Joyce is a member of the Santa Clara Pueblo native american tribe. Her ancestors lived in sandstone caves at the Puye Cliffs located in New Mexico on the Santa Clara Indian Reservation from 1300 to about 1550 A. D. Joyces art (storytellers) depicts stories told by her ancestors at the Pueblo. Joyce has mastered the native clay used by her people to sculpt unique works of art. She reminds us that her figures in clay recreate those every day activities that all people in the human family might do. She has won many awards for the sculptures, including awards at Santa Fe Indian Market, the Heard Museum's Guild Market, and many others. Her works are found in many prized collections.