Angelique Tassistro creates functional pottery with a sculptural approach, drawing inspiration from a childhood belief that "imagination" was "magic nation". This concept of a land where dreams come true has shaped her life philosophy and infused her artwork.
Raised in a creative Southern family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Angelique’s childhood was filled with imaginative adventures like building forts and elaborate birthday celebrations. She is particularly inspired by her grandmother's attic, which she describes as her first "magic nation," It remains a source of inspiration, brimming with vintage clothing, hats, costumes, fabrics, paintings, furniture, and books.
Angelique’s imaginative childhood experiences fuel her pursuit of creative endeavors and define the unique style of her handmade ceramics. Each piece is approached with a playful "dress up" attitude, requiring imagination and infusing simple forms with enchantment, raw, and colorful patterns. Her work exhibits a childlike quality—not childish—that is fun and a bit outrageous, like a tea party for adults. Her cake plates complement extravagant desserts, and her wine cups invite being held with two hands.
Angelique Tassistro's work is characterized by playfulness and vibrancy, with architecturally-influenced forms brought to life with layers of color and dynamic lines. She employs a unique subtractive process to revisit and refine the layers of visual information added to her pots.
Her ceramic surfaces are created by layering underglazes, one on top of the other. Once the underglaze dries, she washes it off with water. After the pieces are completely dry, she buffs each one with a dry rag. She then uses an underglaze pencil to add depth and highlight the shapes of color. Finally, she applies a clear gloss glaze. This signature "layered underglaze" technique has been developed over 20 years and produces a rich and colorful aesthetic.