David Gerstein is best known for his vibrant wall sculptures of city scenes, butterflies, and hearts — but look deeper into his collection and you will discover a passionate observer of the animal world. From the cows of his grandparents' dairy farm to the cats that roam Tel Aviv's balconies, animals have been a lifelong source of inspiration for the Israeli artist. These pieces carry some of his most personal stories.
The Cows: A Childhood on the Farm
Gerstein's cow sculptures are rooted in deeply personal memory. As he recalls: "My grandparents came to Israel in the early 1920s and started a cow farm. I grew up around these cows. Most children connect to dogs or cats as children, but for me, it was the cows."
Each cow in his collection carries a name and a distinct personality. Cow Hulda was one of the gentle, serene animals on the farm. Cow Lola was always a little mischievous — the one who would nudge the gate and wander where she pleased. Cow Tikva (meaning "hope" in Hebrew) embodies the optimism of those early pioneering days.
These hand-painted metal objects are not just decorative — they are portraits. Each one captures the character of a real animal that shaped the artist's childhood. For collectors with agricultural roots or simply a love of pastoral beauty, they offer something rare: fine art with genuine emotional depth.
Birds: From the Hoopoe to Exotic Species
Birds appear throughout Gerstein's work in many forms. The Hoopoe Bird holds special significance — it is Israel's national bird, recognized by its dramatic crown of feathers. Gerstein's version captures the proud bearing of this distinctive creature in his signature palette of bold colors.
The Exotic Birds series takes flight into the wider world. Inspired by a photographer friend who travels the globe documenting rare species, Gerstein translates the vivid plumage of tropical birds into layered metal compositions. Meanwhile, smaller collectible pieces like Bird in Love and Generous Bird bring whimsy and warmth to desks and shelves.
Cats on the Balcony: A Tel Aviv Icon
Any visitor to Tel Aviv knows the sight: an old Bauhaus balcony, paint peeling, draped with laundry — and inhabited by cats. Gerstein immortalizes this quintessentially Israeli scene in his Balcony with Cats sculpture. As he describes it: "There is nothing more iconic to Tel Aviv than the image of an old crumbling-away balcony covered in cats."
The piece captures the warmth and gentle chaos of urban Israeli life — a miniature world where architecture meets nature meets daily life. It is one of the most charming entries in Gerstein's design object collection.
Dogs, Fish, and the Joy of Observation
The animal kingdom in Gerstein's art extends further. His Dog Walkers wall sculpture celebrates the universal bond between humans and their pets — a familiar street scene rendered in dynamic, multi-layered metal. The Fish Pond paintings, inspired by the koi pond outside his studio door, bring meditative calm through flowing water and gliding fish.
Collectors are drawn to Gerstein's animal pieces for the same reason they love his cityscapes and figurative works: they radiate joy. But there is an added dimension here — autobiography. The cows carry the story of a family that built a new life in Israel. The birds carry the wonder of a child watching nature for the first time. The cats carry the everyday poetry of a city the artist calls home. These are not generic animal sculptures; they are chapters from a life lived with open eyes and a generous spirit.
Whether displayed individually as a conversation piece or grouped together as a curated collection, Gerstein's animal works bring warmth, personality, and storytelling into any space — from a collector's study to a veterinary clinic, from a country home to a modern apartment.
What unites all of Gerstein's animal works is his gift for observation. He does not simply depict animals — he reveals their character, their movement, and the human emotions they evoke. Every piece is a limited edition, signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Explore the full collection and discover which creature speaks to you.
