When we experience trauma in our lives, whether it be from the loss of someone we love to a harrowing divorce or a serious car accident, it can change who we are. These experiences often rock us to our core, not necessarily taking away who we once were but challenging us to pick up the pieces and overcome our pain to be stronger on the other side.
Gina Jermasek knows this all too well. For over 17 years she worked as a 911 dispatcher for Eagan, helping people on the worst days of their lives. Art started as a way for her to cope with the stress of her job. Using graphite, charcoal, watercolor, mixed media, and oil, she found comfort and an escape from the chaos she experienced daily on the job.
A Traumatic Life Event
Her life took a dramatic turn after a traumatic car accident. Struggling with PTSD and the aftermath of the incident, Gina decided to leave her job and fully commit to her art. This shift wasn't just about changing careers but about reclaiming her life and mental health.
“It changes you,” she shared, reflecting on how the accident shaped her into a different person.
Gina’s love for color and problem-solving is evident in her work, which often depicts life—people, flowers, and plants. Her art allows her to celebrate life’s beauty despite challenges. The accident also strengthened her faith, which, along with her art, became a source of strength and healing. Today, she belongs to a church that, ironically, meets at the Hastings Art Center.
Hope After Trauma
Gina’s story offers hope for those dealing with their own traumas. Her story shows how art and faith can help overcome grief and find strength, never forgetting the path taken but offering light that shows a brighter future.
Her incredible talent can inspire others to find their own paths to healing. To learn more about Gina and her art, follow her on Instagram at @ginajay.art.