J Shia, Builder

J Shia is an internationally known, award-winning custom motorcycle designer and builder. She is the founding proprietor of Madhouse Motors, LLC of Boston, Massachusetts, and has been featured on platforms such at The New York Times, NPR, Forbes Magazine, The Institute of Contemporary Art, The Boston Globe, BMW, Harley Davidson, Ebay Motors and more. J Shia is the youngest, only living female, and only Arab-American to have a motorcycle acquired by Harley Davidson. J has spoken Honorarium at Brown University, Northeastern University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and the BMW 100 year Berlin conference.

J’s work is defined by a distinctive practice that transforms unconventional objects into functional works of art. Drawing inspiration from sources as varied as musical instruments, antique kitchen equipment, and medical devices, she reimagines everyday materials and unexpected components through the medium of the motorcycle. The resulting works are both mechanically precise machines and sculptural forms, blurring the boundaries between industrial design and contemporary art while giving familiar materials an entirely new purpose and presence.

Career Highlights

  • The Devil's Advoate

    The One Moto Show

    • The One Moto Show Bike of the Year
    • Recipient of the “One Award” 

  • Harley Davidson Museum

    Harley Davidson Museum Acquisition & Exhibit

    • First living female acquisition 
    • First purchase of custom bike in 20 years
    • Displayed alongside Elvis Presley exhibit

  • New York Times Article

    New York Times

    • Cover of Business page, print and web
    • Full spread article 

  • Boston Symphony Orchestra

    • First person to display a vehicle on stage at BSO, filmed by GLP Studios here

  • ICA Solo Show

    • Invitation to display Pareidolia Series motorcycles
    • Crowd attendance exceeded 2,000 people

  • Art Basel SCOPE Satellite Show

    • Grant recipient
    • Display and exhibit of 3 custom art bikes
    • Multiple pieces sold and press response

  • Forbes Magazine

    • Feature article
    • San Francisco Museum of Craftand Design project highlight

  • Museum of Craft & Design

    • Invited designer and display exhibition

  • BMW 100-Year Judge, Berlin Germany

    • First woman and youngest judge for BMW
    • 1 of 4 international judges for 100-year Anniversary
    • Product Consultant for BMW Munich