When I was coming up with my big list of all the things I want to do this year, I decided that one of my goals should be to discover 12 made in Maine products and feature them here on the blog.
Small business is a big deal here in Maine, and there are so many creative people out there making a living by doing something they love. And well, I just wanted to do my part and share a little slice of their lives and help show off some of the talent and the creative people who live here.
I came across these adorable double dip dinghies by Maine artist Susan Horowitz online last spring and have been wanting one ever since. And well, last week I got the chauffeur to drive me to Harpswell, Maine to meet Susan and check out her studio.
Back in the 70’s when Susan was in high school she took a Saturday morning pottery class with her father and well, she never stopped making pots. 😉
Susan established her studio, Ash Cove Pottery in 1985 when she moved to Harpswell, Maine and has been selling pottery out of her studio as well as local shops and through the Maine Potter’s Market ever since.
Her work is absolutely beautiful and it was a real treat to meet Susan and to be able to look around her studio and snap a few photos of her in action.
Flavia, the shop dog. 🙂
Pots drying on one of the many racks she has in the studio. {She also has a wood stove in her work space so it’s a nice and warm place to create.}
Double dip dinghies waiting to be fired.
About those dinghies…. Susan made one a few years ago on a whim and placed it in a shop. And well, a buyer for one of the big magazines spied it, photographed it for the magazine and ever since then, her double dip dinghies have been her best selling item.
These days though she has help with the dinghies, a local potter Rachel hand builds the dinghies for her and Susan does all the cleaning, trimming, firing, glazing and shipping. They’re a lot of work, and I love how each one turns out just a little different.
1 of Susan’s 2 kilns.
Susan in action trimming one of her pots.
Susan Horowitz, maker of the double dip dinghy. Go check her out. She’s AWESOME!
Ash Cove Pottery
75 Ash Cove Rd S, Harpswell, ME 04079
Sandi says
Wow-her work is amazing! I’m hoping that we’ll get to take a road trip to Maine to visit some of these wonderful places you’ve shared on your blog. Thanks for sharing this place Mavis!
Joyce C says
Errmeggerd!!!!! I love and collect handmade pottery….I would love to go to this shop.
I have a kiln, and used to do a lot of pottery but now I just love to see other peoples work.
I not only collect it but I USE it….I don’t believe it collecting something for just show I want to use it!
Shari Harniss says
I’m with you, Joyce C!
Why wait to love something?
Jennifer G says
Pottery is my love language. What beautiful work and designs. If your more in the mid-west, check out Ayers Pottery in Hannibal MO.
Staci W says
Beautiful!! Thanks for taking us along on your little journeys. I’m trying to be more aware of all the wonderful little places in my own area. Some places become so familiar, I can travel on auto-pilot, I hope to explore and support my local artists more in 2021.
Wendy L says
What are the flat pieces with holes on each end? Do they hold a book open or something else? They are pretty. Thanks for sharing her work.
Lisa says
They’re Mezuzah covers.
Lynn says
And pray tell, what are mezuzah covers?
Susie Janov says
The purpose of the mezuzah is to act as a constant reminder of God’s presence. Jews will often touch the mezuzah as they go through the door. The instruction for this comes from the Torah.
Nekey says
Thank you. I was wondering about those as well.
Solange says
Probably mezuzahs to put on your doorway.
Sydelle says
Flavia is gorgeous. And knows it. That look, OMG!
Cathyharrell says
Susan Horowitz says
She’s a Puerto Rican rescue. A real princess. (it’s the eye makeup!) She is not only gorgeous, but very soft.
Teresa Young says
The double dip dinghies are awesome! What a great shop.
We have a local pottery store too, The Wizard of Clay in Bloomfield NY.
Their Bristoleaf pattern is beautiful – they press real leaves into the clay.
https://www.wizardofclay.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/F8C0F0BD-1F56-4AFD-8521-72082EB9F2BC-324×324.jpeg
Marlene Wurtzbacher says
I have been to Ash Cove Pottery Mavis! I have their small dip bowl with the holder for the spreader. We have vacationed on Harpswell (Pott’s Point ) several times. Want to get back post COVID!
Lindsey says
Those double dip dinghies are THE BOMB! What an imaginative creation. Of all the items you have featured, this one is my favorite—and I have liked plenty of the others. What a great gift! Thanks for highlighting her work!!
Annette says
A double dip dinghy!!! That would make a fantastic giveaway
Cheryl says
Susan does beautiful work! So talented.
Those strawberries and chocolate don’t look too shabby either.
Flavia gives a great side eye…lol.
Tiffany says
Her work is beautiful; I love it! So much fun to see the different stages of creating.