It all started because of my mom. (What doesn’t, right?) I’d tinkered a bit with pottery in high school, but had no idea how much I really loved making pots until 2001 when I spent a four-day session with Josh DeWeese at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts down in Deer Isle. I came home with a few unfired pots and the obvious need to complete them. My mom stepped in again and introduced me to a coworker who in turn hooked me up with an old friend of his – William Flood of Earth to Sea Pottery in Woolwich. I called him up and he soon took me under his wing and taught me almost everything that he knows.... almost. The following summer I took another course at Haystack with Sam Chung – for two weeks this time. I didn’t think it was possible, but I actually fell even deeper in love with pottery.

Returning home, I then began a four year stint during which twice each week I made the forty-five minute drive from Warren, so that my Woolwich mentor could continue to educate me in the myriad mysteries of this art. Although we no longer get together quite as often, our collaborative relationship continues today.

All that time I was working without a kiln, which severely hampered my creative instincts. But in 2007 I finally bit the bullet and acquired one. I never thought I could love a hunk of metal, but I do... it was the best (and smartest) thing I’ve ever done.

Ever grateful for what I’ve learned from my mentors and certainly unable to repay them in kind; I’ve chosen instead to pay it forward by teaching pottery in the adult education program at the Camden Hills Regional High School (just up the coast from Warren).

Each piece is handmade, by me, and different than any other in some unique way. I don’t use molds to make anything. I mostly use the wheel, but occasionally you will find a hand built, slab, or sculptural piece in my studio.

I also make all of my glazes so I know what’s in them and can comfortably state that all are lead-free and food-safe. All of my pottery can go in the dishwasher, microwave, and even the oven. That said, preheating the oven is not encouraged. Instead, it’s best if you either turn on the oven after the food has been placed inside or briefly microwave the empty piece before putting it into the hot oven. These precautions are offered solely to help prolong the life of the piece.

I make a wide variety of items ranging from cat and dog bowls to teapots to plates, chargers, platters and full service sets. If you can describe it, I can most likely make it.

Oh, and in case you were wondering – I’m not a Dragon Lady and I don’t have bad breath (I hope). The name Dragons Breath Pottery simply stems from the observation that the gas fired flames of my kiln remind me of fire breathing dragons every time I crank it up. In turn, this leads me to the notion that I have a dragon watching over and helping me with my work. And lastly because the pots look so ugly when they enter the kiln and come out so beautiful I know there must be some magic there and that takes my breath away. Hence, Dragons Breath Pottery.

Thanks for your interest,
Bridgette Kinney