About PilgrimWaters

Founded in 2012, PilgrimWaters is the collaborative intersection of Susy's award-winning illustration and Keith's background in computer graphics and 3D modeling. Working side by side from our studio in the historic harbour town of Gloucester, Massachusetts, we translate raw creative vision into an exclusive collection of small-batch textiles and functional home goods, bringing art into the everyday landscape.

Susy Pilgrim Waters is an award-winning illustrator and surface designer whose work spans editorial illustration, numerous commercial design projects, and original textile design. Her large-scale abstract artworks form the creative heart of every PilgrimWaters piece — from paintings to handprinted scarves to screenprinted woodcraft. Before founding PilgrimWaters, she spent decades building a highly respected reputation as a prominent illustrator and artist in the Boston area, laying the groundwork for the bold visual identity we produce today.

A pioneer in early computer graphics and a dedicated woodworker, Keith brings a deep appreciation for geometric structure, spatial depth, and physical form to the studio. He balances Susy's design by grounding the brand's identity in clean, architectural frameworks. At our Gloucester workshop, Keith personally hand-selects hardwoods to build a limited run of custom home goods and furniture pieces.

Each textile is created in close collaboration with master weavers, printers, and finishers in Nepal and India. Susy's large-scale original designs are handprinted in small batches, blending a modern graphic aesthetic with traditional artisan craft skills. This slow-fashion approach ensures ethical wages, fair working conditions, and the preservation of textile crafts that are hard to replicate with machinery.

Every piece of furniture and wooden object in the PilgrimWaters collection is individually bench-crafted by Keith in Gloucester, Massachusetts, utilizing carefully sourced American hardwoods like maple, and designed to highlight the organic character of the wood grain. These functional accents bridge the gap between sculptural geometry and daily utility, serving as a clean backdrop for Susy's design work.

We move gently against the pace of modern mass production. At PilgrimWaters, we believe in thoughtful making, environmental responsibility, and meaningful human connection. Whenever possible, we honour traditional techniques and small-batch craftsmanship, helping to protect both the natural environment and the livelihoods of the master artisans who bring our collections to life.

Susy and Keith bring complementary disciplines to every piece — Susy's artistic and illustrative sensibility with Keith's structural precision. Their process is informed by a modern handcrafted aesthetic, drawing inspiration from designers such as the Eameses and artists like Barbara Hepworth.

The unique designer-maker story of PilgrimWaters has been featured in prominent design publications, regional showcases, and lifestyle features highlighting premium New England craftsmanship. We welcome inquiries from editors, design journalists, and boutique curators.