Getting time to chat with Sabiha Malik is difficult because she has lots of family who all came to visit this summer. Now that the familial visits are ended, and just as her own group show, A Retrospective of Three Artists, is coming to a close on September 2nd, I finally had a chance to have her answer a few questions about her evolution as an artist.
When did you begin painting?
According to my mother, since my childhood I was always playing with colors and trying to match different color pieces of cloth to make them more appealing. As a teenager I was inclined towards art and crafts. During my college years my fondness for art and painting increased; I took classes in figure drawing, pottery painting, batik,tie dye, weaving.
What did you do after college?
After graduation I got interested in flower arrangement. I even earned a diploma in the art of Japanese flower arrangement called Ikebana.
When did you return to painting?
After I married and had my two girls, my painting took a back seat while I tendered to my girls. There was a lapse of several years. Now that my girls are grown up I have returned to my passion of painting.
How did you begin painting with Cindi and Yolanda?
During this time I met Cindy and she became a very close friend of mine, like a sister. Cindy was already taking painting classes with Nancy Jung and she introduced me to Nancy. Nancy and her painting class seemed to be what I was missing all these years.
You all speak of Nancy's class not as an art class, but as therapy. Why?
This class became a therapy for me and I found out that it was a therapy session for all the other students as well. We started to call our class not a painting class but a therapy class. In the class I met Yolanda and other students, each with a unique talent. Each student brought a new dimension and vigor to the class. The students in Nancy's class became both my critiquers and admirers; this sense of community was what I always wanted. It inspires me to paint more boldly and take more risks in what I paint.
There's still time to check out this great show, A Retrospective of Three Artists. When you go in the coffee shop, Sabiha's three pieces (Reflection, Red Roses 1, and Red Roses 2) are on the back wall across from the counter. I think you will see the influence of her Ikebana training in her paintings! Check them out and leave us a note in the comment box. We want to hear from you!
Interested in purchasing any pieces from the show?
Contact me, Jennifer Judelsohn, at
(703)273-0485.
i agree .. Nancy's class is therapy ... and whenever I think "I can't afford it" or "I don't have the time" I always manage to find the time and the finances to continue!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a real joy painting with Sabiha and the other artists ... we all have different styles and it is so encouraging to paint with other people.