Midwest Makers: Meet Sean Hogan of Hogan Handmade
This week, we sat down — virtually, of course — with Sean Hogan, of Hogan Handmade. Sean shared the story of how his business, Hogan Handmade got started, his love for making, and his favorite Northwest Indiana spots.
Sean crafts bespoke furniture and home decor. He does take on custom design projects for clients, but it’s his interest in practical art that really drives Hogan Handmade’s offerings.
“I've always been creative, but realized in college that I was really intrigued by practical art like furniture, decor, Risk boards, really anything that can be modified to fit someone's taste,” explained Sean. “After realising I just wanted to make stuff, I created Hogan Handmade and got started on making my own designs. I'm personally inspired by the geometric, mid century style architecture and furniture designs of the 20th century. People like Frank Lloyd Wright and Gerrit Rietveld.”
Seans lived with his wife and daughter in Northwest Indiana. The youngest Hogan just may be picking up on Dad’s craftsmanship from her vantage point in Sean’s workshop.
Sean’s NWI Picks
We can all agree there’s much to love about life in the Midwest, snow and stay home orders aside. We asked Sean what his favorite things are about life in The Region.
“Northwest Indiana is a great place to live. It's such a mixture of urban and suburban and parkland! You're driving looking at the old architecture in Hammond and East Chicago, a half hour later you're able to drive through the plains and farmland of Lowell, another forty five minutes you can get back to the dunes and take a walk.It's a great place to raise my daughter not only because of diversity of people, but geographical and historical diversity,” said Sean.
Five Hands Farm in Lowell, IN
“They grow some crazy organic produce, not just your everyday corn and soybeans. Some people think it's how big your farm is, but I tend to think it's how you use what you've got. Also, Nash Bruce, the owner saved my life once.”
Image via NWI TIMES
Marquette Park, Miller Beach. Gary IN
“Going to Marquette Park in Miller. It's such a nice little beach, but also a great place to just go for a walk and simply look at the history.”
Mas Tacos in Highland, IN
“The best bang for your buck, and best taste for your buck burrito in the area.”
Image via usarestaurants.info.