Legend JoAnne Bird
Artist | 1992 INDUCTEE
JoAnne Bird was born in 1945 in California but has deep roots in the Dakota Sioux heritage. Growing up on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Indian Reservation in South Dakota, she loved art from a young age, feeling a strong connection to her people's stories and traditions. After finishing high school, JoAnne went to three colleges to study art - Dakota State University, Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the Santa Fe Institute of Indian Arts - and become even better at her craft.
She met and married Gordon Bird, a recording artist, and together they worked to keep Native American culture alive through their music and art. They live in Bushnell, South Dakota, with their three daughters, who also honor their family's traditions.
JoAnne's art is special because she paints and sculpts using her feelings and instincts, making beautiful and meaningful pieces that show her love for her heritage. JoAnne says, “If you’re doing the best of your ability and living right and doing right, the paths do open. All I can do is just keep doing the best I can.”
Her sculptures, like the ones of famous Native American leaders, can be found in the United States and Europe. People all over the world admire JoAnne's paintings and sculptures because they capture the spirit and stories of the Dakota Sioux in a powerful way.
Click on the Originals and Giclees tabs to view JoAnn’s paintings on her website.
An art video with JoAnne Bird
JoAnne is also a skillful sculptor whose work
can be found throughout
the United States and Europe
JoAnne’s Art Style
JoAnne considers herself an impressionist - an artist that uses a style of painting that focuses on general tone and effect, rather than details.
She discovered her technique one day after feeling frustrated stating: “I threw paint at the canvas; I was a realist and I couldn't figure out what I wanted; and I was disgusted, and I threw the paint. Then I realized I could control that throwing. It wasn't just an accident. It’s free and it’s loose and it’s like nature.”
The paintings come straight from her subconscious; she never plans ahead of time. “When I see what's in the painting, I paint what I visualize.” Bird says her paintings are created by the use of a palette, a knife, a brush, and layered colors of paint. JoAnn starts working around 9:00 PM and works into the night, continuing in her studio until morning, playing music of Beethoven or Bach.
Wapasha II Sculpture Development by JoAnne Bird Dedication at The National Eagle Center. Watch Below!
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Wapasha II Sculpture Development by JoAnne Bird Dedication at The National Eagle Center. Watch Below! -
Reflection:
View JoAnne’s work on her website joannebird.com
Choose one of JoAnne’s paintings and write a description of what you see.
What is happening in the picture?
How does it make you feel?
What makes you feel this way?
JoAnne is a member of the Dakota Sioux and was raised on the Sisseton-Wahpeton Indian Reservation in eastern South Dakota. JoAnne’s grandmother raised her and was a great influence as she developed her artistic talent.
How has an important adult in your life influenced you?
What challenges do you think JoAnne faced as she cultivated her creative gifts?
What leadership characteristics would you use to describe JoAnne?
Think about your own creativity.
What special talents do you have?
How does JoAnne’s story motivate you?
