Meet Joe Gergley | Artist & Owner of Strange Human Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Gergley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Its about a boy who follows his personal legend.

I really enjoy this book for a number of reasons.
However, the most important message withing the book is…

“To realize ones Personal Legend is a persons only real obligation. All things are one”

It has impacted me to always chase my dream. Regardless of the obstacles put in my way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is just a reflection of where I’m at in life and my current intake. Music, movies, culture, etc.

It can range anywhere from landscapes to pop art illustrations and much more.
I never wanted to have one specific “thing”.

Drawing, painting, graphic design, print making, screen printing, ceramics, sculpting, murals, glass blowing…
creating is my passion and my escape. Everything else is secondary.
I have to make something everyday no matter what state of mind/mood I’m in.

The company I started back in 2011 is Strange Human Studios

“unusual or surprising in a way that is unsettling or hard to understand”
-Strange

It started out in the music festival scene. I would go set up a pop up, for the weekend shows and sell t-shirts and art. A very strange setting to start a strange journey. That was the base and backbones of my story.

I have been to several states and experienced a lot of life, on this journey.
Some of my greatest and hardest lessons have been tested, while in pursuit of this dream.
I have lost friends, family, girlfriends and people that I thought would be with me until I died.
I’ve experience some extreme lows but without those moments I would never appreciate the extreme highs.

Its truly a test of will power and how bad do you want to achieve your personal legend.
Most people wont see the sacrifices you make to define a better future.
They don’t see the sleepless nights and pressure you put on yourself.

“…and when you want something. All the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”

but I will add to that. You must be willing to put in the work because

“Talent without hard work is just wasted”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I currently live in Youngstown, Ohio and its an old steel town. Not dead but not a major city by any means.

We have one of the best parks in the country. Mill Creek Park.
Also, one of the best art museums in the country. The Butler.
These two places get most of my attention.

Not so much night life besides bars and that was never my scene.
We are within close distance to Cleveland. This allows access to some kind of music scene.

Nelson Ledges Quarry state park is also another fantastic place to hike and explore.
Directly next door there is a camping/music venue that host local festivals.
This is where I first launched my company. I still attend several shows and sell art.

Local food is hit or miss. Depends what you are looking for but we do have some hidden gems.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Mother, Father, Older brother and immediate family gets biggest shout out.

The always had my back and let me be me. Encouraged me to chase the things I love and not money.
They instilled a hard work ethic that I carry with me into any situation.

Allowing me to find myself and build my dreams.
Making my own mistakes and figuring out my through this thing called life.

Through highs and lows they support me.
Most people don’t have that and this became more apparent as I wandered out into the world.

And secondly my followers. I wouldn’t have a business without their love and support!
I’m grateful for you all.

Website: www.StrangeHumanStudios.com

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