Artist's Statement

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Meagan Cadorette

Cadlin Farm Pottery began as an exploration of self through clay. I was drawn to ceramics as a former teacher and a woman in my fifties seeking my next chapter– pottery had always been of interest to me. As the founder of a small and beloved Montessori school in Portland, Maine, where I taught for 20 years, my first career was dedicated to supporting young children and their families. Part of what I loved about my work was the opportunity to be creative, explore, take on challenges and build community. In addition to teaching, when our daughter arrived, embracing motherhood became the focus of my time, energy and spirit; I loved every minute of it! However, those two devotions left me with little time or ambition for anything additional. Now, as I embark upon a new phase of life, delving into ceramics has become a wonderful way to continue the journey of  inquiry, expression and challenge. Home has always been a place where family and friends gathered and memories were made. My mom, a masterful entertainer, introduced me to the idea of creating settings that are both beautiful and welcoming; and it didn't matter if it was a Tuesday in March with our nuclear family or Christmas Eve with the whole clan— there was a always a reason to pull out a special serving dish or table linen. Exploring ceramics and creating my own special pieces has become a way to connect with my roots and the people and places that have shaped me. It also serves as a means to move myself forward and share what is meaningful to me with others. I am grateful to those who share their experience and knowledge, making it possible for me to learn, create, and grow. My current work is a reflection of three distinct, equally significant aspects of my life- my deep connection with the ocean, my admiration for horses and the sport of dressage and my passion for the garden. All of these stir awe and reverence; joy and curiosity. I hope this work speaks to you in some way that makes you feel more connected to yourself, your past, your present, your future, those you love, places that are meaningful and the marvels of this amazing world we share.

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The Studio and Collections

Cadlin Farm Pottery is nestled in the small rural town of Pownal, Maine. In my tiny one person studio, with my work centered around life passions, I strive to deliver pieces that are useful, meaningful and beautiful. All work is individually made by hand: wheel thrown, thrown and altered or hand built. The Posies Collection is inspired by time spent in the garden both as a child and as an adult. The stunning beauty, healing power, sustenance and playfulness of all things botanical has always brought me joy and wonderment. With this in mind I explore my ability to be playful with color and form exploring clay's properties and possibilities. For a long period of time, horses were an integral part of our family life. Their majesty, the human-equine connection and the art of dressage stays with me still. The two images I'm currently working with are of my daughter on two of her horses, and capture their grace and elegance alongside their strength and power, as well as the undeniable connection between horse and rider. Caroline, Dustin and Hilly are the inspiration for and the heart of The Wellington Collection. Finally, my love for the ocean prompted me to play around with creating The Atlantic Collection. The sea and its various creatures provide infinite material and possibility- perhaps I am especially drawn to this subject from having spent hours as a child lost in the pleasures of digging in clamflats, building sandcastles, sea shelling, catching crabs, exploring Maine's rocky coast, and gazing into the deep. The ocean always feels like home. From garden patch, to saddle, to sea–  Maine to Florida: beauty, joy and inspiration abound.​