David Gerard Spurgin was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, but called Charleston, South Carolina, home for the last 25 years of his life. Dave—always labeled the loudest, grittiest, and most determined of his 5 siblings—lives life as an epic journey that is meant to be explored. This is reflected in his art.

After graduating with a communications degree from Missouri State University, Dave worked and traveled around the United States, Europe, and Southwest Asia. Eventually, he settled down in South Carolina, realizing a quieter, know-your-neighbors lifestyle on Sullivan’s Island was a perfect fit. He used his creative nature and determination to build a highly successful sign fabrication and design company. Life was perfect.

Just when Dave thought he had it all, he awoke to find himself facing many people’s greatest fear. A potential cancer diagnosis. This unexpected and unwanted turn in life made Dave re-evaluate everything. After successful treatment, he rediscovered what was important to him, what made him truly happy, and committed himself to a renewed way of living life that included making the most out of every single moment gifted to you on this earth. 

At 54 years old, Dave sold his business and set out to realize a long-held dream: to live as an artist. Dave has painted all his adult life, a private activity that few knew he enjoyed. Coming from a creative family where his mother was a successful oil, pencil, and pastel artist, Dave has an experienced artistic eye he’s developed over decades, and he used it frequently when crafting unique signage packages for local and national brands. Sign-making served as a master class, teaching Dave the importance of the construction processes in art making, emphasizing elements such as design balance, and the importance of color to attract the eye.  Most people in the low country have already experienced some of Dave’s work as they navigate the bustling streets of Charleston, check into their hotels, or find their way through the airport. 

Now working for himself, Dave paints and creates to bring balance, love, passion, and gratitude for life into his art. His art focuses on his local influences from living in the low country and his exploratory travels around the world. He is inspired by nature, and how we communicate within a world that is filled with chaos. Through his art, he quiets his thoughts and focuses on what is important in life. While he only recently decided to share his passion and love of art, he hopes to inspire others to live a purposeful life, without fear or regret.