Joanna Coke was born in Harvard, Massachusetts in 1952. Her father was a Captain in the U.S. Navy, resulting in her being reared in many locations: Puerto Rico, Florida and Massachusetts. Her mother, Muse Kotenev, was an interior decorator, a graduate of New York School of Interior Design, and an author of an autobiography and childrens stories. Joanna's fine arts training started at 9 and continued throughout her commercial and fine arts professions to present day.

Our physical appearance projects the cummulation of our worldly experiences up to that moment in time and space. The loss of innocence in its many forms as we pass through these phases of life intriques me more which is reflected in the artworks I create.