Birdell Bourdon (Vine Flower)

Birdell Bourdon, also known as “Vine Flower,” was born in 1957 at Santa Clara-Tewa Pueblo. Inspired by her late mother, Marie Sisneros, a professor at the World College in Las Vegas, New Mexico, Birdell was motivated to continue the family tradition of hand-coiling pottery using ancient techniques. Marie taught Birdell the traditional pottery-making methods passed down through generations. Birdell began crafting pottery at the age of 10, drawn to the artistry and the potential of the craft as a livelihood.

Specializing in hand-coiled Santa Clara black polished pottery, Birdell gathers clay from the Pueblo’s tribal clay pits, cleans it, and mixes it before shaping her pieces. She fires her pottery the traditional outdoor way using sawdust. Birdell creates a variety of forms, including wedding vases, bowls, and pieces with melon patterns. Known for her fine craftsmanship, she is now passing down her skills to her children, ensuring the future of the family’s artistic legacy. Birdell signs her work as: Birdell, Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico.