Stand barefoot upon the brown belly of our

Earth Mother and feel

our presence.

All those who came before you and those who have

yet to come.

We are the past, present

and future.

Together, we stand barefoot upon the brown belly of

our beloved Earth Mother and we are one.

 

- T. L. Flores

I found my true creative self when I began working with gourds in 1996.  I view my gourd art as a creative interaction with Mother Nature by simply accenting it’s natural beauty while maintaining the unique character of the gourd.

 

My art is a reflection of my two families; from my mother’s mother, I am greatly influenced by the vast beauty of the Nevada desert.  And from my father’s mother, I am drawn to the vibrant cultures of the Aztec and Navajo people and their respect of the earth and nature.

 

Gourds are a large and diverse group of plants related to pumpkin and squash (cucurbita).  Dating back thousands of years, gourds are believed to be the oldest utensil know to humankind.  Whether decorative or functional, each gourd possesses an ancient earthly beauty.