I first became interested in gourds in 1985 after a friend gave me an African gourd instrument. This gift not only opened my eyes to the possibility of creating art with gourds, but served as a spiritual awakening for me. My inspiration comes from many North American tribes, including the ancient Mimbres, Hohokam, and Anasazi. When working with a gourd, I try to sense its inherent character and work within that context, creating designs that flow with the shape and feel of the gourd. Each piece has its own soul, its own expression. I set out raw gourds in my home, seeing them on a daily basis, catching a glimpse out of the corner of my eye and eventually an idea will come; the better part of these ideas come to me in my dreams.

The materials I use are leather dye, shoe wax and acrylic paints. For decoration I use shell and stone for inlays, also used are date palm, spruce root, bear grass, pine needles, sedge root, willow root. The feathers I use are parrot, wild turkey, guinea hen, quail, duck, and anything that I find on my way. All of my findings are gathered with respect to traditional ways. I like to use the gourds to tell traditional stories when possible and show the skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. I am one of a number of gourd artist featured in ' The Complete Gourd Workers Handbook'.

I was raised in Wyoming and came to California in 1958. I have been living in Sonoma County California for 30 plus years. I am a self-taught artist. One of my greatest influences has been the late gourd artist Liz Cunningham. I think of her often when I am working. I am of mixed heritage, but am undocumented in my tribal affiliation. (Shoshone)

I am still in awe of the gifts that Spirit has given me. I cherish every new day and try to view it as an opportunity to create and grow. I am doing exactly what I want to do, communing with nature and creating with gourds. My work not only reflect my ideas of the people of turtle island, but also my way of life. I believe that everything we do is connected to Mother Earth. How can we not look at life and art and not see the spiritual connection?

"Nancy Tello is too shy to tell you just what a fine artist she is. Her ability to see nature in a spiritual way and then to create works of art that reflect that spirituality is second to none! Her joy of living is infused into all of her pieces. Colors and shapes and textures all rolled into fine art! Her interest in gourds came out of a relationship with fellow gourd artist Liz Cunningham whom Nancy had the greatest respect for. She found that she too was called to create beautiful gourds."

FDT Newsletter 2004