Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Erbe.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born in Union City, NJ in 1944 and was on my own at the age of 15 when my step father passed away in 1959. At age 16 I had to leave school to seek employment and moved into an $8 dollar a week furnished room. I was married at a young age and my first of 2 daughters was born in 1964. In 1965, I was employed by a general contractor making $10 a day. One day in 1965 while walking home from a hard day’s work I had a revelation realizing a desire to create art and express myself. That same year, I began painting. I am a self-taught artist. Within 5 years, in 1970 I became a self-employed artist and never looked back. I have been painting professionally for 48 years and have never commercialized my art in any way striving to create a body of work consistent in quality. Of course, the first year of painting professionally was very difficult especially with a family to support. I strongly believe that if you are willing to make sacrifices along with going that extra mile, sooner or later, your work will be noticed and this is so important for all artists.
Please tell us about your art.
My journey as a self-taught artist began in 1965. Creating art with content has always been a priority for me. In 1967, I discovered Trompe l’oeil art and found my place. After 2 years of emanating the masters of illusion, I decided to forge my own path by breaking away from tradition. I started focusing on an original approach to Trompe l’oeil. In 1969, I coined the term “Levitational Realism” and by 1970 my career took off. At this time, I was painting thought provoking compositions with content. After painting Levitational Realism in its purest form over a 2-year period, I realized its limitations. Also during that time, my interest shifted to Modern Art and how the philosophy of the Modern movement could be applied to Trompe l’oeil. Paintings such as “Virtuoso” and “Take Five” both created in 1982 are important transitional works. I became focused on combining flat space forms that are enhanced by shadow, light and color. There will always be elements of Trompe l’oeil in my work, however I have more of an interest in fooling the eye in favor of stimulating the mind. I also design most of my frames.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Every artist must find their own path whether it is working with an art gallery or independently exhibiting their art at Museums and art societies as a way of meeting art collectors and building a clientele. Since the early 70’s I have been closely associated with art societies in NYC serving as President of Allied Artists of America from 1994-2005. Art societies give artists from all walks of life and all disciplines the opportunity to showcase their work in an historical New York venue. Most important, it is a way for artists to meet their fellow artists and exchange ideas.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Since 1970, I have exhibited extensively throughout America and abroad. The majority of my solo exhibitions have been in Museums. Currently there is a 50-year retrospective touring. This show was organized by The Butler Institute of American Art in Ohio then travelled to The Brinton Museum in WY followed by the Reading Public Museum in PA. The exhibition continues at The Peto Studio Museum in Island Heights, NJ. in September 2018. Also in November 2018, there will be a solo exhibition of my work at The Morven Museum and Gardens in Princeton, NJ. In 2019, my work will be showcased at the New York City Armory on 67th Street, Park Avenue in the Gerald Peters Gallery booth, followed by a solo show at their New York City gallery in May 2019. I have always welcomed the opportunity to exhibit my work as a way of sharing my art with people of all ages hoping in some small way my art will enlighten my fellow man.
Contact Info:
- Address: 62 Enclosure
Nutley, NJ 07110 - Website: www.garyerbe.com
- Phone: 973-562-0067
- Email: g_erbe@msn.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001535263027
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-t-erbe-94a807aa/
Image Credit:
Take Five – Collection of Mr. & Mrs. Max Berry; Virtuoso -Brandywine River Museum, PA
The Night Before Christmas -Collection of Ira Kent; The Brown Bowtie -Reading Public Museum, PA
Subway Series -Collection of The Heckscher Museum of Art, NY; Jazz -Gerald Peters Gallery, NYC
Just Across the Street -The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC
Master of the Ruptured Word – Gerald Peters Gallery, NYC
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