Art is an all-encompassing process which includes reflection, thought, analysis, and even silent contemplation/introspection. It allows one to meditate and almost becomes therapeutic in nature. It makes sense then that during the pandemic, art was the most effective means of countering the gloom of everyday life. TikTok sensation and successful artist Sammy Gerb understands better than most people just how life-changing artistic pursuits can be.
Born and raised against the peaceful backdrop of scenic New Jersey landscapes, Gerb was introduced to hues and colors at an early age. She remembers being interested in arts, especially painting, even as a child. However, she also had an unrelenting passion for animal care, so she devoted herself wholly to vet school. Today, Gerb is a successful full-time vet who has achieved much throughout her career.
During the pandemic, Gerb had started growing increasingly disillusioned. Like many others, she found herself stuck with intrusive thoughts and a great deal of uncertainty. She eventually found a way out of the rut, which started as a distraction but has now become an important part of her life and career – painting.
Gerb’s work, since the beginning of the pandemic, has grown immensely and she is grateful to her audience for their continued support. She believes that it is because of the loyal following that she has managed to experiment and grow as an artist. Her artwork is wholly refreshing with unique canvases, including giant Jenga sets, to different artistic styles – from impressionist to popular surrealist. Her art features funky subjects from cartoons and other characters from popular culture. Gerb identifies her art as weird and strange, citing it as the most important reason why people have resonated with her.
With her work, Gerb wants to inspire up-and-coming artists to be more open and empathetic. She believes that the common arrogance around “good art” hinders many from exploring their true artistic genius, which she believes to be a tragedy. In Gerb’s own way, art is for everyone – a belief that has only been solidified with the advent of NFTs.
Through her enterprise, she encourages other artists and painters to make money off their art – an idea that may seem foreign to many small artists. It might be difficult, yes, but it’s certainly not impossible, and with time, they can make as much as they would in any corporate job. In Gerb, we have the perfect example of an artist who is moving ahead with the times and is highlighting fruitful paths for future artists.