LibbyDawn Middleton is a breath of fresh air. Stepping inside her gorgeous pottery studio on sunny Picton’s downtown main street, you instantly want to be her best friend. The ceramic artist is originally from the county, and after some cajoling from her husband, they made the decision to return home and open The Ye11ow Studio.
Located right on Picton’s main drag, this welcoming studio is cranking out beautiful pottery for locals, and tourists. Dawn and her team also create custom work for hotels and restaurants.
STEP INSIDE THIS BEAUTIFUL SPACE
A yellow door is an obvious calling card for Dawn’s space. The Ye11ow Studio houses three kilns and all the pottery is created right onsite. And it’s all gorgeous. A neutral colour palate lets the clean lines shine. The texture of each creation is something you hold and embrace. This is the mug you want in your hands each morning. All the firing and glazing are done in-house and you can even spy the team at the wheel, just like that scene out of the movie Ghost (almost).
From bowls to platters, wine tumblers and vases, Dawn has a knack for crafting pieces that are both super functional and stunningly gorgeous. Many offer multiple purposes, like the big flat-bottomed bowl I bought, perfect for oversized salads or oven-ready bread puddings (did ’em both in one day!).
POTTERY TO INSPIRE BETTER LIVING- THE YE11OW STUDIO WAY
Made with love and pride, the studio is so inviting that you never want to leave. And then you start asking if you can take a class, (hard no), and what her favourite colour is and before you know it, you are actually best friends. Or at least that’s how it feels. The whole affair is so organic and tender. You can see and feel the love that goes into each design.
First studying her craft at OCAD and Sheridan College, Dawn went on to achieve a Master of Fine Art from the University of Waterloo. She also has a keen eye for textiles and dried wildflowers. Everything just goes together like a symphony.
Her obsession with crafting ceramics that are beautiful and approachable is a testament to her surroundings. Picton is lucky to have her.
The Ye11ow Studio is located at 281 Main Street West, Picton, Ontario. Give them a follow on Instagram @ TheYe11ow
All images by Libby Roach.