Meet Mário Lopes

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mário Lopes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mário, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Since a young age, I discovered that carving stone was where I felt truly complete — a place where my thoughts and creativity found harmony. I learned to understand the material, to listen to its nature, to recognize its properties, and to choose the right tools to bring my imagined forms to life.
The real challenge was never the stone itself, but the question of what to carve, and why. Over the years, I’ve walked the artist’s path — learning the joy of creation and the quiet freedom it brings.
Today, I continue to seek that same freedom: the freedom to create, to surprise myself, and to see in my work a reflection of the skills and maturity I’ve gained along the way. Each sculpture becomes a conversation between stone and soul — a testament to growth, patience, and wonder.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I was born in Leiria, Portugal, in 1981, and my journey with sculpture began at an early age when I discovered the world of stone carving at the Art and Crafts School of Batalha. That early connection with stone led me to Italy, where I studied at the Fine Arts Academy of Carrara and earned my degree in Sculpture in 2005. Working alongside various sculptors around the world gave me a broader understanding of the craft and of art’s ability to transcend language and culture.
My path eventually took me to Japan, where I pursued a Master’s degree. Immersing myself in a completely different culture and aesthetic deeply influenced my artistic vision. It was there that I began exploring concepts like expansion, growth, and the evolution of form — ideas that continue to guide my work today.
I’ve always been fascinated by the process of turning ideas into three-dimensional realities. My work is an extension of my experiences — moments and emotions translated into shape and texture. I work primarily with stone, but I also experiment with wood, cork, painting, printmaking, tapestry, and mixed media. Each material has its own voice, and I try to respect its natural qualities while creating pieces that feel timeless.
Growing up in the countryside taught me to observe nature’s rhythms — how things grow, transform, and adapt. That sense of organic evolution inspires how I approach form and space. Travel has also been a powerful teacher, expanding my understanding of how art connects people and cultures.
What excites me most about my work is the dialogue between tradition and discovery — between the permanence of stone and the ever-changing flow of ideas. Whether through exhibitions, symposiums, or new projects, I strive to keep pushing my creative boundaries while staying true to the essence of craftsmanship and wonder that first drew me to sculpture.
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There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I believe three key qualities have shaped my journey as an artist: technical skill, material understanding, and an open, humble curiosity about the world.
The first came from my early years, growing up surrounded by people who worked with their hands. From my father and grandfather, I learned how to handle tools — from a simple hammer to a grinder or larger machinery. That practical knowledge later became essential in my sculpture practice. Knowing how to shape or even create the right tool for a specific form taught me that craftsmanship is not just about technique, but also about intuition and adaptability.
The second quality is the ability to read materials — to understand their properties, their resistance, and their potential. I developed this sensitivity by spending time in nature, observing how things grow, change, and interact. Whether stone, wood, or cork, each material has its own personality, and part of the artist’s role is to listen and collaborate with it, not force it into something it’s not meant to be.
Finally, humility and curiosity have been fundamental. They have kept me open — to learning from others, from different cultures, and from the unknown. This openness allows me to think beyond borders, time periods, or cultural labels. It’s what helps my work exist in a timeless space, guided more by emotion and discovery than by trends or expectations.
For those starting their own journeys, I would say: nurture your hands and your mind equally. Learn your tools deeply, spend time understanding your materials, and stay curious and humble. Skill will give you control, but curiosity and openness will give your art life.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

In the beginning, my first professors were instrumental — they believed in my potential and gave me the foundation, tools, and confidence to grow as an artist. Once I had those basics, I realized that growth depended on my own curiosity and persistence. I sought out new influences — sometimes through books, other times by observing skilled artists at work, and often by simply experimenting, failing, and learning from my own mistakes.
Over time, I’ve learned that staying curious and maintaining a student’s mindset is essential. Every day offers something new to discover, and that sense of wonder keeps me moving forward. I believe true progress comes not from seeking recognition, but from the joy of creation itself. Awareness and self-reflection help me stay grounded in reality while continuing to push my boundaries as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mariolopesstudio.com
• Instagram: @mariolopesstudio

Image Credits

– Atelier Obscura
– Idalécio Francisco