CAFE PASQUAL'S
ART GALLERY

Warp Zone Weaving is the combined work of Pando Speer and Dain Daller.

In the desert of northern New Mexico, near Abiquiu, they weave and create their unique Ikat textiles. They have spent the last 15 years building their own off-grid home, and have recently completed and moved into their new weaving studio. They have always woven at home, but this new space that is larger and purpose-built for their craft will open new opportunities for creation and experimentation.

Textiles have always been a passion of theirs, from hand made clothes to hand cobbled shoes, it was always a part of their lives. In 2013, Pando and Dain found themselves in a beginning weaving class just 20 miles south of their desert home at the Española Valley Fiber Arts Center. Little did they know, their love of cloth and textiles had finally found had its true creative outlet. This introductory course set them on the weaving and artistic trajectory they have been on ever since.

Soon after they learned to weave, Pando and Dain began exploring and self teaching the dye technique known as ikat. Ikat is a technique where one resist dyes the warp or weft yarns in a design before they are put onto the loom. Nearly all of their pieces utilize this technique in some way. In 2017 and 2018 they were invited to present their work at the World Ikat Textile Symposium in New Delhi, India and Khon Kaen, Thailand. Those gatherings of artisans, weavers, dyers and enthusiasts were invaluable exchanges of techniques, ideas, and friendships for Dain and Pando. The work of The Warp Zone utilizes Ikat dye techniques, while incorporating complex multi-harness loom controlled patterns as well. It is this overlaying of multiple design elements and textures that lends a complexity and richness to their fine textiles.

As creative people, they find inspiration for their weaving all around them. Sometimes a color is all that is needed to inspire a whole piece, sometimes an idea of a weaving technique or experimenting with a weave structure will be the focal point around which a piece is created. They take inspiration for their color palettes and patterns from anything from the desert blooms found in the spring, to a broken sidewalk meeting a cracked wall. Often multiple elements and techniques are puzzled out and blended together to create the final textile. This creates the great depth and richness found in the Warp Zone textiles.

It is rare for Dain and Pando to collaborate directly on one project. The two weavers work side-by-side in their home studio. Each individual project seems to inspire the next one's project. Their work may not be directly linked, but this indirect link of inspiration is what creates the true depth, style, and beauty of their work.