My name is Joana Nogueira and I'm a visual artist. Não Sou Rita is my ceramic signature.

There's a small oil painting at home that I created with my mom when I was five years old. I never doubted that my life would revolve around the arts. I was fortunate to be born and raised in Moledo do Minho, and when I think of my childhood, the Bola da Nívea and the scent of seaweed are always present.

At the age of 17, I left Moledo to study Fine Arts in Caldas da Rainha (ESAD.CR) and later completed a Master’s in Animation and Illustration at IPCA. I also studied for a time at the Venice Academy of Fine Arts (2008-2009), where I fell in love with backpack traveling. Amid life’s comings and goings, I chose Porto as my home, where I have my ceramic studio and the sea nearby.

I am a stop-motion filmmaker and ceramist, and throughout my career, I have also worked with illustration, sculpture, and set design for theater.

Não Sou Rita is my signature as a ceramicist, a project born from a playful twist on my own name, opening the door to my imaginary world where the magical characters that inhabit my inner universe, exploring the fusion between light and shadow, come to life. I strive to inspire the exploration of imagination and to embrace the art of smiling.

Who is talking about me?

Find more information about my work in several publications,
interviews and news about animation films, daily-life blogs and art publications.
These are some places you can explore more about my professional journey in ceramics and animation.

Curated Porto | P3 | Animateca | Portugal Manual | Gerador | NIP

You can also watch some of my short-films
published on platforms like RTP PLAY

RTP, IS THE PORTUGUESE RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTER, WHERE I CO-DIRECTED THE STOP-MOTION SHORT FILM 'PRONTO, ERA ASSIM'

  • Daniela V. - Italy

    I am passionate about ceramics and collect pieces from all over the world. I discovered Joana's work in 2021, and it was love at first sight. Her pieces are very unique and full of positive energy. I started with the Mudras collection during the pandemic, then came the hugs and fun masks to brighten up the walls, little monster pots and functional pieces that bring joy to my kitchen and bedrooms, as well as the beautiful tile panels that decorate two bathrooms. I have many of her pieces throughout my home, and each one carries something essentially good. Having her art is an investment in happiness!

  • Susana R. - Portugal

    Joana is already known in our home as the "hug girl". Heading towards my fifth order, all I can say is that every piece is beautiful, handmade, which makes them unique and special. Joana's work is excellent, with great quality and originality, as well as her kindness in customer service. In one word: I love it! I can only recommend it.

  • CJ - Florida, US

    For the longest time, I have been enchanted by Joana's artistry on Instagram, witnessing the birth of the most adorable and expressive clay creations. When we commissioned a bespoke set for our home, Joana's warmth and dedication shone through as she collaborated with us over several months to craft six unique pieces, each brimming with character. Her ability to infuse life into clay in magical, and her playful quirkiness brings pure joy to any space. Joana's art transcends decor, evoking unadulterated happiness, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming more of her creations into our home.

I'm going to tell you about the key moments
that have shaped my professional career to date

Teacher of Arts and Audiovisual in High School | 2009-2011
Short-Film Co-Director 'Pronto, era assim' | 
Academia RTP 3.0 | 2014-2015
Producer | Casa da Animação - Cultural Association | 2016-2017
Starting my ceramic journey | Oficina Brâmica | 2016-2020 
Member of direction | Casa da Animação - Cultural Association | 2018-2021
Art Direction for Puppets Theatre | O meu avô consegue voar - Teatro e Marionetas de Mandrágora | 2019-2020
Ceramics, Stop-Motion Animation and Puppets making Educator| since 2017
Short-Film Co-Director 'EP07-Ornitorrincos' 
| CRIAS SERIE | 2019
Art Educator - Sculpture and Painting | Atelier João Pedro Rodrigues | 2016-2019
Guest Teacher in IPCA | Vídeo | 2019-2020
Terra Boa - Ceramic Studio Owner | Porto | since 2020
Director of construction for stop-motion shorts | Animais Avlp | 2020-2022 
Short-Film Co-Director 'Três Vírgula Catorze' | Animais Avlp | 2024