these things. But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to your life.
For many years as a single mother and business owner, the concern and stress was constant. This scripture worked to train me to relax and trust the Lord for my provision / survival. I also learned that true joy is not attached to circumstances and God provides. Life and circumstances are a lot di erent now but the need to remember this promise remains because it’s always something, right?
How do you balance innovation and tradition in your artistic practice?
I always want my paintings to look fresh, interesting and beautiful as well as carry a message. I’m not a classical or modern artist, I want the works to be at home in modern or traditional environments.
What role do you believe visual art plays in society, and what message or impact do you hope your work conveys?
Like music, art transcends the mental / brain functions of humans and evokes feelings. And I certainly hope my art achieves that. At the same time, the graphic designer in me wants to convey a message. A message to the heart and the head because I believe we all respond to the truth of God’s Word on some level 🙂
Are there any other artists, movements, or cultures that have signi cantly inuenced your style or perspective?
Not really, hahahahaha, though I love many of the works that artists of all kinds produce. I don’t want to ‘copy’ anyone’s work. Honestly, God guides my hands, work and perspective. His resources are endless, mine are not. It’s quite spooky sometimes… spooky in a wonderful way.
Having said that, the Bauhaus movement of the 1920’s which launched modern graphic design has had a huge impact on me as I am settled into attaching ‘meaning’ to every visual image so an idea is communicated. I’m not content just creating something interesting or beautiful.
Can you speak to the importance of experimentation & risk-taking in your artistic development?
Keeping the work ‘fresh’ is super important. Overall, there is a lot of variation with my work in terms of style (hard edge, etc). Having said that, I know there is value in creating a recognizable ‘look’ to my work because this helps with brand development. It is a process and after 3 years, I see my ‘style’ solidifying in recent paintings … So, recognizable: yes / predictable: no
What advice would you o er to aspiring visual artists looking to establish themselves in the art world?
Honestly, I have no idea except to say that if you believe that you have the ‘gift’ of being an artist, work hard, take a lot of drawing classes, don’t cut corners, keep going, be original, trust the gift. Be nice, treat your clients well, say your prayers.
Has the recent death of your father-in-law a ected your art?
Death is destabilizing for a family and though this good man lived a long life, it’s sad. The painting I am currently working on was started before he passed and has been stalled because of travel, etc. But now after a month of wanting to shred it with a razor blade, it dawned on me that the background color was all wrong. So, I’m guessing it’s been emotional stress that kept me from identifying a technical issue with the work. Sometimes you just have to rest and take a little time.
