ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Ernie Gerzabek started painting in 1970 while practising as an Architect. He has exhibited in various group and solo shows ever since. As the popularity of his paintings increased, he retired from Architecture in 1997 to paint full time.

Gerzabek’s main inspiration is Nature and the unique landscapes of Australia in particular: wilderness areas, wetlands, the unspoilt countryside, deserts and seashores.

The Australian continent’s unique geography, specialised fauna and flora, and also the infinite variety of survival strategies in harsh environments - all such subject matters are a constant source of wonderment to the artist. It is no surprise they become favourite and recurrent themes for him.

When considering which artists influenced him, Gerzabek says he most admires Van Gogh’s intensity and use of colour to stir up emotions, Paul Klee’s sensitivity and insight into our inner beings, Kandinsky’s exuberance and sense of composition, Picasso’s inventiveness and broad range of interests.

As for Australian artists, he loves John Olsen’s playful and imaginative expression, Fred Williams’ ability to abstract the essential elements of a landscape, and last but not least, Emily Kngwarreye’s instinctive mastery of colour, structure and connection to Country.