Regardless of the subject, Joyce’s work reveals a tug of war between realistic and abstract elements. This conflict usually results in the background breaking up or challenging the foreground.

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The texture and contrast of color in the paintings is achieved through the rapid application and detraction of oil with knives - a technique she developed in her endeavor to add immediacy and freshness to the work. Extreme variations of texture accomplished through the manipulation of the paint enables her to inject emotion and empathy for the subject. Her paintings evoke that which is universal, yet personal.

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Joyce continues to explore other methods to enhance the painting surface and also experiments with encaustic wax. Although her work is always transforming, the need to bring the human element to the work remains constant and her desire to pull emotion from the viewer vital.