Bertha Gachupin

Artist Profile

Bertha Gachupin, “Thunder Flower”, was born into the Jemez Pueblo in 1954. She is a member of the Zia and Corn Clan. Bertha was inspired to learn the art of making pottery by her grandmother, Persingula Gachupin. She was also inspired artistically to continue the family tradition of hand coiling pottery.

Bertha specializes in handmade corn stalk pottery. She has continued to use only traditional methods to make her pottery and has mastered the hand coiling, stone polish and traditional firing needed to perfect the pottery. Bertha’s unique style is to use a buff or red slip on the pottery, then apply melon swirls carved into the pottery. She then accents the finished product with corn painted designs to denote her clan origin. The pottery is then hand polished after firing. Bertha signs her pottery: Bertha Gachupin, Jemez, followed by a corn symbol.

Bertha is related to Marie Romero (aunt), Lenora Fragua (mother), Maxine Toya (cousin), Laura Gachupin (cousin) and Virginia “Ponca” Fragua (sister).