Artist Statement

I am Sarah Pilgrim, a studio weaver living and working in the high plains of southwestern Montana. It is here that I gain my inspiration for the colors in the garments that I weave. I use color with a spirited hand, often weaving with unexpected combinations. Ideas come while hiking or skiing in the mountains where I see the blues of lupine on the hills in late spring or the subtle early morning light of winter.

The first time I sat at a loom, in 1978, I knew I would be a weaver someday. The rhythm of the weaving process, the feel of thread moving through my hands and the resulting cloth I make connect my body and soul.

I find it essential to my artistic life to transform centuries-old traditions into modern interpretations. For example, looking at a garment I have designed, the viewer will see that I have created a pattern and used colors in the garment in an unusual way to make a practical garment that is a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art.

In all my weaving, I look at design and color as integrated rather than two separate entities. This is how I translate centuries old weaving traditions into 21st century wearable art.