"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."
--Pablo Picasso
The apprenticeship of an artist is a lifetime journey. BJ Katz began her studies early. Born to parents who encouraged her passionate interest in art; they introduced her to literature, theater, music, dance, and a wide array of visual artists. Art classes were the foundation of Katz's earliest educational years and included painting and sculpture at the Art Institute of Chicago. Later, she majored in Art at Northwestern University in Illinois. A love of Art History showed her the path of the Masters, and set her on course for a career and life's calling to create original works in the challenging medium of glass.
In 1991 while attending Pilchuk, the preeminent American glass school founded by Dale Chihuly, William Morris, Artistic Director of Pilchuk at that time, encouraged Katz to pursue a career in glass art. Katz purchased her first kiln for her studio in Arizona. Through 18-hour days spent laboring over technique and detail, she honed her skills through practice, experimentation, and an unwavering love of her craft. After several years of hard work and self-study, Katz embarked on an educational pilgrimage to Australia and New Zealand. While there she apprenticed herself to Ann Robinson and David Wright, she dedicated herself to learning new techniques and improving glass skills. In 1998, at the Glass Art Society Conference in Japan, Katz met several Shibori (traditional Japanese fabric) artists. Their friendship continues, as does the resulting cultural exchange of ideas that reflect in works of her art.
The Meltdown glass studio houses many large kilns and a metal shop to construct the bases for sculptures and designer furniture. In addition to sculptures, the studio produces all kinds of functional art glass - art walls, room dividers, glass doors, windows, tabletops, and desks to name a few. Functional art is made on a commission basis for architects, interior designers, and for anyone with an eye for beauty.
Katz's capability is reflected in the wide range of installations that she has created. Most prestigious to date is Katz's award-winning large-scale sculpture commissioned by American Express Corporation. Twenty-five major galleries in the United States represent her artwork. Clients come from across North America and around the world. They include the Phoenix Art Museum, the Yellow-eyed Penguin Conservatory in New Zealand, the Princess Cruise Liners, the International Cat Museum in Amsterdam, Sheraton Hotels, Gold Canyon Golf & Country Club Resort, Earls Restaurants, Phoenix Children's Hospital, the Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, Robb & Stuckey stores, numerous architects and interior designers, and private and corporate collectors. Katz has also been featured on the Home and Gardens Television Network as a highlighted 'Modern Masters: Women Artisans'.
April 13th feature article in the Arizona Republic’s Arts & Entertainment section discusses BJ Katz and her upcoming one-woman show, "Facets of Womanhood," at the West Valley Art Museum in Surprise, AZ. In this article John Villani refers to Katz as "one of the nation’s leading artists in kiln-fired glass."
Tucson Museum of Art’s curator of contemporary art, Julie Sasse, states, "Glass is a male-dominated field," and adds "BJ’s not hesitated to take big risks in investing herself in her career and staking a claim in the very competitive arena of large-scale glass."
The article discusses Katz’s latest commission, an 11 ft. H x 88 ft. W cast glass sculptural wall creation for corporate client American College Testing (ACT). ACT assistant vice president, Tom Struve, refers to Katz as a "unique source that combined art design expertise and architectural production capability."
"As Ernest Hemmingway once remarked, 'we are all apprentices at a craft no one can master.' I feel the same way about glass," says Katz. "I wake up each day eager to meet the next challenge. My spirit thrives on learning as I create," reflects Katz. "Glass is only limited by ideas and creativity -- the sky's the limit."