General Artist Statement

Using an intuitive based approach, I address themes such as identity, belonging and memory.  I deconstruct and reconstruct symbols related to these themes in order to explore their meaning. 

I use a variety of disciplines such as word art, drawing, painting and assemblage to explore my ideas.  Symbolism and colour translate meaning into my works and the use of papers, fabrics, found objects and photographs add texture and depth to the narrative.

Exploring new techniques and experimenting with innovative uses of new and recycled material helps me consider new ways of perceiving and responding to these materials and to my themes.   

About Me

Joanne is a multi-disciplinary artist originally from the Montreal area of Quebec.  She studied graphic arts at College Salette, drawing and painting at the Saidye Bronfman School of the Arts, and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree from McGill University, in Montreal. She also completed the Visual and Creative Arts Diploma and Integrated Media Studies programs at the Haliburton School of Art and Design in Haliburton ON.

Coming from a multicultural background, and surrounded by generations of strong, creative women, her passions include art, culture, history, and social issues.

The artist’s work is grounded in her intuitive based exploration of concepts and materials.  It addresses her ongoing fascination with documenting subjects such as identity, belonging, and memory.  Her influences include Louise Bourgeois, Paul Klee, and more recently Atsmon Ganor and Christiane Feser.

Joanne is attracted to many art forms and has also pursued independent studies in stained glass and mosaics.  Her interest in various creative disciplines also emerges in her professional life; as well as being a full time visual artist she is a published poet, an ESL teacher and a translator.