Antonia Gerstacker

Infobox Artist
birthname = Antonia Gerstacker


imagesize =
caption =
birthdate = birth date|1969|5|7
location = Houston, Texas
nationality = United States
field = Artist Antonia Kay Gerstacker (born May 7, 1969, in Houston, Texas), better known as “Art Girl,” is a renowned 21st century American abstract naive artist and muralist. Antonia began her art career in the 1990’s. In the 1980’s she was often photographed as an International fashion model beginning a career in fashion at an early age. She worked and lived in United States, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Athens and Venezuela. Antonia became famous for her exquisite beauty and artworks of bright vivid colored paintings and large murals.

Biography

Early life

Antonia Gerstacker was born in Houston, Texas. Antonia is the third daughter of her parents, Anton Gerstacker and Sharon Kay Gerstacker née Holt. Her mother’s ancestors were architects, musicians and artists. Antonia’s parents divorced when she was 4. Her stepfather James Kilmoyer raised her. Antonia was baptized Lutheran. Antonia has two older sisters Heidi and Gretel. The young Antonia showed a passion and a skill for drawing from an early age, at the age of 8 she received a Certificate of Merit in recognition of outstanding achievement in the 1977 School Art Program.

1980s

Antonia’s mother enrolled her in The Page Parkes School of Modeling in Houston, Texas where she was awarded Antonia for Outstanding Achievement in Professional Modeling and the 1984 Honor Graduates Most Likely to Succeed in July 1984. Upon acceptance by many international agencies, her family decided to send the young artist-model to Paris, France, the capital of fashion. In September of 1984, Antonia was and signed with Marilyn Gautier Modeling Agency. At the age of 14 , she was hired by many leaders in the fashion industry to represent editorial and runway fashion.

Antonia achieved her first public attention where she appeared in many magazines through out Europe and the U.S.A., some of which include: "Depeche Mode"(December 1988), "International Clic"(Nov/Dec1984), "Brautmoden Mariges" (Winter 1988-1989). In 1986 and 1987, Antonia traveled and worked in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain.In 1988 Antonia worked in Milan, receiving her first cover on the magazine "Zeffiro" (May 1988). Her second cover on the US magazine "Detour" (September 1989) gave Antonia the opportunity to work in Venezuela. She also appeared on the cover "Ultra" (October 1990) with Fashion Designer Bill Blass. "Southern Bride" (July-September 1989), "Glamour" (October 1990), and "D Magazine"(September 1989) were some others. Her runway work included Donna Karen, Sonia Rykiel and many professionals and successful photographers. The late 1980’s brought Antonia to Miami, Florida to begin working for German catalogs receiving modeling fee of $1000,00 per day. Bored with the isolation of working alone, Antonia at the age of 21, decided to end her fashion career.

1990s

In the fall season of 1990, Antonia got her first job in the art field. She began working in the framing department of a well-established company called Rex Art [ [http://www.rexart.com/whoarewe.html About Rex Art - Rex Art Supplies ] ] . Antonia immediately bonded with the owner’s Aaron and Anna Morris, patrons and supporters of the arts whose friendship impacted and helped direct Antonia’s artwork into a positive accomplishment.

She participated in the Miami Arts Asylum, exhibition “What is Love?” in December 1990 at the infamous nightclub Cameo Theater, Miami Beach. She contributed in” Art Asylum Hits the Streets”, where the artists posted artworks on an abandoned building on Ocean Drive and had first exclusive exhibition was at Miami Alliance Cinema Gallery: “I’m Not an Angel’, Miami Beach, 1994. Her murals and paintings adorn the walls and facades of many Miami's private homes, café’s, restaurants, business buildings and nightclubs. She painted the large mural sign on Tobacco Road, Miami’s Oldest Bar, Restaurant and Cabaret. [Entertainment News & Views, Official Centennial Program, July 28,1996. ] She painted The Beehive Restaurant on Lincoln Road, which was reviewed as Best of the Beach: Summer ‘94/Best window display Boyz Magazine (August 1994). [Best of the Beach: Summer ’94, "Boyz Magazine" Volume Two Issue 14, August 12, 1994, Page 31.] She made an appearance on the Mr. Stock & Mr. Poe TV Show in August 1995, [Mr. Stock & Mr. Poe Show Interview, Cable Tap, (1995) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir_-AR440s0] and the Danny Jessup TV Show in January of 1996. [Danny Jessup Show Interview, Recorded in MSTVP Studio in Miami Springs. (January 23,1996) Interview.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPpKLKMblWI ]

