Pueblo of Isleta-Tewa



Mona Teller, “Pa-Shawn-Thupa-Wa”, was born to the Pueblo of Isleta-Tewa in 1960. She began making clay sculptures at the age of 24.

Mona was inspired to carry on the family tradition of making clay figures by the famous Stella Teller (mother) and Lynette Teller (sister), who are both well known for their contribution to the art world with their elaborate clay sculptures. Stella is featured in many publications and has won numerous awards.They taught Mona all the fundamentals of working with clay.

Mona continues to specialize in storytellers, nativity’s, animals, and small children at play, which she refers to as “moz kids”. Her pottery is made using natural pigments gathered from within the Isleta Pueblo. The sculptures are hand pinched, hand coiled, hand painted, and fired outdoors, the traditional way, with cow chips used for fuel.

She signs her work as Mona Teller, Isleta, N.M.

Mona is related to the following artists: Chris Teller and Robin Teller (sisters). She also has 2 wonderful children, Christopher Teller (son) and Nicol Teller Blythe (daughter). Nicol is presently making her own sculptures from clay. Mona strongly believes in continuing traditional ways of her people. She has hopes that her children will continue the family tradition of making art from pottery just like her ancestors before her.

Awards:
-New Mexico State Fair
Publications:
-Southern Pueblo Pottery 2,000 Artist Biographies
-Southwestern Pottery Anasazi to Zuni
-Storytellers and Other Figurative Pottery
-Southwestern Pottery 1999 Edition