From early on I felt an affinity for natural fibers and textures. Whether in marble, paper, or textiles, I try to express this passion, always having Nature as my inspiration and starting point.

This project began from the need to make things with my hands, using the natural resources I have available. The materials and fibers I use are the most important element of each piece and what defines its direction. The process is nothing more than the journey I make with these materials - it’s what defines the rhythm and the result of the work. This long but rewarding path reflects my deep desire to return to the origins, to be present and participative in something greater than myself, something cumulative that transcends us all.

"numvale" was born from the desire to do many things at the same time.

It was created by me, Maria Elisa Vale, in a quest to turn different hobbies into an actual artistic project. I started in sculpture, moved over to paper, and then to textiles. As different as they are, I can find points of connection in each of these mediums. And I like to oscillate between them.

All pieces are handmade in Porto.
Please contact me to visit the studio!



Group Exhibitions
2022 — Dia Aberto Sem Forma, Atelier Sem Forma, Porto
2022 — XII Bienal Internacional de Arte Jovem, Antiga Escola Primária, Vila Verde
2021 — Spring Open 2021, Absent Gallery (virtual exhibition)
2020 — XI Bienal Internacional de Arte Jovem, Biblioteca Machado Vilela, Vila Verde
2020 — 284 Open, Galeria Coletivo 284, Lisbon
2019 — Um Monumento para o Lousal, Grândola (public art project)
2016 — Um olhar sobre o Douro: Ligando Fios, Museu do Vinho do Porto, Porto

Grants
2023 — Living & Dyeing, Córtex Frontal, Arraiolos (artist residency)

Press
2024 — Curated Porto
2022 — XII Bienal Internacional de Arte Jovem (exhibition catalogue)
2021 — Al-Tiba9 Contemporary
2020 — XI Bienal Internacional de Arte Jovem (exhibition catalogue)

CV

Maria Elisa Rocha Vale
b. 1997 — Porto, Portugal

Education
2019 — BFA Sculpture, Faculty of Fine Arts, Lisbon
2015 — Artistic Production specialised in Textile Arts, Soares dos Reis Art School, Porto

Complementary training
2021 — Natural Dyeing Course, Modatex, Vila das Aves (50h)
2021 — Intro to Weaving with Guida Fonseca, Saber Fazer, Porto (16h)
2021 — Tapestry Course, Modatex, Vila das Aves (75h)
2020 — Sustainable Weaving Course, Modatex, Vila das Aves (50h)
2019 — Intensive Figure Drawing Course, Accademia del Giglio, Florence (42h)

Solo Exhibitions
2023 — Tecelagem, Olá Breiner, Porto