Art Foundry

Transforming Metal into Art

Where tradition and innovation meet to bring unique and expressive pieces to life.

At Mão de Fogo, we work in a rural and tranquil environment in Alentejo, where focus and time allow us to do better work.

From our atelier in Portugal, we collaborate with artists, studios, and institutions in Portugal and internationally, transforming originals into metal with technical mastery, discretion, and absolute respect for each author’s vision.

Art casting: technique and intention

For more than two decades, our story has been written between fire, mould, and detail.

We have grown side by side with sculptors and creators, learning that every work demands attentive listening, rigor, and a closely guided process — and that trust is built through consistency in making.

The foundation of our work is an ancestral technique — art casting — passed down through centuries. It allows us to precisely capture the texture, energy, and expression of the original, preserving what is irreproducible: the artist’s intention, the gesture, and the trace of the hand.

To this tradition we add technological innovation with discretion and purpose. We integrate 3D scanning, 3D printing, and CNC equipment to support prototyping, form verification, and scaling, reducing uncertainty and ensuring fidelity when the project requires it — without replacing the trained eye and the experienced hand.

Materials, alloys, and scale

We work with bronze, aluminium, brass, and cast iron, adapting alloys, wall thicknesses, and construction solutions to each context. We produce everything from intimate works for private collections to public artworks and large-scale monuments, designed for strength, stability, and long-term durability in outdoor environments.

Finishing is an essential part of the material narrative. Custom patinas, polished surfaces, rustic textures, or brushed finishes are treated as a language: they define the work’s relationship with light, place, and time. Every choice is discussed, tested, and refined through samples until the right balance is achieved.

We oversee the entire process with method and transparency: planning, mould-making, casting, fettling, assembly, testing, and quality control. When required, we also coordinate logistics and installation, managing packaging and transport so that each work arrives safely and is presented with the care it deserves.