The loom tuner
- Marco Antonio has named his workshop Artesanato
- He studied craft design and architecture
- He specialises in textiles for furnishings and architectural applications
The loom has defined Marco Antonio Pabón’s path as an artisan, not only in the art of vertical and horizontal loom weaving, but in his very specialised talent to set up, repair and fine-tune looms throughout Cauca province. He is a tireless researcher and a craft and design enthusiast. It is no surprise he went on to study architecture after getting his degree in craft design. Mentoring has also been part of Marco Antonio's professional journey, working with SENA, the Colombian National Training Service, through vocational and technical training. A fortuitous opportunity to train weavers was the result of a 22-loom donation received by the institution. It marked the turning point to convince Marco Antonio to pursue weaving as a profession. Since then, he has roamed the region training, repairing, and fine-tuning these precious machines he cannot stand seeing go to waste.
INTERVIEW
Formal schooling is no doubt a major advantage compared to more traditional artisans. Understanding and implementing the creative process allows a methodical approach to a craft project, resulting in appropriate resource management.
Loom weaving with natural threads constitutes Cauca's indigenous cultural heritage. It has some similarities with other Andean communities of South America which were lost. I am inspired by the geometrical patterns and use of natural fibres found in that tradition.
A special interest in fibres and their use in furniture projects was my first introduction to the craft. I used to commission these before learning to weave the textiles myself. Then, with SENA, I had the opportunity to experience the art of weaving, to learn how to set up, repair and fine-tune the looms donated to the institution, among others.
I owe my fine-tuning ability and the structural understanding of the loom to my father. He loved to play the guitar and piano. Though he was not a luthier, he was very talented at fine-tuning. The loom can be as elaborate as any instrument, and it sings out a very special tune.
