Maija Grotell (1899-1973) was a studio potter and educator, born in Finland. She was among the first generation of ceramicists who elevated pottery to a high art form. She is well known for her exploration and use of glazes and slips as well her use of pattern in her work. Her vessels are renowned for their elegant forms.
She studied painting, sculpture and design in Helsinki, and then studied pottery under Alfred Finch for 6 years. She also studied pottery under Charles Binns at New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University after she moved to the United States in 1927. She taught at various schools, most notably, Cranbrook Academy of Art for 28 years, where she was the ceramics department head. Her students include Toshiko Takaezu, John Glick, and Richard DeVore. She received many awards and her works are represented in the permanent collections of many museums including the Museum of Art and Design, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Everson Museum, and Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Maija Grotell, Vase, before 1943, Courtesy of Cranbrook Art Museum, R.H. Hensleigh and Tim Thayer photograph
