Angelique’s Story

Nationally recognized ceramic artist Angelique Tassistro Herron blends functionality with sculpture in her captivating pottery. Her belief in the transformative power of creativity fuels her signature process, distinctive aesthetic in ceramic statement serving pieces, winning career, and significant contributions to Asheville's vibrant arts scene.

Handmade Pottery Inspired by Play

The childhood mishearing of "imagination" as "magic nation" became more than a linguistic quirk for Angelique Tassistro Herron; it ignited a lifelong vision of a reality where dreams could be lived. This "magic nation" concept has evolved into her core philosophy, finding tangible expression in her thriving career and the joyful energy of her Asheville studio, where striking ceramic pieces emerge.

Asheville, a city renowned for its vibrant arts community, now embodies Angelique's "magic nation." Here, she not only crafts her unique handmade ceramic dishware and actively participates in the local art scene but also allows her creative mind to wander, drawing inspiration from the rich artistic tapestry of her adopted home.

Raised in the playfully eccentric environment of her Southern family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Angelique's childhood was rich with imaginative play, from elaborate fort construction to fantastical birthday celebrations featuring towering cakes. These early experiences, particularly the captivating world of dress-up in her grandmother's home, remain a powerful source of creative fuel, shaping the whimsical beauty of her Asheville pottery.

From a Magical Childhood to an Iconic Career in Handmade Pottery

Fueled by her imaginative childhood adventures, Angelique's creative spirit defines the unique style of her handmade ceramic collections. Approaching each piece with a sense of playful "dress up," she embellishes simple clay forms with enchanting, raw, and colorful patterns that evoke a sophisticated childlike wonder – like an adult tea party. Her style is boldly fun and slightly outrageous. Her cake plates are ideal for extravagant desserts, and her wine cups are meant to be savored.

A nationally acclaimed artist, Angelique's imaginative and unique take on handmade dinnerware has garnered significant recognition. Her vibrant and playful work features architecturally-influenced forms animated by layers of color and dynamic lines, achieved through her innovative subtractive process.

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.

From Angelique:

“I make art because I have to. It is my way of playing and, like a child, my play is my work. It is how I express myself. It is the language I understand. I love the process, the repetition, and the feeling of magic every time I open the kiln door. I get great pleasure from knowing that others can enjoy my work. They can take it home with them and use it every day. By making pots, I get to share my “magic nation” in a way that words cannot explain.”