TimM Gerdman
Milwaukee, WI
For Milwaukee artist, Timm Gerdman, being creative has always come naturally. Over the last 15 years he’s honed in on his passion and let it take him to where he is now. While some may know him as Timm, others may recognize his work under the name Bankky. He wants his work to resonate with everyone. And with his repaired heart collection, he’s doing just that as almost everyone can relate to having their heart broken one way or another.
Check out Timm’s painted wood pieces at DEVIATE and we’re sure you’ll find one that resonates with you.
october 15
How would you describe your work?
I don’t know what I would describe myself as clearly it falls into the abstract world but I’ve always hated that word because it covers too much ground.Somewhere it’s a mix of graffiti, dive bar, contemporary, and pop art influenced by punk, glam, funk and metal with a touch of romance, lust, and down and dirty animal magnetism.
Where do you find your inspiration?
In many cases I do use a lot of found objects as well as going to the store and buying canvases. I saw a sign that was two-dimensional and it gave me the idea to do my first piece in the same manner and I’ve just kind of expanded on it. I have a series of broken, repaired and distressed hearts that’s been an ongoing thing for the last 4 to 5 years, as I realize most people can relate to a broken heart in some form or another. I’ve seen some of my three-dimensional work copied and turned into murals which is pretty flattering.
Where can we find your work? Examples of galleries, stores, and events you have been involved in. About seven months ago a friend of mine and I decided to take matters into our own hands and we found a really weird spot to rent temporarily. We invited a few other artists and decided to do our own gallery nights here in Milwaukee and we launched the “anti-art pop up” group. I’ll actually be doing another show on September 10 through that.
What do you want us to know about your art, your design, or anything at all?
I sign a lot of my artwork Bankky which I’ve been using since 1997, but I hate the fact that it sounds like Banksy but I’m still not giving it up.
What is your background? I’ve been doing art and some form or another since I was in kindergarten. I was one of those kids that kind of outshined most other kids when it came to being creative and it never really stopped. I’ve had moments where I haven’t touched any art materials for a couple years but I’d say over the last 15 to 20 I’ve gotten a little more serious about it.