Bio

Joan’s creative journey began in the enchanting Light House Hill neighborhood of Staten Island, where her childhood home stood just across from the Tibetan Museum. The museum, with its terraced gardens, koi ponds, and rich collection of Eastern art became a playground for Joan’s young imagination. These early experiences nurtured her lifelong fascination with the art and philosophies of diverse cultures.

Nature played an equally significant role in shaping Joan's artistic sensibilities. The Staten Island Greenbelt, a vast nature reserve practically in her backyard, became her haven. Among the majestic oak and tulip trees, Joan spent countless hours immersed in the natural world. She and her friends explored this vibrant landscape, encountering a rich tapestry of wildlife, from to blue jays and woodpeckers to bullfrogs and turtles. Winters brought the magic of ice skating on frozen kettle ponds, adding to the treasure trove of memories that would later inspire her art.

Joan's father, a passionate reader and gifted amateur artist, further fueled her creative spirit. Their late-night movie sessions, watching classic monster films, and his lively recitations of Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Raven" and other poems left an indelible mark on her love for storytelling and the arts.

Joan went on to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Photography at Alfred University’s College of Art and Design, where her professors encouraged her to approach art both conceptually and technically. Her education continued under the mentorship of Toshio Takashima, a master in fine art painting restoration, where she honed her craft further.

Seeking new creative avenues, Joan enrolled in the accelerated textile design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her exceptional talent earned her the highest design award of the year. She went on to establish her own studio in the fashion industry, specializing in textile design and services for corporations, while curating an extensive library of vintage prints for domestic and international markets.

Joan's love of art and nature has been the guiding force throughout her career. Her debut children's books, The Adventures of Calvin Marsh and Tiger Dream, mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her creative journey. These works represent a culmination of her lifelong passions and a testament to the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped her unique voice as both an artist and storyteller.