Gali’s Outdoor Kitchen: A Sublime Work of Art
Gali’s beautiful backyard is a quiet sanctuary drenched in sunshine. The woman herself, a local artist, is an embodiment of the space - with her warm smile and thoughtful, quiet but observant way. We’re touring today because we have a shameless crush on her amazing outdoor kitchen, and we want a closer look at the details. But by the time our dreamy morning with Gali draws to a close, it’s clear that this outdoor kitchen is one of many works of art she has produced lately.
Photo Credit: Tomira Wilcox, Elevated Lens
Gali Katz and her husband Dan set out on this design journey to fill a void. During the pandemic, they were longing for an outdoor space where they could convene with friends and loved ones while doing what Katzes do best: host, cook, and relax. They fastened on the idea of an outdoor kitchen. Their wish list had two parts: the functional, and the aesthetic. For starters, they installed a large grill, a sink, a Green Egg, a fridge, a generous drink cooler, and an extensive U-shaped counter layout, one side of which is dedicated to bar seating facing the cook.
They brought in beautiful textures such as square, large-scale porcelain for patio flooring (remains cool under the hot sun!), matte finish granite countertops that sit atop a gorgeously-rustic rough stuccoed base, warm paneling along a seating area for intimacy, and then layered in lush growing things in large modern planters throughout. The all-weather dining table and chairs, and an adjacent gas fire pit surrounded by chairs are design moments that create welcoming places to convene, snack, snuggle, read, or just be. Two different couches sprinkled in with pops of colorful throw pillows, and a hidden outdoor shower, tip the scales to make the space surpass even “resort” vibes; it’s total escapism but without the hassle of travel.
The outdoor kitchen was the ultimate blank canvas for Gali, who finds inspiration in the everyday. In her spare time, she is an artist who works in printmaking, collage, and drawing. Her work is a commentary on her human experience - joy, fear, nostalgia, small moments - brought to life. We were elated when Gali allowed us a little peek at her private studio space, and it’s clear why her exquisite and thought-provoking work is now being featured in gallery spaces all over the region. Much like her outdoor kitchen, her work is an ode to mixed materials and textures, layers of clean lines, and punctuated moments of emotion. We loved our visit and conversation just as much as our look at Gali’s art and backyard, so read on:
DP: This outdoor space that you and Dan have created is such a beautiful mash-up of function and aesthetics. What motivated you to build it, and what were your design goals?
GK: This was definitely a pandemic project; we wanted to create a gathering space for friends; casual, functional, stylish but not precious. A place for all ages.
DP: Can you share some of the Katz Family “Must Have” elements that you each wanted to include?
GK: Dan wanted seats that pulled up to the cooking area so he’d never be the ‘lone man at the grill.’ I wanted a propane fire pit for instant ambiance.
DP: Now that you’ve been using it for a season or two, what parts of the space do you love most, and are there any unexpected ways that you use it?
GK: I love the fire pit area the most. It's inevitably where all of our outdoor nights wind down. It's nearly impossible to get up from those lounge chairs (aptly named 'the lollygagger') once you've got the fire going and a glass of wine in hand. Dan will say the outdoor shower is his favorite. My kids wouldn't think twice before interrupting a parent's shower indoors- but for some reason, going outside to interrupt a shower is one step too far for them. He's out there every night, even into the Fall. I think he's on to something...
DP: Outdoor spaces can be inspirational. As an artist, is this where you come to find it, and what are other local spaces that provide that outlet for you?
GK: I love a blanket in the grass in my backyard. That’s my happy place. Riverside Park for a quiet place to think. All of the spaces in and around the library… People immersed in a good book or some project. I love the quiet energy of being around people absorbed in their own endeavors; there's something contagious about parallel learning. Whimsical moments, that can happen anywhere or anytime- that's what inspires me the most. A vintage gem that strikes a chord from the Westport Bookshop, swans swimming by and happening upon the outdoor ukelele meetup.. that to me is everyday magic.
DP: Tell us a bit more about your work as an artist, and where can we find it?
GK: I'm primarily a printmaker. Thematically, my art is a reflection on contemporary domestic life. Capturing the joy and anxiety of modern living, parenting, and family life. Noticing how everyday moments stir and weave with memory, drawing on their parallels and elevating the playfulness of childhood invention. You can find me: on Instagram @gals_artroom / www.galikatzartist.com Printing at The Center for Contemporary Printmaking in Norwalk (open to the public). Showing in the 73rd A-ONE national exhibition at Silvermine Galleries, opening September 14th
