María Monasterio –
The Studio
The Studio
I studied architecture and found in ceramics the way to make physical what design could only draw. From the studio in Casabermeja, Málaga, I design and produce pieces for restaurants, brands and interior designers — and for anyone who wants a well-made object to live with.
I see craft as a form of conscious luxury: objects made with intention, time and care.
Background, work and team.
I hold a degree in Architecture from the University of Málaga and a professional qualification in Pottery from the School of Arts and Crafts of San Telmo, Málaga. The wheel is my main tool, though I also work with moulds, slabs, hand-building and both under- and overglaze decoration.
The studio began in 2016. From 2019 onwards, I specialised in tableware for restaurants and have since worked with Michelin-starred and Repsol Sun establishments across Spain and abroad — among them Kaleja, Coto de Quevedo, Beluga and Zsom in Austria.
I have taken part in international trade fairs including Maison et Objet in Paris and Milano Home, and given workshops at institutions such as the Picasso Museum in Málaga. The work has been covered by outlets including ABC, EFE and Diario Sur.
The work is about making objects that mean something — pieces with a story, with presence. Things that bring beauty and a connection to the natural world into the spaces people inhabit.
The Studio
A small craft studio that works closely, honestly and responsibly. With respect for the material, the process, the environment and the people who will use the pieces. We are not looking for perfection — we are looking for character, authenticity and the beauty of the imperfect.
We create pieces full of intent
HOW WE WORK WITH PEOPLE
Responsibility, respect and care for our clients, our team and our environment. We like to work personally and directly, always with honesty. People working for people.
Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the studio’s core principles — present in every part of the process. Much of the packaging we use is recycled or made from recycled materials. In the studio, no material is discarded: we have opened new lines of work where waste material is reused. We source from local suppliers, fire the kilns only when full, and aim to produce as little waste as possible.
WATER PROTECTION
Beneath the sink, we use a series of linked buckets so that clay-contaminated water does not go directly down the drain — instead it decants and the settled material is recovered for use as clay or glaze in more artistic pieces.
RECOVERING WASTE MATERIAL
We have created a new line of work using the residues produced during glaze testing and the material collected when cleaning tools and work surfaces. This line of pieces is called Reborn. We also produce original pieces by repairing broken work using different techniques.
THE TEAM
Growing with Confidence
In 2023 the project took a step forward: María Monasterio Ceramic Studio was founded with its own team and new production lines, to reach further without losing what makes the work distinctive.
Michel handles management and the development of new projects. With experience and a strategic outlook, he makes sure every commission runs smoothly and that communication with clients is clear and direct.
Maica is the backbone of the studio’s day-to-day work: she prepares the clays, maintains the kilns and supports María at every stage of production. Her work is what makes everything else possible.
Together, María, Michel and Maica are here to help with whatever you need.
In the press
“The ceramics studio where luxury restaurant tableware is born”
ABC CULTURE, 5/11/24
“Handmade ceramics take the stage in haute cuisine”
ABC GURME MÁLAGA, 23/5/24
DIARIO SUR, 19/12/21
“21st-century artisans: the potential of working with your hands”
DIARIO SUR, 22/1/22
“Adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit”
TRAVESÍAS ARCHITECTURE magazine, College of Architects of Málaga, 6/3/22
“Dialoguing with clay”
IPSARATIO, 24/5/22
Get in touch with us
If you have a project in mind or would like to know what is currently available, get in touch. We ship across Europe. Lead times vary depending on the project — as a general guide, from six weeks onwards.
MARÍA MONASTERIO CERAMIC STUDIO
Calle Madroño 3, nave 1
29160 Casabermeja, Málaga
Teléfono: + 34 951 993 502 / +34 678 438 519
E-mail: info@mariamonasterio.com