Antonia’s free spirit and Bohemian lifestyle and love for arts and music brought her to Churchill’s English Pub in 1992. She was chosen to create a poster in August 1995 for “Churchill’s and The Beast and Baker, The 1st Annual Miami RockFestival” and designed the 9th one in 2003. She also covered the entire back patio with large vibrant murals, one creation of three skeletons playing musical instrument depicting the Day of the Dead and the English Underground Metro System titled “Underground”, another of large painting of the world, titled “ Around the World”, a large red heart painted on a symbol of a black flag titled “Secret Heart” and other bright playful images. Antonia was the leader in the arts movement in the rock club and began the movement for more young inspiring artists to follow. Antonia created the painting of a man playing a cello, which became Mike Wood’s Miami Jazz Jam logo. Miami Jazz Jam hosted live jazz musicians every Monday night. It was during those years, Antonia began playing electric guitar solo and with other local musical groups and musicians as a hobby.Churchill’s was the first venue to host Marilyn Manson, The Mavericks and Iron and Wine. It was also featured in the film "There’s Something about Mary", starring Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz, and music videos by Iggy Pop, P-Diddy and Ziggy Marley, to name a few. [http://www.miamidowntownlife.com/2008/03/churchills-pub-best-indie-music- in-town.htmlChurchill’s Pub (best indie music in town) March 25, 2008.] It was awarded "Best of Miami New Times" Best Rock Club 1999 through 2008. [http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best of/2002/award/best-rock-club-15720] Antonia’s dedicated stay at Churchill’s promoting the art and music scene lead her murals to be shown in the Jim Jones,P Diddy,Paul Wall,Jka Jha Feat national music video “Whatcha Been Drankin On” published in 2005. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O2aOZDnyFY Koch Records, Jim Jones, P Diddy , Jha Jha, Paul Wall, “Whatch Been Drankin On?” Mural Courtesy Version Video.] Antonia departed Churchill’s in 2005 when an out of court settlement agreement was reached that pertained to copyright infringement’s of the murals Antonia had painted. Sadly, the murals were painted over.

Antonia’s passion for music led her to creating artworks and designs for the Music industry. She painted the logo for of "The Beast and Baker Show", a local Saturday night Radio Show on "WAXY 790 AM", which aired local, regional and national acts from 1995 till 1997. The shows logo consisted of two comical lions chatting with each other in her stylistic black and white signature. This increased her artwork exposure throughout local newspapers and magazines. South Florida has Beast & Baker to thank for recent Miami tour stops by The Merman, Dick Dale, and Los Straightjackets, and besides giving a big push to nationally known surf acts, the duo, do a good share of work in promoting local music.” [ Jam Magazine (5) June 7, 1996 Page 11]

Another accomplishment of Antonia’s was the commission by Bubba Lunzar, Jr. to paint new artworks and signs for Jimbo’s, located on Virginia Keys, Florida. [ [http://www.jimbosplace.com/ Jimbo's Place, smoked fIsh, bocce, Virginia Key ] ] A favorite get-a-way since 1954. Music video shoots, models and photographers, television shows and motion pictures are shot on location at Jimbo's every week. A horror film named "Island Claws" in 1980 built the infamous shacks and left them there. Among the notables are Movies "Blood and Wine, Wild Things, Porky's II, Ace Ventura, True Lies, 2 Fast 2 Furious." TV "Flipper, Gentle Ben, Miami Vice, Glades, Going To California, Karen Sisco, CSI Miami." Videos by Ziggy Marley, JayLo, Who Let The Dogs Out, Sugar Ray. Photos of Maria Carey's first album cover, Jisel, Heidi Klum,Naomi Campbell. Every year since 1997 Antonia has showcased her artworks at the Jimbo’s Annual Birthday party, again supporting the music and arts in Miami.

