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Zandra Hall was raised in Los Alamos, surrounded by colors, textures and flavors of Northern New Mexico. As an usherette at the Santa Fe Opera in the early 1970's she was intrigued by the beautiful woven shawls the ushers were issued. She knew the only way she would ever have such a lovely item would be to make it herself. Zandra's mother had taught her the basics of weaving as a child on the ubiquitous pot holder loom, a "Hobby Loom", and backstrap and inkle looms. After College, while living in Denver, Zandra acquired a two harness "Depression Loom", so named because during the Depression, women used such looms to weave and market rag rugs, in order to supplement family incomes. Thus began the "Love of the Loom." Additional looms of various sizes with multiple harnesses entered the house and enabled rugs, pillows, shawls, towels, ruanas, table linens, coverlets, curtains, wall and window hangings, coats, etc. to be created and shared. Not a friend or relative escaped being gifted with the latest project. Thankfully, they all politely accepted what was passed through the door so that she could go home and start on something new. Of course, weavers must spin as well, so wheels joined the looms to crowd out the kids trying to have a normal life growing up in such a fibrous home. Poor boys, you ought to see the hand sewn "jams" they wore while their buddies wore name brand shorts. Zandra enjoys exploring the possibilities of mixed warp and weft in the textures and interaction of colors. The personality if her weaving is as varied as the fabrics and fibers utilized-many of which have been spun and dyed by the artist as well. Along with weaving, Zandra loves her family, swimming, being a nurse, riding her horses, and exploring the world around her. All Zandra's creations are made with love, and meant to be used and enjoyed.
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