David Culver attended the University of Minnesota, Kent State College, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he studied under Siah Armajani and encountered several well-known visiting artists and instructors. His first big commission came in 1990 when he was chosen to create and install the lobby floor for the Myrna Loy Center for Performing Arts in Helena Montana out of native slate. This was followed by a series of other public art commissions. His works include drawings, paintings, and sculpture that focus heavily on the beauty and raw value of the materials he uses to create his art.