Art With A Point

Through the years I have worked with many media types and styles. Much of my art revolves around oils and canvas and is influenced by the masters of art history. 

I’ve been fortunate to receive many art commissions in my career. You can view permanent work at such locations as: H&R BLOCK Headquarters,  Boone Hospital, Wabash Bus Station and many private collections.

After three years of college and no major, I finally told my parents, “If I don’t do Art I’ll regret it the rest of my life.” They responded “Just get a degree!” I received my BFA in Fine Arts from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Master of Fine Arts from University of Missouri-Columbia.

While a graduating college senior I landed my first commission at Cicero's Music Venue. Upon graduation I flipped a coin whether to move to Chicago, Il or Columbia, MO. The winner was Columbia, Missouri.

Again, fortune smiled on me. I landed a commission at Addison's Restaurant in downtown Columbia. Flush with funds I took off to tour the Art Museums of Europe. After three months the money ran out and I returned to Columbia. I met my future wife Lisa and opened a gallery/studio in an alleyway in downtown Columbia.

Alleyway Arts was born.  There I created works for public and private businesses and collectors.  At Alleyway Arts we hosted many monthly gallery openings for local artists during Columbia’s Artrageous Friday events. I also taught at the University of Missouri for 5 years as an adjunct faculty member.

In 2011 we relocated the studio into our new home. It provided the perfect sunlit space not available in the old location. I now work with the Missouri Department of Conservation as their exhibit editor and designer. I continue to freelance and enjoy life with my wife and three children.

Artist Statement - David Spear

August 22, 2021

VISUAL ARTIST (muralist/illustrator, graphic/exhibit designer) 
 

I have never stayed with one particular “style” for a long period of time. I graduated with a “general degree” in fine arts from the University of Missouri where I studied painting, photography, and graphic design. This variety has proven to be invaluable in my professional career.
In graduate school at University of Missouri I extended my skills by creating graphics, paintings, films, and a fictitious artist who melded historical paintings with contemporary events.

My strategy is to push boundaries, avoid being type-cast and adapt to projects as I develop a broader range of artistic roles. I like keeping my art fresh and evolving. 
 

Quotes:
 

“As a youngster I admired the career of Josée Oquendo. Josée was a switch hitter for the Cardinals who played every position on the diamond in 1988. He was the first to do so since 1918. He may not have completely excelled in every position but who knew the game better than Josée?” 
 

"As an exhibit designer for the Missouri Department of Conservation, I am privileged to work on a huge assortment of projects for locations around the state. I get to create murals, paintings, graphics and interactive displays. I love this as I get to work with a talented team and am constantly learning to use my talents to support conservation and the environment.”  
 

“The communicative possibilities of the visual arts are remarkable. Consider 32,000 years ago someone was painting bison and handprints on the Chauvet Cave in France and then was communicating it to us today. That was a long … long time ago.” 
 

“I am continually impressed and inspired by the talents of past and contemporary artists.  I love visiting museums, galleries, and studios. The St. Louis Art Museum (SLAM) has been my home base since I was a kid. As many times as I have been, I always see and learn something new.”