Steffanie Gerkin

“My work begins with language; a phrase, memory, or feeling that feels both personal and recognizable.” – Steffanie Gerkin, artists 

Chicago-based artist Steffanie Gerkin transforms language into visual anchors that feel both personal and collective. Through text-driven compositions, Steffanie examines nostalgia, intimacy, and the quiet rituals of everyday life, often pulling from her own experiences, memories, and the places she’s lived and traveled, as well as universal phrases and motifs that connect us all.

Steffanie’s three-dimensional crossword puzzles, composed of wood, acrylic, and canvas, reflect her creativity and the energy she pours into each piece. Deeply invested in every stage – from inception to completion – her large-scale works can take up to eight weeks to finish, allowing time for layering and refinement. This pace lets each work fully develop, resulting in pieces that feel intentional and timeless for years to come.

Coming from a family of artists, Steffanie is self-taught in her practice after receiving a B.S. in Journalism from Iowa State University. Her work has been featured in several exhibitions in Chicago, and her paintings are held in private collections throughout the U.S. and Canada.