Janine was born in Jamaica and grew up in rural Hampshire, moving to London to go to art school. She studied painting (BA) at Camberwell Art School and textiles (MA) at Goldsmiths College before turning to mosaics.  She was the recipient of the Embroiderer's Guild Scholarship in 1991.

Her work is influenced by a love of pattern, design and illustration combined with an interest in contemporary issues relating to the environment.

Janine enjoys sourcing old plates, cups and saucers in flea markets and charity shops for using in her work whilst friends and family often donate broken items.