Meet Mário Lopes | Sculptor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mário Lopes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mário, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by nature: by insects, plants, and animals. I would spend hours exploring the outdoors, captivated by the beauty and complexity of the natural world. During that time, I also developed practical skills, learning to use various tools and machines through play and curiosity.

Later, in school, I joined a stone carving program, and it was a turning point. I felt a deep connection to the act of creation in three dimensions. For the first time, I realized I could transform an idea into a tangible object. That sense of possibility, of giving form to imagination, has never left me.

From that moment on, I understood that the only real limits to creation were the materials I worked with—or my own mind. Since then, I’ve continued to explore, research, and refine my skills. I also discovered that unlike many other fields, art isn’t bound by fixed rules or guidelines. It depends entirely on the individual. That sense of freedom: to express, to invent, to question: ultimately led me to sculpture.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was always a curious child—and that curiosity is still a big part of who I am today.

At the age of 15, I discovered stone carving, and that moment was truly a turning point. I immediately felt at home. I just wanted to skip other classes so I could carve stone. That fascination has never faded. Even though it’s a hard material that creates dust and noise, I become completely absorbed in the process. My mind focuses only on shaping the form—on the act of creation.

After my first three years of stone carving, I realized that Portugal alone couldn’t offer everything I wanted to learn about sculpture. So I went to Carrara, Italy, where I discovered an entire world devoted to sculpture. There, I met and learned from incredible artists, immersed myself in art history, and deepened my technical understanding.

After five years in Carrara, I began traveling and working around the world, collaborating with other artists. These experiences exposed me to different techniques, artistic approaches, and new cultures—all of which shaped my growth, not only as an artist but also as a person. These life experiences became essential to who I am today.

All of this, combined with my drive for precision and detail, brought me to where I am now. I’ve always followed my intuition and passion, not trends or public approval. At the end of the day, I want to surprise and challenge myself—to create something I’ve never seen before.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My studio is in Leiria, just north of Lisbon, and that would be the starting point of the tour.

I would begin by showing where I spend most of my time—surrounded by stones, immersed in creation, and just steps away from a small garden forest. The surrounding region is incredibly rich and diverse, offering everything from cultural landmarks to natural beauty and exceptional gastronomy.

If a friend came to visit for a week, I’d take them first to the Monastery of Tomar, a historic stronghold of the Knights Templar. There, we could also try local dishes inspired by medieval gastronomy. From there, we’d visit the Monastery of Batalha, a majestic Gothic masterpiece where I first studied stone carving.

Next would be the Monastery of Alcobaça, renowned not only for its architecture but also for its conventual sweets and historical kitchen. The area has excellent local restaurants serving traditional regional dishes. Then we’d head to Óbidos, a beautifully preserved walled citadel full of charm.

After that, we’d stop in Caldas da Rainha, known for its ceramic arts, and then make our way to Nazaré, home to the world’s biggest surfable waves. There, we’d enjoy the dramatic coastline, fresh seafood, and some distinctive Portuguese green wine.

Back in Leiria, I’d show the vibrant cultural life of the city, full of local restaurants serving authentic Portuguese cuisine—from fresh fish to traditional meat dishes—and a lively nightlife. Around the city, you can find many family-owned restaurants where the quality of the food really stands out.

Finally, I’d take them to Serra de Aire e Candeeiros, a beautiful natural park perfect for mountain walks, with typical small villages, stone-walled landscapes, and breathtaking views—a perfect way to experience the essence of the region.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Several people deserve my recognition throughout my life—people who truly mattered and supported me at the right moments.

It starts with my parents and grandparents, who taught me how to live in harmony with nature. They showed me how to cultivate the land and how to use tools and machines—skills that would become the foundation of my creative practice.

Later, during my school years, several teachers recognized my talent for the arts and encouraged me to pursue it. But the real turning point came at the stone carving school located inside the Monastery of Batalha in Portugal. There, Master Alfredo Neto Ribeiro, Alzira Antunes, and António Moreira gave me not just technical guidance but also the energy, support, and deep appreciation for the culture of stone carving.

Since that period, I’ve fully embraced the act of creation. I set out into the world to continue exploring and growing as an artist—but the essential foundation was built there. They helped me take my first meaningful steps, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Website: https://www.mariolopesstudio.com

Instagram: @mario.sculptor

Image Credits
Studio fotos: Atelier Obscura.
Euricius Aureum, Columna Aurea: Idalecio Francisco.