Delfim Manuel

Ceramicist

©Delfim Manuel

Miniature clay stories

Delfim's craft is sculpting miniature scenes
Through clay he tells rich stories of Portuguese tradition
His figurines are minutely carved and painted

Delfim Manuel first touched clay when he was 10 years old and today specialises in creating detailed figurative scenes of Portuguese traditional and religious festivities. After many years in a ceramics school he opened his studio in 1990 to freely pursue his own individual style. “I enjoy carving the most intricate details, perfecting each gesture and technique as I go along. My mind is incessantly thinking about where I can improve.” Delfim has for example developed his own firing technique allowing the clay to dry naturally, by pre-cooking at low temperatures and then high-temperature firing. His clients are mostly collectors and he insists on meeting them personally to establish an emotional connection with each piece he crafts.

Interview

©Delfim Manuel

©Delfim Manuel

Where do you get inspiration for your decorative objects?: I research the theme requested, ideas start coming, and I start working the clay. I don’t use sketches, images or moulds, so even if I work on the same theme, for example a specific saint, the end result will never be identical.
How would you describe your clay sculptures?: My figurative sculptures may vary in size from 2 cm to 1.5 m, but they are always filled with details narrating a story. I don’t use machines. I start with a lump of clay and with only my hands I transform it into a collectable art piece.
Do you only make pieces upon order?: Mostly. I don’t accept orders by e-mail or phone. It is important for me to know the customer. Establishing a relationship with them gives sense to my work and I want them to feel a special connection with the piece every time they look at it.
Why are fairs such an important way of communicating your work?: Fairs are an important platform to show my work nationally. I sometimes create pieces for these occasions. As I am an artisanal collector myself I founded an association to support fellow artisans and we regularly organise joint exhibitions to show our work.

Delfim Manuel is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1979