”The sea give me movement, the mountains give me silence. Together, they teach me balance.”
Bernadette Martins is a potter and sculptor based in southern Portugal, where the sea meets the mountains and nature sets the rhythm of daily life. His work is deeply inspired by the landscapes that surround him — the shimmering waters of the Ria Formosa, the rugged hills of the Algarve, and the creatures that move between them.
In recent years, his sculptural pieces have focused on the birds that inhabit the coastal lagoons and the animals that roam quietly through the inland forests. Each form is shaped by observation and memory, reflecting a deep respect for the natural world.
Working mostly with stoneware, porcelain, and glazes which don't detract from the complexity of the shapes and the beauty of the textures, Bernadette allows the materials to speak for themselves.
His pottery carries the textures and tones of the Algarve — ocean blues, earthy reds, and soft whites that recall sand and salt. Whether functional or sculptural, his creations capture a sense of balance between movement and stillness, wildness and calm.
From his studio in southern Portugal, he continues to explore the dialogue between land, sea, and the hands that shape them.
