Sophie Gailliot and Richard Pontais are the artistic duo known as Atelier C.U.B. She works with leather; he works with wood. Both deal in texture and structure. Shaped by artisanal craftsmanship, nourished by fine arts, and rock culture, their union renews traditional techniques—sometimes forgotten—which they practice with modernity and finesse.

Sophie and Richard’s artistic approach can be seen as a remedy to gloom, using unexpected shapes and color combinations to evoke calm, reverie, and curiosity. Leather marquetry, once used to cover somber works of classical furniture, is brought back to life. Their work is a search for calm, both in the making and in the finished piece. Motifs are repetitive, compositions rhythmic.

Their side table “Spécimen nº04” is conceived as a functional sculpture. Butterflies provide the inspiration for the pattern and color of its marquetry.

The body of the table is made from a turned wooden base, then sheathed in leather marquetry. Each color of leather is cut by hand, piece by piece, assembled in a random fashion, then glued on the wood shape. The creation takes place in real time; the motifs appear as they go along. There's a real desire to leave room for chance, whether in the fabrication of the legs or the arrangement of the leather patterns, so that each piece remains unique.

In 2023, Atelier C.U.B. received the François Houdé Prize, awarded by the City of Montreal and the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec, which recognizes excellence in fine craft.

TINT also carries a selection of Atelier C.U.B.’s line of wood and leather trays. Please stop by the gallery for current selection.