María Monasterio,
Ceramic Artist
After studying architecture, I discovered my true passion in pottery: designing and creating ceramic objects with my own hands—pieces that aim to surprise, delight, and evoke feelings, offering not only functionality but also emotional connection. In our Málaga studio, we craft tableware collections, fulfill personalized orders, and host ceramic experiences.
I’m María, ceramic artisan, artist, and creator of your unique pieces.
I’d like to share my origins, my story, the values that define me, and the team that accompanies me.
I hold a degree in architecture from the University of Málaga and a diploma in pottery from the San Telmo School of Art and Crafts in Málaga. I furthered my ceramics education through courses with artists such as Kazuko Uga, Rafaela Pareja, Xavier Montsalvaje, Chisato Kuroki, and Maria Bosch, among others. The potter’s wheel is my main tool, but I also use molds, slabs, hand-building techniques, and both underglaze and overglaze decoration.
María Monasterio Ceramics began in 2016 with the goal of crafting high-quality ceramic pieces that bring new life to this ancient art by combining it with fresh designs and ideas.
During the first two years, I focused more on the artistic side, participating in exhibitions, competitions, and design fairs. But starting in 2019, I specialized in designing and crafting tableware for restaurants. Since then, I’ve worked with renowned restaurants across Spain, including Michelin-starred establishments such as Lasarte in Barcelona, Messina in Marbella, Takumi in Marbella, Kuoco in Madrid, Kaleja in Málaga, Etxeko in Ibiza, and Fusión 19 in Mallorca.
I have also given presentations at the International Summit on Handcraft and Tourism, taught courses at the Picasso Museum in Málaga, lectured at the University of Málaga, and been interviewed by publications such as Diario Sur and ABC Newspaper, as well as specialized magazines, regarding my work for restaurants.
With my work, I strive to surprise, delight, and engage—just as I am surprised, delighted, and inspired by the world around me—making everyday objects not only functional but also a source of enjoyment.
The Studio
Located in Málaga, our studio is where tableware collections, custom orders, and, on special occasions, ceramic experiences come to life.
We create pieces full of intent
OUR APPROACH
Responsibility, Respect, and Proximity towards our customers, within the company, and towards our environment. We are a small ceramics company and like to engage with our customers in a personal and respectful way. We are people, working for people.
Sustainability Above All
Sustainability is one of our fundamental pillars, present throughout the studio and every stage of our process. Much of our packaging is recycled or made from recycled supplies. In our ceramics studio, we discard no materials, implementing new processes to reuse leftover resources. We source ingredients from nearby suppliers, run the kilns only when full, avoid waste, and aim to produce as little residue as possible.
WATER CONSERVATION
Under the sink, we use a chain of buckets to filter ceramic waste so that it doesn’t go down the drain directly. This material is then collected and used as clay or glaze for some artistic pieces.
RECYCLED WASTE PRODUCTS
We have created a new line of work using waste materials from glaze tests and from cleaning tools and surfaces in the studio. This line, called “Reborn,” features original pieces made from recovered material and repairs.
THE TEAM
Growing with Confidence
In 2023, María founded MARÍA MONASTERIO CERAMIC STUDIO. Taking this leap has meant bringing on a new team and new production lines to expand our offerings and create an increasingly sustainable and competitive business.
Michel is in charge of project management and new business development. With his insightful mind and experience, Michel ensures efficient and satisfying processes for each order.
Maica provides essential daily support with her talent and efficiency. Responsible for tasks such as clay preparation, kiln maintenance, and assisting María, Maica is a cornerstone of the studio’s daily operations.
Together, María, Michel, and Maica are here to help with anything you may need.
What They Say About Us
“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’re interested in any of my products or would like to request a quote for a custom order, feel free to contact me. We ship within Europe. The time required for completing a custom order will vary depending on the type of work, with a minimum lead time of one and a half months.
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
