Text by Bethany Adams
No matter the occasion, artist Angelique Tassistro believes that the table deserves a little bit of special treatment.
Raised in Louisiana, Angelique made her place within the art scene in Asheville, North Carolina, in 2003, but she brought her inspiration with her from home. Memories of playing and dressing up in her grandmother’s attic inform pieces she describes as “playful and vibrant,” resulting in a fun aesthetic that she notes isn’t the norm for functional ceramics.
“I think when you get dressed up, it’s usually because you’re going to do something really special,” she says. “You’re going to do something fun and festive, and that’s what I want my pieces to highlight on a table.” The spirit of dressing up is present in elements like abstract flowers, scalloped edges, and exaggerated lines—all crafted with the intention of making those served feel appreciated.
But while the dishes and serving platters she creates are ideal for holiday celebrations, Angelique hopes they also bring a little bit of that special feeling into the everyday—from serving family dinner to displaying fruit on the counter. To encourage this, she puts thought into every detail of her work, from the way it feels in the hand to how easy it is to wash. “Because I do want them to be used,” she says.
Whether your spread is a simple midweek meal or a stunning selection of Christmas desserts, Angelique’s work is designed to elevate the experience and bring joy to the table. With festive colors and designs inspired by childlike creativity, each piece turns even the most ordinary event into an occasion worth celebrating.
