Joan Marin was born, raised and lived in New York City all her life where she attended the High School of Music and Art, studied at the Art Students League and the Tribeca Art and Sculpture Studio.

She came to Albuquerque six years ago. Since coming to New Mexico, she has a more colorful palette. Her current series is inspired by trips to Central America and Mexico. Joan says "The colors of the "people of the sun" and their clothing is a continuing joy to me."