Joan Perkins
Meet
Joan Perkins
Cutler, Maine
Joan Perkins is the artist behind BeachBabies Treasures, creating one-of-a-kind coastal artwork from driftwood, sea glass, shells, rocks, and found beach treasures. Inspired by Maine’s shoreline, Joan transforms discarded and natural materials into whales, creatures, wreaths, and unique handmade art.
Artistic Medium
MIXED MEDIA, FOUND OBJECTS, SCULPTURE, UPCYCLED ART, DRIFTWOOD ART
Member Since
2025
Accepts Commissions
About
Introducing
Joan Perkins
Joan Perkins is the creator of BeachBabies Treasures, a Cutler, Maine art studio where beachcombing meets creativity. Using driftwood, sea glass, shells, rocks, beach pottery, discarded items, and other found materials, Joan creates whimsical coastal artwork inspired by the shoreline she loves.
A self-described collector of treasures, Joan spends time wandering Maine beaches searching for pieces with potential. What some may overlook—a piece of driftwood, a weathered shell, or even beach trash—becomes part of the story behind her artwork.
BeachBabies Treasures began with a single driftwood whale and has grown into a collection of unique creations including driftwood whales, marine creatures, wreaths, hand-painted pins and magnets, and mixed media pieces incorporating found and upcycled materials. While Joan continues to explore new forms of creative expression, whales remain her first love.
Joan’s connection to art began early, inspired by her creative parents. Her father sketched, drew, and created handmade items, while her mother was a talented seamstress and maker. Joan developed her own love of drawing and creating, earning second place in an art contest at a local state fair while in high school.
Although she pursued a career outside of art with a degree in journalism, creativity has always remained part of her life. Today, she continues to turn imagination into tangible pieces that bring joy to those who see them.
As Joan says, “It seems like I was born to craft whales!”
My Story
From Beach Treasures to Whimsical Creatures
I might be a hoarder… or maybe just a very focused collector. Either way, my habit of wandering Maine beaches and collecting treasures eventually needed an outlet!
I have always been fascinated by the things I find along the shore—shells, rocks, rope, sea glass, pottery, and even pieces of trash. To me, these aren’t just random objects. They are pieces waiting for a new story.
One day, I decided to try making a whale from driftwood. I loved the process, and I loved the result. That first whale showed me that my beachcombing could become something more, and BeachBabies Treasures was born.
Since then, I have created hundreds of pieces, including whales, wreaths, creatures, and artwork made from found and upcycled materials. Every piece is different because every collection of beach treasures is different.
My Artistic Journey
Creativity has always been part of my life. Both of my parents were creative people, and I grew up surrounded by making, crafting, and imagination. My dad had beautiful handwriting, created macramé pieces, and drew wonderfully. My mother was an incredible seamstress who could create anything from clothing to decorations.
I have always enjoyed drawing and experimenting with different materials. In high school, I even earned second place in an art contest at the local state fair.
Although I did not pursue art as a career, I never stopped creating. About five years ago, I began crafting more seriously and sharing my work with others. Encouragement from friends, family, and even strangers who discover my pieces has inspired me to keep going.
My favorite creation will always be my first whale because that is where the idea began. Since then, I have made more than 250 whales, wreaths, and creatures, but that first one reminds me how a simple piece of driftwood can become something magical.
My inspiration usually begins with the treasures I have collected. I look at a piece and imagine what it could become. Sometimes it becomes a whale. Sometimes a creature. Sometimes something completely unexpected.
And when my beach treasure supply runs low, I know exactly what to do—I head back to the beach.
An Interesting Fact About Me
I have a degree in Journalism.
Featured Work
driftwood, copper wire, paint
driftwood, copper wire, paint
Media Gallery
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click images to enlarge
Current Work
Making more unique whales is always my goal. I have recently increased the size of my driftwood creations, producing a 5-foot whale. And I built a wreath made completely of beach trash, which is quite unique, and very interesting. I am also planning to make another 3-D sculpture, such as a free-standing driftwood tree, and an oversized driftwood wreath for outdoor display.
Find My Art
Here's where my work is currently available:
Machias Town Office for the month of July:
5-foot driftwood whale
wreath made completely of beach trash
framed scene featuring 5 driftwood people
I will participate at just a few craft fairs this year
Downeast Community Hospital Christmas fair in Machias on December 5th