A retired American Airlines pilot and a graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Architecture, Fred Black is an Architect Emeritus who consults on and designs sustainable and passive solar homes. As a resident of the New Mexico since 1969, he has developed an appreciation for Southwestern art and textiles. This eventually led him to Tierra Wools, in Los Ojos, New Mexico where he learned to weave.

Fred weaves on a Rio Grande walking loom, not unlike the first looms brought to New Mexico by the Spanish in the early seventeenth century. His weavings are 100% Navajo Churro wool, warp and weft, which was the wool used by those early settlers. Churro sheep were, at one time, considered an endangered animal, and the wool is still considered quite dear. Its long staple and unique fiber composition make it unparalleled for use in rugs and blankets. All of these factors lead to an authenticity and strength in Fred's southwestern pieces as well as his more contemporary efforts. His work is featured at Tierra Wools in Los Ojos, New Mexico.  He is featured in the 2011 Andrea Heckman documentary film, Woven Stories.

Fred lives with his wife, Daryl, in the high sagebrush country of western Taos county where he is fortunate to utilize wool from Navajo Churro sheep raised and dyed by Connie Taylor of Bayeta Classic Sheep and Wool.