Bernard Katz

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Bernard Katz has worked in glass since 1986. He is a graduate of Temple University's Tyler School of Art, where he majored in Fine Arts and specialized in Glass Blowing and Glass Sculpture. He also studied abroad at the West Surrey College of Art and Design in Farnham, England. Bernard then apprenticed for several years with well known glass artists such as Leon Applebaum, David Garcia and Samuel Bloom before going off on his own.

His etched designs are all original and usually involve botanical subjects, creating a naturalistic yet contemporary feel. These designs lend themselves to display in all settings, from artistic home decor to corporate office enhancements.

Bernard designs and executes each piece himself, combining modern equipment and ancient techniques. His shapes are created by hand blowing the molten glass into his 3 dimensional shapes which then become a canvas of glass unto which the final imagery will be etched.

For his famous TREE SERIES and new ROOT SERIES, he blows vessels in a brilliant transparent color which is then encased by 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. Then the tedious and risky etching process begins. The entire piece is covered with high pressure tape and the image is then drawn in precise detail. Using special blades, specific areas are cut away one step at a time. Fine grain sand is applied under high pressure, gently removing layers of glass to create the final artwork on the glass vessel. Each piece is unique because the theme has to fit the particular shape and color of the blank glass vessel.