We had the good fortune of connecting with Angelique Tassistro Herron and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Angelique, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I grew up in a creative family. My grandmother was an antique collector and dealer, known for throwing lavish parties. My mother was the most creative person I have ever known. She painted professionally but was creative in everything she did. She was constantly working on a creative project. I can’t remember a time that a project was not happening.
Being an artist made sense in a way that other careers did not. I’ve been making pottery for over twenty years. It’s what I love doing.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make brightly colored ceramic dinnerware and serving pieces with a sculptural approach. My work is playful and vibrant, with architecturally-influenced forms made alive with layers of color and dynamic lines. I use a unique subtractive process to work backwards in time through the layers of visual information previously added to my pots. Each pot is an incredibly unique piece, decorative by nature yet completely functional.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Asheville has a lot to offer for everyone. Downtown has been revitalized and is booming with wonderful restaurants, bars and cute shops. The River Arts District is about a 15 minute walk from Downtown and has a new Greenway running along the French Broad River. It’s a great place to stroll on a pretty day. The RAD also has its share of yummy places to eat. 12 Bones has amazing bbq and White Duck Taco has eclectic tacos with great views of the river. The Biltmore House is a must see. If hiking, biking or climbing are your thing you will love being so close to The Blue Ridge Parkway!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I moved to Asheville, North Carolina from Atlanta in 2003. For the first decade of my working career as a potter, I worked all week in my studio then traveled to do festivals on the weekends. To say my work / life balance was out of wack would be an understatement. In 2010, I moved my studio to an area of town called the River Arts District. Old warehouses had been turned into artist studios. It offered a unique working environment that I still enjoy today.
The River Arts District is home to over 200 artist and over 25 warehouses. Studios, including mine, are open to the public; creating an interesting environment where the public can watch artists create, ask questions and purchase pieces directly from the artist. Being part of a thriving arts community offered many opportunities that would not have been available working in a home studio.
Website: www.angelique-tassistro.com
Instagram: @angelique_tassistro
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AngeliqueTassistroCeramics