David Gerbstadt

Biography

David Gerbstadt was born on August 10, 1968 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and was raised in nearby Berwyn, Pennsylvania. He developed a love for making things with his hands, be it working in his dad's workshop, or in the kitchen with his mom.

At 5 years old, David built small shelters in the yard out of scraps of carpet and rope. He would leave them up all year round even when it snowed. In kindergarten, David built on his own miniature pieces of furniture out of a plastic construction set. All through David's schooling he created art in some way. In his senior year of high school, a paper sculpture of his was displayed in the faculty lounge.

It was in his first year of college that a professor saw something and strongly suggested that David become an art major. David declared his major and shortly after that said a vow, 'through rich or poor, sickness and health, no matter what I will make art!' From then on the ideas kept coming. David had found what he loved to do....art. Often times he would be working til 3 am at the art building or in his room. Going to eat in his studio clothes was a regular thing. He simply lived, breathed, and drank art. David would wander the art building and walk into studio classes, inspired by what was being worked on and perhaps draw the subject.

After college, David decided early on to show anywhere and everywhere....he would load up dozens of paintings each weekend and head off to a new spot. Sometimes it was a tiny church flea market which had the best ribs, or a huge art festival over a couple of days. In each place he spoke to thousands of people and a small following formed. From there David focused on selling his art in the streets at First Fridays in Old City Philadelphia. In the beginning there were less than a half dozen artists doing this. An underground following grew. Buttons with the artist's work were passed out.

Then in 1994 David decided to leave his paintings and drawings for the taking... he simply left art at street corners and train stations all over his home town, as well as New York City, San Francisco, Mexico, Austria, and Poland. In all, over 3,000 works were left for the taking. The size ranged from 7 feet high to about 3 inches. A film crew in 2000 produced the documentary film 'David was here', containing interviews with people who have taken the works and shots of David leaving works of art in public places. The film won an award at the Iowa international film festival. 

After that David stopped leaving his works out for the taking. Throughout this time David moved from selling in the streets to showing in galleries in Philadelphia. The first was The Well Fed Artist Gallery. At that gallery he had a theme every month for a year with new art each time. From there he became a member at Highwire Gallery in Philadelphia. 

David continues to create a mass amount of paintings and art. He has something in him that has to come out! Works are now in over 6 countries. During the summer of 2006 he transformed his car into an art car. When asked, "What does his art mean?" David says, "I let the art I create speak for itself....I simply make it and put it into the world."

David talks about having an art car: "The car has been a magical ride." David may be upset, sad or mad perhaps when he gets in the car. No matter what within a couple miles all that is gone and he is laughing. Stopping at traffic lights are lots of fun... especially when he is the first car at the crosswalk. Folks stop in the middle of the road - point, laugh, smile and wave while others on the corner smile and wave. "One time I went outside of a friend's house and a cop was in front of my parked car taking pictures with his phone. I asked him if everything was ok, scared I was being ticketed. He just looked up and was laughing real hard! He said 'No, everything is good! I am just sending my girlfriend a photo of your car. Is that ok?'"

He is inspired from within himself and believes artists need other artists to learn from, grow, and to go through life with. A firm believer of "just do the work" and "go to it" - in doing so you are free and the universe opens before you.

After the death of his mother, an inspiration to her son with her sewing and knitting, in December of 2006 Gerbstadt began to feel a strong pull towards working with fabric. Taking a sewing machine he had bought at a thrift shop for $25 and a pile of clothes, he set to work. With the idea of reusing items over again and creating a new pieces, Gerbstadt was off and running! Unused and thrift shop clothing, and donated fabrics became his new canvas. He took his first batch of clothing and sold them during Second Saturday in Media, PA right from his car parked on Main Street. He sold out almost his entire stock in only a few hours! Explains the artist, "That night was a big break! Going from studio to the public. I knew I was on to something!" Gerbstadt's unique, re-invented clothing pieces are showing up everywhere and have become the revival of trendy, foreign-made clothing in malls and boutiques. These recycled garments are environmentally friendly, too, as they garner new uses for gently worn clothing. Wearing art is a new thrill!

During the 2nd week of December 2007, David was interviewed by Art Matters Magazine and Main Line Magazine. (The articles appeared in March of 2008.) That same week in December was a fury of calls and emails for commissions or a visit to his studio for art. Then off to Sarasota, Florida for rhe Christmas holiday. Wonderful to be in short pants in December!

On December 28, 2007, while riding his bicycle, David was run over by a tractor trailer. He died in an ambulance in the way to the hospital. David never gave up though, and a paramedic performed CPR and brought David back to life. Over the next 9 hours, David’s heart stopped 4 more times and he went through 40 units of blood.

The doctors all said he should be dead. Yet, David lives on! His story of never giving up and take life one breath at a time is a lesson for us all.

David was told in the hospital to tell his story. Having finished a novel about his story, he now is looking for a publisher. David is now a full time artist, children’s book author, and motivational speaker. The truck did not stop him, it just slowed him down...