Joy Bacon

Joy has appreciated and admired the intricate beadwork of the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Indigenous peoples of Canada since her time living in the Northwest Territories in the early 1980s. While Joy’s artworks are a distinct and individual expression, not reflective of any specific cultural designs, she appreciates the rich and diverse traditions of beadwork that exist within Indigenous communities, both in Canada and beyond.

Joy’s creations are an entirely personal interpretation, shaped by her own experiences and artistic influences. Her initial inspiration to explore beadwork came from exposure to a showcase of many beaded objects in a gallery in Santa Fe. A serendipitous encounter with an article about the artists behind these creations gave a glimpse into their processes, inspiring Joy to research and experiment with various styles of beadwork. Workshops with artists like Jan Huling, a well-known beadwork artist, further helped Joy to develop her personal artistic expression.

Over the years, she has beaded an eclectic array of objects, including ceramic pigs, golf clubs, shoes, and many other items with personal meaning. Joy takes particular pleasure in incorporating humor and thought-provoking concepts into her projects.

Currently, she is beading her grandson’s first pair of ski boots, showing her commitment to creating meaningful and personal pieces. Joy describes her process as tactile and meditative, stating, “Using found objects, seed beads, needle, thread, and glue, I let the colors and patterns evolve. I do not pre plan but let the designs appear one bead at a time.”