Zabih Habib

Where do you live: I reside in Germany but spend much of the year in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Your education: I honed my craft under the late Harald Shuck in Idar-Oberstein, the gemstone capital of Germany, and have spent over 30 years perfecting it.
Describe your art in three words: Symbolic, Timeless, Refined

Your discipline: My discipline lies in fine art, blending sculpture and painting with contemporary methods to create symbolic and timeless works that honor nature and heritage.
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Your work showcases a unique blend of gemstones and precious metals. How does your family’s heritage in the Afghan gemstone trade influence your artistic process?

My family’s deep connection to Afghanistan’s gemstone trade has fundamentally shaped my artistic vision and process. Growing up in a family that pioneered the gemstone trade, I developed an intimate understanding of these precious materials – their unique characteristics, cultural significance, and natural beauty. This heritage influences how I select and incorporate rubies, sapphires, and other precious stones into my sculptures.
Each piece I create represents a fusion of this ancestral knowledge with contemporary artistic expression. The gemstones aren’t merely decorative elements – they’re integral to the narrative of each sculpture, carefully chosen and positioned to enhance both the physical form and symbolic meaning.
This blend of traditional materials and modern sculptural techniques allows me to stay true to my cultural roots while creating art that speaks to contemporary audiences.

What inspired you to sculpting animals and natural forms such as stallions and falcons?

My artistic inspiration is deeply rooted in the experiences of my childhood. Before the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, I often visited a horse breeder on the outskirts of Kabul who raised full-blood Arabian horses. I was mesmerized by their elegance, strength, and spirit. After school, I would spend hours watching them run, captivated by their movements and grace. These early memories sparked my lifelong fascination for Arabian horses.

During summer trips to northern Afghanistan, I also encountered falcons for the first time. Revered in Afghan culture as symbols of freedom, vigilance, and strength, their graceful flight and commanding presence left a lasting impression on me. These experiences with animals and nature became a foundation for my artistic vision.

While I specialize in sculpting falcons and Arabian horses, my work extends beyond these subjects. Over the years, I have created sculptures of eagles, black panthers, hawks, aquatic life, and other natural forms. Living in different countries throughout my life has broadened my perspective and deepened my passion for capturing the beauty and symbolism of nature in my art.

Zabih Habib, Echoes of Glory

Can you walk us through your creative process, especially when working with such precise tools and intricate materials?

My creative process begins the moment I hold a raw gemstone in my hands. It feels as though the stone itself is speaking to me, guiding the direction of the piece. Each gemstone carries its own story—its structure, color gradients, and natural inclusions offer subtle hints about what it wishes to become. I see this process not as an act of imposing my vision but as a collaboration between the material and my intuition.

Unlike traditional methods that rely on pre-designed sketches, I allow the uniqueness of each stone to guide me. I observe how light interacts with its surface, explore its textures, and sense the energy it emits. Sometimes, in those first moments, I can already envision the contours of a falcon in flight or the elegance of a horse waiting to emerge from within. Other times, the form reveals itself gradually during the carving process—a dialogue that evolves with every cut.

Working with such intricate materials and precise tools requires patience and respect for the stone’s natural properties. Every cut must be deliberate, as there is no room for error. Yet, this challenge is what makes the process so captivating. It’s a delicate balance between control and intuition—a creative journey where both the stone and my vision shape the final piece.

Ultimately, my goal is to honor the natural beauty of each gemstone while infusing it with life and movement. The result is not just a sculpture but a harmonious blend of nature’s artistry and human craftsmanship.

How do you approach combining traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic interpretations?

I see my art as a bridge between the past and the present. Traditional gemstone craftsmanship forms the foundation of my sculptures, reflecting techniques passed down through generations. At the same time, I incorporate modern forms and abstract elements to give my work a contemporary edge. This approach allows me to honor the cultural and artistic heritage of my roots while pushing the boundaries of creative expression in a way that resonates with today’s audiences.

Zabih Habib, Um Al Arab

Your sculptures and paintings often emphasize themes like resilience and cultural preservation. What messages do you aim to convey through these themes?

My art reflects the resilience and strength found in both nature and human culture. Resilience is central to my work because it represents the ability to endure and thrive despite challenges. Growing up in Afghanistan, I was inspired by the perseverance of people and the beauty of the natural world around me, which continues to shape my artistic vision.
Through my sculptures, I aim to capture the essence of movement, strength, and grace found in nature while preserving cultural traditions. Each piece is a reflection of the values I hold dear—resilience, continuity, and the timeless connection between heritage and modernity. My hope is that my work inspires viewers to reflect on their own stories of perseverance and to appreciate the enduring beauty of both nature and culture.

How has growing up in Germany influenced your precision and attention to detail in your art?

Growing up as a teenager in Germany had a profound influence on my attention to detail and discipline as an artist. Germany’s deep appreciation for craftsmanship and high-quality workmanship shaped my approach to creating art. This environment sharpened my eye for precision and inspired me to craft each piece with the utmost care.

Over the years, I’ve carefully studied the anatomy and movements of animals, ensuring that every detail in my sculptures reflects both accuracy and life. For me, German craftsmanship is defined by unparalleled precision, quality, and dedication to your craft—values that I strive to mirror in my work.

Which artwork are you most proud of, and why?

I take great pride in all of my pieces, but there are a few from the past that I am especially proud of. One of my most distinguished sculptures was a falcon crafted from ruby and gold, which was gifted to a renowned president. I also had the great honor of creating artworks for the Sultan of Brunei, including a horse and an eagle made from ruby and onyx. Another exceptional piece was an Arabian horse, sculpted from lapis, gold, and diamonds for a Saudi sheikh.

However, I believe that the two pieces I have been working on for over three years will be among my finest creations. One is a striking composition of fighting roosters—also known as gamecocks—adorned with a multicolor, multi-gemstone setting. The other is one of my largest works to date: a majestic American bald eagle.

Both sculptures merge traditional carving techniques with modern design, capturing the power and elegance of these animals. They are particularly significant to me, as they showcase the full breadth of my skills while also serving as profound symbols of freedom, protection, and dynamic energy.

Zabih Habib, Wings of Dawn