Joanne graduated from Edinburgh College of Art before completing an MA in Jewellery at the Royal College of Art in London. Following this a Setting Up Award from the Crafts Council enabled her to set up her studio in Edinburgh.

Using mainly silver and oxidised silver Joanne uses unit construction methods such as chain mail and hinging, assembling pieces into necklaces, bracelets and rings to make forms which are three dimensional, flexible, tactile and durable. Movement is an important element to her pieces and it is essential to her that the jewellery is comfortable and easy to wear. Each piece is individually hand-crafted at the bench.

Since graduating from the RCA in 1995 Joanne has exhibited nationally and internationally. Exhibitions include Subjects 96at the Fibula Gallery in Norway, New Faces at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, Contemporary Decorative Arts at Sothebys in London, a Solo Show at the Scottish Gallery, in Edinburgh, Contemporary British Jewellery in Seattle, USA and 50 pieces of Gold at Contemporary Applied Arts in London.

Joanne was commissioned two years running by De Beers to create jewellery for the prize-winner at Diamond Day, Ascot.