Angelique Tassistro: Pots for Blooms
Angelique Tassistro
Painted Ceramics
Asheville, NC
Angelique Tassistro is a nationally-recognized ceramic artist who creates functional pottery with a sculptural approach. Her belief in the magic of creativity inspired her signature process, original aesthetic in the realm of ceramics, award-winning career, and the bolstering of Asheville’s celebrated arts scene.
Angelique's work is playful and vibrant, with architecturally-influenced forms made alive with layers of color and dynamic lines. She uses a unique subtractive process to work backwards in time through the layers of visual information previously added to her pots.
In 2010, Angelique was selected to be one of WNC's Top 10 Emerging Artists. She’s undoubtedly a rising star in the ceramic world, with numerous recent publication credits and inclusion in the 2011 Ceramics Monthly Top 15 National Emerging Clay Artists.
Angelique’s studio is nestled in the River Arts District of Asheville and is open to the public Monday through Saturday 11 am - 4 pm or by appointment. Visit the studio at 5 River Arts Place Suite 101, Asheville NC 28801, located within Curve Studios, a converted industrial building in the heart of Asheville's River Arts District that is home to working artists and galleries.
About Angelique Tassistro
When did you first start making your craft?
I took my first clay class at LSU (Louisiana State University) while I was getting my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Photography. I loved it so much that I stayed two additional years to get a second BFA in Ceramics. After graduating, I moved to Atlanta for a couple of years then relocated to Asheville in 2004 to open a clay studio with my college studio mate. I’ve been working in clay ever since.
What do you draw inspiration from?
Entertaining has always been a passion of mine. I love making guests feel special by setting a fun table or adding bouquets of flowers all over the house. I make work that I hope will be used daily as well as special occasions.
How do you incorporate flowers into your work?
I love fresh flowers and gardening so making vases happened very naturally. I used to focus on really large vases, which I do still make from time to time, but I have really been enjoying making bud vases. Sometimes you just want to pick a few blooms from the garden.
When did you join the Guild and why?
I became a member in 2016. It had been a long term goal of mine after visiting my first Guild Craft Fair. I was so impressed with the quality and diverseness of work that I wanted to be a member.
What is your favorite part of being a Guild Member?
My favorite part of being a Guild Member is the endless opportunities it provides and the sense of community. Members are extremely knowledgeable and willing to share.
What is your participation in the Guild? My participation has been somewhat limited as a relatively new member. I look forward to participating more in the future.
Do you teach workshops?
Yes. I have done workshops on hand building pottery and my unique glazing process at various clay centers. I do not have any workshops scheduled but look forward to doing more in the future.
