Member Info

Jo Edwardsen is a Pacific Northwest based bead artist who draws inspiration from the region’s rugged coastline, and surrounding mountains—natural elements that are woven throughout her work. Her bead-embellished driftwood, wall art, and body art reflect an ongoing dialogue with the natural world. Beads are her primary medium and greatest passion. Their endless variety of colors, textures, and shapes provide a rich visual language through which she explores form, movement, and identity. Edwardsen began dedicating herself fully to beadwork during the Covid years. Though largely self-taught, she credits the generosity and knowledge of fellow bead artists through workshops and classes for helping shape her artistic growth. Her creative process is intuitive and organic. Rather than working from a predetermined plan, she allows each piece to emerge naturally. This approach is especially evident in her driftwood works, where the materials themselves often seem to dictate their final form. Edwardsen sees her role as a collaborator—bringing out the inherent character of each piece through beads and found objects. Edwardsen’s work has been exhibited at the Museum of Beadwork in Portland, Maine; the Jansen Art Center in Lynden, Washington; and the Blaine Art Gallery in Blaine, Washington. She will also be featured in the upcoming exhibition at the Allied Arts Gallery in Bellingham, Washington, opening in July 2026. Her work can also be seen on Instagram and Facebook @BeadistBytheBay