For artist and musician Tia Sculpt, creativity is never just one thing. It’s clay under her fingernails, melodies echoing in her mind and quiet moments of gratitude woven through it all.
Working under the studio name Tia Sculpt; she has called Western North Carolina home for five years. Originally from Aurora, Illinois, her journey began with high school art classes and community college ceramics, paired with horticulture studies that nurtured her love of floral design. That path led to a life-changing gift: an old kiln and ceramic wheel from a generous boss and friend.
“It was such an important shift,” she says. “It gave me incredible opportunity. I hope to spread that fortune to others whose paths cross mine.”
Tia joined Asheville’s River Arts District just five months before Hurricane Helene hit. Though her studio at Art Garden only took on minor damage, the storm rippled into unexpected places. “I didn’t realize how great the clay was from Highwater Clays until it was gone,” she says. After the floodwaters receded, the renowned clay supplier was out of commission, and sourcing high-quality clay became a struggle. “At first I thought I’d just find another stoneware clay, no problem,” she recalls. “But everything I tried felt different. It changed a lot of my processes.”
Amid that upheaval, her Tiger Trout series became an emotional anchor. Tiger trout are rare hybrids of brown and rainbow trout, and she had been lucky enough to spot one while hiking in a place transformed by the storm. Creating ceramic versions felt like preserving a fleeting moment. The first tiger trout she fired after Helene marked a symbolic rebirth for her work and spirit.
But bringing these fish to life wasn’t easy. Raku-firing, a process involving heating pieces to high temperatures then transferring them to combustible materials, brought repeated failures. “I had so many pieces break in my hands,” she admits. “At one point, I didn’t think I was going to continue. But I finally figured out what I was doing wrong.”
Someday, she plans to spell out the word failure with the broken fish – transforming frustration into art. “There’s enough broken pieces to do it,” she laughs, her voice warm with acceptance and resilience.
Tia describes Asheville’s arts community as a lush conservatory blooming with possibility. “It’s overwhelming in the best way,” she says. “So many different kinds of people and art.”
Her creativity extends beyond sculpture. A lifelong musician, she has played in bands since high school and continues solo projects today, often collaborating with friends. “Music has always been a support,” she says.“It grounds me just like clay does.”
Her advice for hard times mirrors the lessons of her shattered tiger trout. “Tune in to yourself. Break things into small pieces. Rest when you can. Even when everything feels broken, you can rework it into something beautiful.”
Up next for Tia is a flight to visit family in Cabo. But no matter where she lands, her multifaceted spirit continues to sculpt beauty and music from life’s raw materials – carrying strength into every space she enters.
You can view Sculpt's piece "Tiger Trout" series in the exhibit "Mountain Memories" at Asheville Regional Airport, on display through October 30, 2025. The exhibit is displayed in the Asheville Regional Airport Art Gallery located in the new North Concourse, post security – please note only ticketed passengers can view this area.
