Alexandre da Silva and Vincent Richeux arrived in Penha de França a year ago to set up a workshop that was born crooked (torto), at least in name. Bathed in natural light, with plants brought by neighbours and hyper-realistic-looking ceramic pieces, Estúdio Torto, which was once a dairy and grocery store, serves as the meeting point between a Portuguese designer, a French journalist and a shared passion for ceramics which has gone from a hobby to a full-time job.
The work takes place on several fronts, starting with pieces created under the studio's own trademark, such as the futuristically-designed pipes commissioned by an Italian brand. In addition, each ceramist also develops his own work - Alexandre explores realism through half-smoked cigarettes and cigarette butts, combining porcelain with trompe-l'oeil techniques; Vincent, who has been in Portugal for nine years, is influenced by biology and builds many of his pieces from microscopic images, especially of pollen.
There is plenty of space for all pieces, a laboratory for glazes, and there is even space to feature guest artists (not necessarily those working with ceramics) in the shop window. There are residents who use the space to develop their own work, while others show up to take their first steps, either in free mode or using specific techniques, from using plaster moulds to slip casting. You just have to be prepared to get your hands dirty.