how it all began

Kelsey Joanne Bogart (aka KJB) AA, BFA


Raised on a generational farm in rural Colorado, I received an early initiation in metalwork 
from my father who taught me electric welding . . . farmer style. My mother was a painter, 
ceramicist and dabbled in a variety of art forms, while my grandfather was a watchmaker and 
jeweler. My sister is an accomplished musician, visual artist and art therapist. The odds of my 
becoming an accountant or a lawyer or a . . . well, were—in a word—slim. 
It was the early 70’s that I took up studying art and sculpture at the University of Colorado. This 
experience set my course toward finding an art form to call my own—a path I instinctively knew 
would require both education and life experience. I set out to get both. 
Leaving the plains and Rocky Mountains behind, I made my way to Chicago to participate in 
The Eli Gilath Community Theater. I quickly discovered that I didn't have the disposition for 
being an actor, but lighting, set design and costuming proved intriguing to my artistic urges.
This new interest in theater production, my natural love of art in all forms, and a passion for 
music (particularly-The Blues), what better place to be than New Orleans?
 This move would prove to be a pivotal choice, and one of many auspicious events in my life. It 
was there I met and married John Potts, a highly skilled metal sculptor who had carved a place 
for himself in the vibrant New Orleans art scene. Over the next few years, he would teach me all 
he knew about metalwork and sculpture. In love with him, I became a devoted student eager to 
learn all I could about the alchemy of metallic melting.
 Our daughter, Natalie, arrived in our lives in 1977. Although her arrival was a joyous one for us, 
the marriage dissolved soon after, but my love affair with metalwork and sculpting stood the test 
of time. I had honestly found my art form.


Natalie and I made our way to Arizona. There I worked in foundries as a metal and wax chaser 
and patina artist; and even as production manager for a design firm making large-scale fabric 
murals for commercial venues across the United States.
 In time I would discover East Indian Art, the concepts of objective art, protective/talismanic 
wearable art, and the notion of soul retrieval through the ritual use of sacred objects. Eager to 
learn new techniques, I studied jewelry making (like my grandfather), and in time earned a 
degree in Business Management—an uncharacteristic choice, but one that proved invaluable over the years.
 When Natalie started Bright Star and Buffalo in 2012 - she leaned in on this training to help the business get off the ground and thrive. My metal work also took center stage in her business. Though Bright Star and Buffalo has since closed it’s virtual doors - you can find some of our iconic collaborative designs on my Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/kjbsculpture

I have since completed my BFA, written a book on the art of brazing, begun teaching workshops and inviting apprenticeships. The artist’s journey has been at once rewarding, challenging and a labor of love. Each new day 
brings a delightful adventure, a triumph over obstacles and, always, a new sense of curiosity 
regarding the tantalizing mystery of what I do.

 It is my hope that you will feel the spirit of blessings and gratitude from which my work is forged 
and woven, and that these pieces, writings and teachings serve your highest good!

contact

kjbsculptures@gmail.com

12073460947