Pen Bourdet is an artist who carves and paints in the New Mexican style of liturgical art (retablos, bultos, Cristos) as done by contemporary santeras and santeros, or saint makers. She begins by carving and shaping the wood, then adds multiple layers of gesso before assembling the carved pieces. Next she paints the piece, using vibrant watercolors. Each piece is finished with many coats of varnish.