Artist Roseta Santiago de Marcellus hired Antonia in 1993 though 1994 as an apprentice, where she learned the skills of painting large murals, commercial commissioned projects and faux finishes. After Roseta Santiago de Marcellus moved to Atlanta, Georgia, Antonia got up the courage and confidence and opened her own art studio “Antonia Studio” from 1994 to 1997. It was located in Brickell, Miami; here she had her on going solo exhibitions open to the public. During the early 1990’s Antonia began to paint abstract naïve pop art styled paintings in very bright colors. Most of the paintings pertained to funny subject matters. Antonia’s love for painting grew into painting large murals due to popular demand for her positive style work.

In the fall of 1996 Antonia closed her art studio “Antonia Studio” after an unpleasant experience with the Downtown Development and City of Miami in which both induced her to paint public art projects. An article by Janel Shoun,"Miami Today", week of Thursday, August 8, 1996 wrote “Artist Antonia Gerstacker, who has leased a studio above Tobacco Road for three years, is looking for corporate sponsors to support development of artwork in the Brickell Village area. Her first project will be on a 120-foot wall on South Miami Avenue at Ninth Street. She has created a colorful design incorporating the Downtown Development Authority’s official symbol for the area, the Tequesta Indian”. [Development authority has blueprint for Brickell are by Janel Shoun "Miami Today" week of Thursday, August 8, 1998] Antonia later received compensation through a judgment in court for payment from The Downtown Development Authority but was never rectified from The City of Miami for all the damages.

In 1997-Present Antonia became a board member of The Cultural Development Group, a non-profit organization, founded by Aaron Morris. It was created to assists emerging and established cultural organizations and individuals in all areas of the arts. [Cultural group brings visual, performing arts to community by Peggy Austen "Pinecrest Tribune" August 18-31,1997] She was the 1st Merrick Festival Poster Artist, in April 1998 .The original painting was purchased, at The Cultural Development Group Members Auction to benefit their Disadvantaged Children and the Visual Arts Program sponsored by Republic National Bank, Johnnie Walker Gold, Christy’s and Two Sisters at the Hyatt, by the City of Coral Gables Mayor William Kerdyk.

In 1999 and 2004 Antonia presented two collections “Animal Kingdom “ and “Seaside Escapades”, a series of paintings sponsored by The Cultural Development Group and private art patrons to The Jackson Miami Children’s Hospital, located in Miami where they are on permanent display including a plaque with the names of the sponsors.Artist Daniel Garcia and Antonia Gerstacker continued to work with children and Children’s Home Society and Jackson Children’s Hospital. [http://www.cdgfl.org/board.htm, http://www.cdgfl.org/history.htm] On several occasions Antonia received grants from The Cultural Development Group, to paint with the children sponsored by the The Children's Cancer Fund. It was founded in January 1993 by a small group of doctors, nurses and parents. The fund's primary goal is to establish and foster research in childhood cancer as well as enrich the quality of life for children with cancer by improving clinical and support services. CCF is based at New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York. [ [http://www.childrenscancerfund.org/new/about.asp Children's Cancer Fund ] ]

2000

By the 2000’s Antonia had painted roughly 1000 paintings, all of which she sold to her own to friends, art collectors, and the average person who just appreciates art. She continued to have solo art exhibitions. The Luna Star Café and Gallery , a trendy popular hang out for artists and musicians,invited her to exhibit three times. These exhibitions “Super Sonic”, “The Goodbye Girl” and “Girl of Art” were in the years 1997, 2000, 2001. Each exhibit filled up the entire café with bright paintings. The cafe brought many art lovers from the Museum of Contemporary Arts, North Miami to view Antonia's artworks.

