"Combining ancient techniques and chemistry with the modern conveniences of technology incites the mad scientist within me. Once I learn the rules of the medium, I attempt to break them, bend the properties like an alchemist.”

Born in West Virginia,1985,  raised across the southeast, Joana resides in South Carolina, and has been an art educator for the last decade. Citing herself as artist first, she uses her fascination with dichotomies to merge non-traditional opaques with classical washes. Joana’s mixed media paintings rely on anatomical armatures abstracted with carbon toner, soot, inks, watercolor, and acrylics, while also incorporating antiquated photographic processes.  Expressive strokes overlap visceral marks to portray themes of scientific research, ancestral study, and the figure. When not working in the studio and classroom, Joana spends time with her family, being outdoors, and enjoying music.