Mário Reis was born into a family of potters in Caldas da Rainha, where five generations have passed down not only ceramic techniques, but also a profound respect for material, form, and craft. Surrounded by clay since childhood, he grew up inside a living tradition — one that he honors while continually reinventing.

He studied ceramic modeling in the early 1990s under Master Herculano Elias, and later learned wheel-throwing from his uncle Armindo Reis, deepening his technical and artistic skills. Although his current work has evolved into a more stylized and personal language, these formative years continue to shape his approach.

Mário's practice is rooted in stoneware and refractory clay, often combining drawing, sculpture, and wheel-thrown elements into single pieces. His process involves multiple firings, the use of glazes and oxides, and the inclusion of contrasting materials such as wood, glass, and metal — always exploring the boundaries between raw and refined, permanence and imperfection.

He has exhibited his work in galleries, public spaces, hotels, and cultural institutions across Portugal, and his pieces are part of several permanent installations, especially in Nazaré.

“My work is a dialogue between memory and matter. Clay carries stories — personal, familial, and collective. I believe in preserving the essence of tradition while opening space for experimentation and transformation. Creativity comes from repetition, experience, and the quiet discipline of doing.”