LMA: Tell us a little about your artistic background:
Joanne: I’ve been an artist all my life, starting in grade school as the nerdy farm kid with a sketchbook. My art education is eclectic, including a BA in Theatre Arts (scene/light design) and later, an AAS in Horticulture where I learned to design landscapes. I’ve mostly learned mosaics through a series of in-person and online workshops, and by constantly making and testing ideas.
Threatened by Joanne Daschel
LMA: How did you get started in mosaics?
Joanne: I had been working hard in landscapes for several years and felt called back to art, but wanted to explore a new medium. In 2010, a week-long class was offered in my town to make an exterior mosaic. The teacher, Jan Miller, became my friend and mentor and encouraged me to seriously pursue the medium.
Cathedral by Joanne Daschel
LMA: What about mosaics resonates with you?
Joanne: I’m intrigued by the endless challenge of combining technical ability and artistic vision. I grew up in my dad’s machine shop, so the construction aspect of mosaic appeals to the “maker” in me. The long tradition of mosaics, and making artwork that can live in outdoor spaces, are features that draw me to the medium. There’s also the slowness of this medium that strikes a chord. I enjoy doing things that take a long time to see the result of your efforts, like growing fruit trees and cheesemaking.
Caught by Joanne Daschel
LMA: Do you have a favorite subject matter? What is it?
Joanne: My work is focused on nature, particularly the plants and animals that are found in my part of the world, Oregon’s Pacific coast. Besides seascapes, I like to focus on quiet moments in places like the coastal rainforest. I have strong views on environmental conservation, so lately I’ve been making work that reflects on the impacts and interactions of humans on the species that surround us. Nature is a great teacher in my view, so some works look at those lessons and inspirations.
Limit by Joanne Daschel
LMA: Do you have favorite materials you like to work with? What are they?
Joanne: I mostly work with smalti and stained glass, and occasionally stone. I enjoy combining the materials to create contrasts of depth, dimension, texture and reflection/absorption of light.
Emerge by Joanne Daschel
Fallen by Joanne Daschel
LMA: Tell us a little about your studio.
Joanne: I’m very lucky to be part of a small artist community with studios in the Lincoln City Cultural Center, just across the street from the Pacific Ocean. This historic red-brick, former elementary school has been transformed into the “hub” of our coastal town that is very spread out along the beach highway. This center houses art, music, dance, yoga, theater, and a program for LGBTQ youth. I taught many classes in my former, larger studio, but this year moved to a much smaller space since teaching was on hold. As it turned out, a wildfire just outside of town in Sept. 2020 displaced many local artists from their homes and studios, and the space is now housing 3 artists. I love being part of a creative community that shares and learns together.
Hearts and flowers by Joanne Daschel - for Orlando Diversity Mural
