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. Known among his five siblings as the loud, determined, and gritty one, Dave views life as an epic journey meant to be explored, a sentiment reflected in his art.

Throughout his life, Dave worked and traveled across the United States, Europe, and Southwest Asia. Eventually, he settled in South Carolina, finding that a quieter, neighborly lifestyle on Sullivan’s Island suited him perfectly. With his creative nature and determination, he built a highly successful design and sign fabrication company. Life was idyllic.

Just when Dave thought he had it all, he faced a challenge many dread: a potential cancer diagnosis. This unexpected turn forced him to reevaluate everything. After successful treatment, he rediscovered what was truly important and committed to a renewed way of living that emphasized making the most of every moment.

At 54 years old, Dave sold his business to pursue a long-held dream: to live as an artist. He had painted throughout his adult life, though it was a private passion known to few. Coming from a creative family—his mother was a successful oil, pencil, and pastel artist—Dave developed an artistic eye over the decades. He often applied this eye in crafting unique signage for local and national brands, where sign making served as a master class in construction processes, design balance, and the importance of color.

Many in the Lowcountry have encountered Dave’s work while navigating the streets of Charleston, checking into hotels, or finding their way through the airport.

Dave has cultivated a unique approach to creating art. Eschewing traditional methods, he actively seeks new ways to apply paint to canvas, often custom-making tools to spread paint in unconventional manners. This allows him to produce works that are fresh to the eye yet comforting to the soul.

Now working for himself, he paints and creates to convey balance, love, passion, and gratitude for life. David’s art draws inspiration from his experiences in the Lowcountry and his extensive travels. He finds motivation in nature and uses his art to communicate amidst a chaotic world. By sharing his passion for art, he hopes to inspire others to live purposefully, free from fear or regret.