In 2001 Leadership Miami and the Inner City Youth Center Miami Youth Center honored her with a project. She painted with kids at the Edison High School Children’s Park, bringing vibrant images that brightened the area. The murals were created and painted to help empower children and their families to rise above the negative influences in life. [ [http://www.leadershipmiami.org/eng/about_us/index.asp Leadership Miami :: About Us ] ] In 2002, she has painted the outside of the YMCA /Allapattah, Miami with the after school kids. The mural was painted on the entire façade of the building. Positive colors and a children story time animation created the theme of mural. Throughout the 2000’s Antonia continued to work with children and Children’s Home Society and Jackson Children’s Hospital.

Antonia participated in The 2nd Art in the Tropics that was held on December 1 and 2, 2001. Performers were: Nicole Yarling, The Actors’ Playhouse Musical Miracles, Jumpstreet 88s featuring Piano Bob and Stan Street, Cache, Hugo Martinez and the South Florida premiere of classical singer Teresa Williams with arranger/pianist Ramon Dominquez. The “Certified South Florida Artists” were: Berta Cabarrocas Alfonso, Danielle Aurprix, Ambrosio Martin Art Collection, Sam Bayles, Steven Dini, Alicia Cabarrocas Francisco, Daniel C. Garcia, Antonia Gerstacker, Eduardo Jose Henriquez de Pool, Carmelo Prado, Israel Siam, Michael Bennett Stern, Pablo A. Velasco, Wayne Whittlesey and the poster artist, Josie Lynn Martinez. [http://www.artinthetropics.com/1998.htm,http://www.merrickfestival.net/artinthetropics.htm]

During 2004 and 2005, Antonia worked in information and catalog sales for ArtBasel Miami Beach. The world’s premier international art show for modern and contemporary works. [16] She had a solo exhibition in the lobby of Ios of the Bay, “Be There or Be Square” in 2006, for the grand opening of the prestigious luxury condominiums sponsored by local patrons of the arts. Her paintings were a collection of different styles. The exhibit was from her "Five Stars" Collection. Much of the paintings were approximately 3 ft. x 3 ft. or smaller. The subjects of the paintings were about romance and the beauty of the sea. It was at this show, Antonia painted her painting “Water Flowers”.

Her friend Haitian Artist Jude Papaloko Thegenius invited her to participate in an exhibition at his Jakmal Art Gallery. [ [http://judepapaloko.com/art.htm skin star jude deveraux beatles at judepapaloko.com ] ] The show consisted of collaboration of woman artists in the summer of 2006. Antonia entered two pieces titled “Angel” and the other of the “Mother Mary” painted on wood using oil pastels and acrylic paints. The paintings were on exhibit for the entire month, one of which she sold and the other is kept in her own private collection. Patrons of the Arts Alfredo and Graciele Zayden, hired Antonia for the entire year of 2006. She committed to paint murals and signs on the entire outside of their business Frame Art, Inc. Gallery and Frame Shop located in Brickell. The building stands two stories tall and approximately 200 ft.in length. She painted the murals and signs in sign painter’s paint and learned the skill ofgold leaf techniques.

In 2007 she received her Miami-Dade Community College,Associate of the Arts in Commercial and Graphic Art. Antonia decided to make a change and spend time with her family, so in November 2007, she relocated back to Houston, Texas. Presently in 2008, Antonia is continuing her collections of paintings. Her paintings are now a larger scale then the past years. Her works are taking on a more abstract style while her bright colors still remain the same.

Art works

During her time in Europe, Antonia visited many of Europe’s finest art museums and attractions such as Louvre in Paris. She viewed works by El Greco, Goya, Bosch, and Van Dyck at the Prado in Madrid, the Picasso Museum and Gaudi Architecture in Barcelona. She found Greece an archeology lover’s dream where she returned to several times seeing dozens of antiquities museums throughout the country. These incredible masters of the arts inspired the young artist who was learning about life’s creativity. The great works of artists, musicians and different cultures influenced Antonia to change careers; pursing her passion for music and love for the arts.

