Hog Bay Pottery
From Clay and Wool: The Life Threads of Charlie and Susanne at Hog Bay Pottery in Rural Maine
Located in a quiet corner of Franklin, Maine, surrounded by ten acres of spruce, lupine, and the salty sea, Charlie and Susanne Grosjean have been crafting a life of creativity, artistry, and community for over five decades. The founders of Hog Bay Pottery and their studio are a testament to the continuing spirit of craftsmanship, reflecting their passions and shared journey.
A Journey Rooted in Biology, Spun into Craft
Both biology majors at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, Charlie and Susanne, never imagined their careers turning from microscopes and laboratories to clay and wool. It was a pottery elective Charlie took for fun that set him on a path of creative expression, while Susanne, with the weaving studio just down the hall, became fascinated by the art of textiles. What began as casual college experiments evolved into lifelong callings.
After graduation, they moved to Boston to work in a public health lab, where they lived in a fixer-upper, intentionally keeping costs low so they could save money. But after a year, the pull of Maine was (too) strong. They both landed jobs at Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor, but while stable, their work was not the fulfillment they sought. By 1972, they made a bold decision: with a $66-a-month mortgage and a deep belief in the value of handy work, they bought land in Franklin, where they founded Hog Bay Pottery and their weaving business.
Crafting a Community, One Piece at a Time
Susanne’s journey into weaving began when she bought her first loom in Massachusetts. In Maine, she taught spinning and weaving at Jackson Labs before transitioning to cooking at the College of the Atlantic. She began selling handwoven rugs, clothing, and wall hangings at local craft fairs, refining her skills through workshops with renowned weavers like Peter Collingwood. Over the years, Susanne found creative ways to source materials affordably, from purchasing leftovers to fixing up old looms and even scoring 100 pounds of harvest gold mohair from a mill in Ellsworth. Along the way, she connected with local shepherds and cultivated a network of makers, farmers, and artists who supported one another through trades and collaborations.
Meanwhile, Charlie dove deeper into pottery. Committed to making every piece unique, he continued to evolve his designs, shapes, and glazes, often incorporating local materials like clay and ash. He welcomed children into his studio to throw pots, firing them and mailing the finished pieces as mementos. Charlie focused on creating a holistic experience, not just a commercial product. His customers became his neighbors and friends, and in many cases, they were returning (third-generation) supporters.
Authenticity was at the core of their work for both Charlie and Susanne. Their shop was not just a business – it was a meeting place. Locals returned for gifts and pottery, while tourists discovered the charm of locally made, one-of-a-kind creations. Word-of-mouth advertising was their most effective marketing tool. People came because they trusted the quality of the work and the genuine, friendly atmosphere that filled their studio.
A Life of Purpose and Craft
The road was not always easy. They raised children, made art, and spent 25 years caring for aging parents with dementia – all while managing a business without health insurance. They made do with little, stretching every dollar, but always to build something real and lasting. And despite the challenges, the work remained deeply rewarding, creative, fulfilling, and, most importantly, fun.
Susanne, who grew up with a Quaker background and embraced the counterculture ideals of the 1970s, never expected to become a businesswoman, but weaving was a path she carved for herself. Today, she spins yarns from local wool, dyes them with plants she grows herself – indigo, madder, and flax – and shares her knowledge by teaching and demonstrating spinning at fairs like the Common Ground Fair. For Susanne, the work remains an art form and a playful exploration of texture, color, and community.
Now in his late seventies, Charlie fills his kiln every six weeks with a whole load of pottery. He mixes his glazes, sometimes incorporating ash from local wood, always searching for new textures and colors. Though they know their store may not survive them, they continue to craft with deliberate intention, knowing that their work honors the land, the people, and the timeless tradition of handcrafted artistry surrounding them.
The Pottery: A Hub of Creativity and Tradition
At the heart of their story is Hog Bay Pottery, where traditional craftsmanship meets the beauty of Maine’s landscape. A biology major turned potter, Charlie has spent years refining his skills. His gas-fired and wood-fired pottery includes functional pieces like dinnerware, bowls, vases, mugs, and lamps, each featuring glazes that reflect the natural beauty of the Maine coastline. Susanne, equally passionate, has built a body of work focused on handwoven textiles, creating rugs, wall hangings, and clothing, all made from locally sourced materials and dyed with plants she grows herself.
Hog Bay Pottery operates with a unique, customer-friendly model: no set business hours exist. The shop is open whenever possible, and visitors are welcome to browse and make purchases on a self-serve basis. With a sign explaining the process and a payment lockbox, this approach reflects the Grosjeans’ commitment to community trust and accessibility. Over the years, Hog Bay Pottery has become not just a business but a cornerstone of the Franklin community, offering a gathering place for locals and a cherished destination for visitors from near and far.
Charlie and Susanne’s commitment to sustainable practices and quality craftsmanship has ensured the longevity of their studio. In 2004, Charlie built a wood-fired kiln with the help of his father, drawing inspiration from traditional kiln designs. This kiln, central to his production, creates the distinctive glaze effects and textures his work is known for (note that Charlie used the wood-fired kiln from 2004-2021; since then, he has made all his pots in a gas-fired one).
A Legacy of Handmade Artistry
In a world where mass production often trumps authenticity, Charlie and Susanne have created something different: a life lived slowly, a business built with heart, and work that honors the land, the people, and the craft. They have nurtured a rich ecosystem of farmers, artists, and craft aficionados who trade goods, share ideas, and support one another – a true reflection of the norms and values they have lived by for over five decades.
As the years pass, Charlie and Susanne make pottery and weave textiles, remaining deeply connected to the land and their community. And while they know their store may not outlast them, they are content in knowing that their legacy lives on in the pieces they have crafted, the relationships they have built, and the spirit of creativity they have nurtured in Maine and beyond.
For those interested in experiencing Hog Bay Pottery firsthand, the studio is located at Hog Bay Road, Franklin, Maine. The shop is typically open during daylight, especially in summer. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to ensure someone will be available. Whether you are a collector of fine ceramics, a fan of handcrafted textiles, or someone seeking a truly unique Maine experience, Hog Bay offers a warm welcome and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local artistry.
