Carlos
Manuel
Gonçalves

Which place do you currently call home and where do you work on your projects?

Although I grew up in Alentejo, the rural area of Portugal, it was in Lisbon that I found my home. I have been living here for about 20 years. And right now, it is in the vibrant energy of the city that I find the strength and inspiration to create. My home and my studio are located very close to each other, in the Ajuda neighbourhood, one of the oldest and most traditional areas of the city.

Where is your studio located & how does it look?

My studio is located in the Ajuda neighborhood. You can find it on a street with plenty of local businesses: it’s a very friendly environment, where all the neighbours know and support each other.

I have a small studio that suits all my needs—2 rooms, one of them is for the kilns. In the main room is a big table where I create all my pieces and finish the process. There’s a huge window facing the street where I can check the daily buzz and it also adds a lot of natural light, which is super important, of course.

To enter my studio means to enter my own personal world. It’s a privilege for me to be able to do what I love and to be surrounded by my characters and monsters every day. Wouldn’t change that for anything!

Are there any projects that are personally important to you—whether recently completed or currently in progress?

All the projects are important, of course, but some of them are even more special. Either because they represent big challenges or look almost impossible to reach—and sometimes that’s what allowed you to grow and evolve—or sometimes because there’s a story behind them that goes straight to your heart, and I’m very sensitive to that. When someone tells you your work means something very special to them, you can’t ignore it. And sometimes special pieces come from personal stories that people share with me. That’s just incredible!

This year was an incredible and very challenging one. I’ve made a very special project to the city of Lisbon itself—I can’t talk about it yet, but i’m really proud of it. Growing up in the countryside of Portugal, and to receive an invitation like that from the city I lived in for about 20 years now, it’s very special and rewarding!

So… stay tuned!

Do you have a favorite place in your area where you like to relax and linger?

Lisbon is a city steeped in history and tradition. Near my neighbourhood there’s the Monsanto Forest Park, the city’s green lung. It is always a peaceful place, with stunning views, perfect for slowing down a little and letting new inspiration flow. A walk along the river in the Belém area is also always good for clearing the mind.

Are there any urgent political issues or problems in your region?

All cities face challenges. Currently, the housing crisis is one of the most pressing issues. I wish there was more fairness in this area, as there is still much room for improvement.

In your opinion, what has developed well in the last 5 years—and what has not?

The tourism boom in Lisbon over the last five years has brought many benefits. But, like everything in life, it also has its downsides. We need to look at the bright side and try to improve the less positive aspects so that the city is accessible to everyone.

Do you know a hidden gem when it comes to local manufacturers—whether it’s arts and crafts, sustainable products or food?

There are still many hidden gems to be found in Portugal. Lisbon has an increasingly strong artistic community, which is growing every day. And that is very important for the identity of our culture. There is a whole new generation of Portuguese designers and artists bubbling up every day.

In my studio street, which is famous for the small local businesses, you can find some other artist studios like Pareidolia Design or Jessica Ilfu-Soi, both are friends and ceramic artists. There are also many places where you can find authentic local food, as well as many organic and high-quality products. Since I live in the Ajuda neighbourhood, I suggest visiting the studios of local artists and designers. And to take a tour to the municipal market, where you will find fresh, high-quality meat, fish and vegetables.

Is there anything particularly innovative in your region? Also in comparison to other places you have already visited?

Lisbon has been making a real effort to modernise itself in the last years. Being a very old city, there are more and more green spaces and cycle paths, inviting us to enjoy the life outdoors more. Thinking about cities for people is extremely important. And Lisbon has significantly improved in this regard.

Do you have a secret restaurant tip that you would like to share with us?

In the Ajuda neighbourhood, there is a restaurant that is my favourite. It is a traditional family business where you can find the best home cooking at an affordable price and with super-friendly service. It’s like being among friends. This hidden gem is called Churrasqueira do Marquês. I highly recommend it! But don’t tell anyone I told you about it!

Is there a local shop whose products are only available in your region?

There are many local shops and markets where you can find the best Portuguese products. In addition to the municipal market, there are many cafés and bakeries where you can find excellent homemade bread. And Portugal has great bread! In my neighboorhood in particular, here in Lisbon, I would suggest Meia-Lua Bakery & Café for the best bread in town. They just opened a local products grocery shop, where you have the best home made cheese, butter, a great selection of wines. So it’s a great place to discover if you want to find the post products of my country!

What are your 3 favourite apps that you use every day and couldn’t live without?

I use Instagram a lot as a work tool. The reach we can achieve is just incredible. But I can’t live without WhatsApp, of course. And for work, Spotify! Music is the best fuel for creativity!

Do you have any favourite newspapers or online magazines? And how do you keep up to date with politics or social and cultural issues?

If I had to choose a newspaper, I would choose Público. When it comes to magazines, the choice is more difficult. There are increasingly more interesting publications focused on the Portuguese lifestyle, such as Vogue Portugal, Revista Observador or Time Out Lisboa. Nowadays, everything is online, and it is always practical to keep up with what is going on around us wherever we are.

Imagine you could be mayor for a year—what would you change?

I don’t know if I would want to take on such a huge responsibility. But I would like to create more workspaces for local artists and creatives, at an affordable cost. Above all, I would like to raise awareness of the importance of national culture and handmade work. Ultimately, to place greater value on our heritage. Without culture, we are nothing.

One last question: If you could choose another place to live—regardless of financial or time constrains—which one would you choose?

I love travelling. And it’s always super inspiring to experience new and different cultures. I could live in Berlin for a while, a city with incredible cultural energy. I also like the energy of Madrid and the order and freedom of Amsterdam. But Portugal is home to me. It’s always good to come back here.