Sabiha Mujtaba
I use wood as the canvas for my artistic expression. My years of study of furniture-making tools, techniques and traditions provide the framework for my creative designs. I consider the relationship between form and function as the primary focus of my art.
Born in Karachi, Pakistan, I was raised and educated in London, England where I studied sculpture, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1981 where I formed Chrysalis Woodworks. I design and make custom wood furniture and installations for clients across the country. I also teach woodworking classes, locally, at Highland Woodworking in Atlanta, and other crafts schools.
I work with solid woods and veneers, utilizing a wide variety of power and hand tools to carve and shape forms - from bold to subtle. Using traditional techniques, I combine various woods that contrast with and complement each other. Pieces are often embellished with culturally inspired burnt, painted or stained designs on the surface of the finished work. A rich oil finish brings out the exquisite and unique beauty of the wood in each piece of furniture.I primarily create custom, one-of-a-kind functional and sculptural pieces designed to fit the clients taste and environment. Please contact me for commissions, consultations, presentations and teaching engagements.
Links
Crafthaus Professional craft artists display their work and connect internationally across all fields of interest.
Highland Woodworking I teach classes in carving and basic woodworking. Please visit the site to view current schedule.
Marian Chapel Triptrych Working process for three carved panels for the collaborative project with Scott DeWaard. This was a commission for the All Saints Catholic Church in Knoxville ,TN
Positions Held
1986-present
Chrysalis Woodworks, Atlanta, GA - Owner, designer, and maker of original, custom wood furniture.
2000-present
Instructor: Regularly scheduled classes at Highland Woodworking , Atlanta, GAPrivate classes in woodworking and carving.Spring 2010, Penland school of Crafts, 8 week concentration class in Wood.
1982-1986
Sutherland Studio, Atlanta, GA - Woodworker and designer.
Education
1969-1972 - Studied sculpture at Hammersmith College of Art and Design. London England.
1982-present - Attended numerous continuing education programs and seminars including:
Sam Maloof
James Krenov
Use & Techniques of Corian
Silas Kopf
Business Skills for Creative Professionals
Wendy Maruyama
Furniture Society Conferences
Artist retreat at Hambidge Center, Rabun, GA
Instructors retreat at Penland School of Craft, NC
Publications & Catalogs
Woodwork 120, People, Ideas, New Work, Winter 2013-2014
CWInteriors, India profile, 2013
Studio Furniture: Today’s Leading Woodworkers, 2009, by Tina Skinner
500 Tables, 2009 Lark Books Publication
500 Chairs, 2008 Lark Books Publication
ELLE Decor India, 2005 Profile
Talking Furniture Design, 2004 Bharatanatyam Dancer
“The Chair,” 2002 Bench with Sindhi Shawl
Spotlight 2000, ACCSE, Bench with Sindhi Shaw
Fine Woodworking: Design Book Seven, 1996 – “Basket of Snakes” Dining Table
Southern Accents: Design Sources, 1985 – Cradle
Exhibitions, Awards & Commissions
2014
The Marian Chapel Triptych, a collaborative project with Scott DeWaard, All Saints Catholic Church, Knoxville, TN
2013
17th Master Woodworkers Show, Knoxville, TN
6th GA Artists: A Juried Exhibit, Abernathy Arts Center, GA
2011
16th Master Woodworkers Show, Knoxville, TN
2010
‘Color of Wood’ Habatat Gallery, VA
2009
Penland-Great Artists, Great Teachers, Habatat Galery, VA
2008
New Instructors Show: Penland School of Craft – Penland, NC
3 Sculptures: Lobby of The Westin National Harbor, Maryland
commissioned through Art Initiative, Inc. Atlanta, GA
2007
Speaking in Species: Space, Spectrum and Form.
Kendall College of Art & Design, Grand Rapids, MI – Career Day presentaion during show – January 2007
2005
Designed for Living: regional artist-made furniture & furnishings.
Spruill Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2004
Talking furniture Design: the language of contemporary southeastern artisans.
Museum of Design Atlanta, GA
2003
American Craft Council Show, Atlanta, GA
Decatur Arts Festival Juried Show, Decatur, GA
“Around the Looking Glass,” Wharton Escherick Museum, Paoli, PA
The Gallery on Newcastle, Brunswick, GA
2002
American Craft Council Show, Atlanta , GA
Decatur Arts Festival Juried Show
International Artists Show, SunTrust Plaza , Atlanta , GA
“The Chair,” Worchester Center for the Arts, Worchester , MA
Solo Show, Macon and Co. Fine Arts, Atlanta , GA
Amelia Island Gallery, Amelia Island, FL
2001
Niche Award 2001
ACCSE Spotlight 2001, Arrowmont School , Gatlinburg , TN
Decatur Arts Festival Juried Show, First Prize
2000
Freda Maloof Scholarship, Anderson Ranch Arts Center, Snowmass Village, CO
Niche Award 2000
Spotlight 2000, American Craft Council, Southeastern Region, Kennesaw, GA
American Craft Council Show, Charlotte, NC
Beacon Hill Artist’s Holiday Tour, Decatur, GA
1999
American Craft Council Show, Atlanta, GA
Furniture Society Conference, Smithville, TN
1998
Featured artist on the Lynette Jennings Design Show, the Discovery Channel
Beacon Hill Artist’s Holiday Tour, Decatur, GA
Hickory Museum, Hickory, NC, Fanciful and Functional – Contemporary Studio Furniture
1997
Beacon Hill Artist’s Holiday Tour, Decatur, GA
1996
Beacon Hill Artist’s Holiday Tour, Decatur, GA
Macon & Co. Fine Arts, Atlanta, GA, Seating
1995
Atlanta Metropolitan College, Atlanta, GA, Commission, “Ceremonial Mace”
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, GA, Woodcarving techniques demonstration in conjunction with The Herter Brothers furniture exhibition
1994
Art Forms, Atlanta, GA, Studio Artists
1993
Needle & Rosenberg Law Firm, Candler Building, Atlanta, GA, “Reception Desk”
Decatur Arts Festival, Decatur, GA
1992
Glenridge Hall, Sandy Springs, GA, Big Tree Benefit
Chastain Art Gallery, Atlanta, GA, Art of India
Weinberg Gallery, Atlanta, GA
1991
Chattahoochee Valley Art Museum, LaGrange, GA, Women Artists of the World
D’Vas at the Roosevelt, Atlanta, GA, group show
1990
Art Gallery, Atlanta, GA, Situation X Style: Ten Artists Working in Wood
1989
Chastain Art Gallery, Atlanta, GA, Georgia Craft Show