JoAnne made her first basket in 1984 while living in York, Maine. As she started gathering information on this craft, she learned the history of the basketmakers in the Mount Agamenticus area. Russo learned how to select a proper ash tree, pound the growth rings off the tree, carve rims and handles with traditional tools, and weave a basket. The time involved in this process is considerable. She uses materials taken from the forest like black ash and pine needles, as well as contemporary materials such as beads, tacks and zippers. JoAnne incorporates strong visual design elements, like the contrast of black and white or spiky surface decorations, to give each basket a presence.