Vibrant colors and stark black lines are the basis for Antonia’s paintings. Humor, feelings, nature, music, the universe and the element of time influence her works. It reflects her personality and the way Antonia views the world and the people in it. It has become the essence and created the unique individual style that Antonia paints. Her compositions are simple, complex or intriguing. Her effects with whimsical quotes inspired the viewer to see things in a positive, inquisitive way. Her paintings are often simple and basic ideas of everyday objects or complicated random compositions that go beyond the familiar, making a statement about the existence and meaning of life and invites the viewer to look at the colorful side of art.

She works with multiple media, including oil, acrylics, water colors, spray paint, dyes, pastels,sign painter’s enamel, charcoal, pen, multi-colored pencils, etchings, engravings, stickers,typography, xerox and computer graphics. She paints on canvas, illustration board, wood,tiles,fabric and furniture. Many different Art movements inspire Antonia. Her artwork reflects Abstract Expressionism, Fauvism, Modernism, Naïve, Pop Art, Contemporary, Graffiti Art, Symbolism, and Folk Art.She is influenced by the artists Jackson Pollack,Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

She continuously creates her own collection of paintings. Antonia’s work is categorized into collections. Each collection represents a period in her work. To date Antonia has her paintings sorted into eight collections. The names of the collections are:"Cherry Pop" (1990-1995),"Various Series" (1994-1997),"Antonia Studio" (1994-1997)," Good Luck" (1997-2008),"Happy Hearts" (1998-2007),"Wet Paint" (2003),"Five Stars" (2006), and "Manufactured Colors" (2008). Her painings consisted of very colorful paintings rendered in all of the basic primary colors of the color wheel. The sizes are varied. A reflection of the Minimalism art movement appears in some of her paintings. The topic of love is a frequent subject. She incorporates several different themes. The most sought after painting by her loyal art collector’s was a painting titled "Spook", a 24” x 36” painting of Antonia’s dedication to her beloved cat. It is painted in a memorial type setting and a large red heart on the cat’s chest.Antonia created more complex ideas developed during this period. She added words and phrases to create humor. Several paintings depicted space and time. A folksy appeal was addressed and a very dominant sense of innocence completed each painting. Her painting “Gotcha Red Hot Punk” is a collaboration of mixed media.

Antonia’s sixth Collection "Five Stars" (2006). She used mostly blue tones. It was this show she painted her painting “Water Flowers”. During this period Antonia’s was interested in expressing feelings, ideas, creating abstractions and fantasies, rather than representing what is real. Antonia’s work experience in the field of painting, education, illustration, graphic design, sign making and many other disciplines of the visual arts have made a major impact on the art scene in Miami. Her colorful paintings were displayed and sold to eager buyers interested in the growing art scene in Miami and all over the world. She then seriously began painting and received a successful response from art buyers. She sold every painting she had painted.

All the painting techniques she has learned have created one of the unique styles that are typically “Antonia”.

Personal life

She enjoys singing vocals, playing electric guitar and piano. From 1992 to present she frequently played guitar with friends. She created her own band Spookykat, performing only a handful of local gigs for fun. She was recorded on the albums:" Phi-Phenomena", Laundry Room Squelchers, “We Don’t Do Compilations” and "Cock E.S.P."The Pride of North American Noise where Antonia played violin on the song titled “Pain for the Sake of Pain”. She also enjoys sailing as another past time. Antonia has never been married.

Notes

References

*http://www.rexart.com/antoniamain.html
*http://www.rexart.com/antonia.html
*http://www.truveo.com/Art-of-Antonia-Happy-Hearts-Collection/id/671430436 - 135k
*http://artmovements.co.uk/abstractexpressionism.htm

External links

* http://www.artofantonia.com Antonia Gerstacker offical website

Persondata
NAME= Gerstacker, Antonia
ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Gerstacker, Antonia Kay
SHORT DESCRIPTION= artist
DATE OF BIRTH= Birth date and age|1969|5|7|mf=y
PLACE OF BIRTH= Houston, Texas, U.S.
DATE OF DEATH=
PLACE OF DEATH=