From rural village to Michigan State University, from searching driveway gravel for treasure to climbing pyramids & volcanoes; from restoring historic theaters in Milwaukee to painting movie sets in Hollywood, now life has led Joanne to Asheville, NC to find the time and opportunity to acquire the skills needed to bring her ideas into being.

In metalsmithing, Joanne finds her searched-for path; one to balance both rigor and lyricism. Fascinated with the aesthetics and utility of the Industrial Revolution along with techniques of past civilizations, she strives to embed her work in history, yet keep it contemporary.

Often I will begin with an interesting technique, or invent a project to learn the manner of construction of an historic work. I am careful to keep the mark of hand and tool. I search for an alloy ancient yet sophisticated - the elusive simple composition.