Jessie Edwards-Thomas is a visual artist based in Britain. She originates from Snowdonia, North Wales. Her artistic practise explores the idea of the individual and the individual's placement within society. Themes of belonging, alienation and structural interrogation are key to her practice. Her practice utilises the what-ifs of fiction and imagination to explore said themes of power, symbols, societal structures and connection through storytelling.
Jessie's practice is deeply connected to ideas of community. Recently, Jessie was commissioned by The Bristol Photo festival, Arnolfini & Golden Key to work collaboratively with people to explore issues of Housing & Wellbeing in Bristol. This was exhibited at The Arnolfini, Bristol, in 2021.
Jessie's community-led process has resulted in her working with programmes such as, Springboard Studios - Falmouth University, Vareki Arts Outreach programme - Royal West of England Academy and Building our Home - InBetweenTime, etc.
Jessie is a Lecturer at the University of the West of England in Bristol. She is currently Research Assistant for the EU Erasmus project ArtsHub, supporting the inclusion of migrating and refugee young people into communities across Europe.
In August 2022 Jessie co-designed and facilitated the ReWilding Creativity Residency with artist/educator Laura Blight. It was a residency for creative practitioners. The residency was inspired by the values and principles of permaculture prioritising connection through symbiotic relationships. The residency included a series of process-led photographic workshops utilising organic materials and sustainable processes, providing a creative and supportive environment in which artists immersed themselves. The University of West of England funded two graduate spaces that created an opportunity for current graduates to design and facilitate their own workshops, building confidence and network.
She has exhibited across the U.K, including the Arnolfini, Oriel Mostyn, Peckham24, Bristol Photo festival, Format festival and the Royal Academy.
Contact
jessie.ed.photography@gmail.com
Awards & Commissions
2024 - It is what it is , Commission, Ffotogallery, Cardiff
2023 - Picturing Englands High Streets, Commission, Bristol Photofestival, Historic England & Photoworks, Bristol
2023 - Arts Health Early Career Research grant, University College London & University of Toronto
2022 - Vareki, Commission, Royal West of England Academy, Bristol
2021 - Shortlisted for Golden Key Great Practice Award for collaborative practice
2021 - Blueprint: Housing and Wellbeing, Commission, Arnolfini, & Bristol Photofestival, Bristol
2020 - Exceptional Support Beyond Teaching Award nomination, Students Union, UOG
2020 - Most inspiring Lecturer Award nomination, Students Union, UOG
2019 - Building our Homes, Commission, InbetweenTime, Bristol
2019 - The Biscuit Factory's Open Contemporary Young Artist Award
2019 - Shortlisted for The ESPY Photo Award
2018 - The Sproxton Award for Photography
2018 - Highly commended for The Photofusion Award
2016 - The Slim Hewitt Award for Photography
2014 - Shortlisted for The British Life Photography Awards
Education
2018 - MA Photography, Distinction - University of the Arts, London
2016 - BA Photojournalism and Documentary Photography, First Class Honours - University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham