Bernard Katz
Bernard Katz is an artist and designer in hot glass. Bernard graduated from Temple University's Tyler School of Art specializing in glass blowing and sculpture. He brings over 20 years of experience to his art.
Bernard's work has been featured in numerous books and magazines including: Contemporary Glass: Color, Light & Form, Object Lessons: Beauty and Meaning in Art by Guild Publishing and most recently a feature article on his career found in the 2006 fall issue of World Art Glass Quarterly. Other recent achievements include being selected as a 2007 Niche Award finalist.
Following graduation, Bernard began working around the United States with well-known glass artists such as Leon Applebaum, David Garcia, and Samuel Bloom before setting out on his own. Bernard Katz's works are highly regarded by gallery owners and collectors all over the world including: 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Laureate, Wangari Maathai, for placement in her museum located in Kenya and the Thomas T. Taber museum in Lycoming County.
Katz's hand blown glass pieces employ a wide range of glass techniques to achieve his desired outcome. References to objects found in the natural world have been illustrated through the tree and root series. Katz blows vessels in a brilliant transparent color encased in layers of clear crystal. A darker layer of color is applied that is later etched away to reveal the image and underlying colors. Reduction flames are applied to the outer skin of the piece forming a slight metallic surface.
In recent years, Bernard's glass work has transformed from utilitarian vessels to more sculptural forms. Using positive and negative space the new sculptural series of the transparent bolinas, serenoa and vilano combines a sandblasted layer of transparent areas that diffuse ambient light for a soft glow creating a dynamic contrast within the glass.
Bernard's studio is currently located in the historical Manayunk section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.