David Copher was born in Nuremberg, Germany in 1954 while his father was serving in the Army; he and his family settled in Copperas Cove, Texas where Copher spent most of his childhood and young adult life. During Copher’s formative years, teachers and family were constantly surprised and impressed by his creativity, talent, and natural artistic skills. He spent his summers earning money, but unlike other kids, Copher spent his money on art supplies – purchasing canvases, paints, pens, and sketch pads. By high school, his artistic and athletic talent blossomed. Copher began winning numerous awards for his art at every level. By his senior year, Copher had placed Best of Division and Best of Show multiple times. Considered one of the area’s finest young artists and athletes, Copher served as captain of the rodeo squad, and the football team as well.David Copher would eventually find a foundry fond of finding new talent, and he would sign on as an intern. The work was grueling, but rewarding. He honed his skills creating molds, casting, and completing sculptures in bronze that were complex and beautiful. Copher continued his athletic career participating as a rodeo bull rider and clown bullfighter to earn extra money. Today, Copher has performed around the nation as a PRCA rodeo clown. Copher’s love of art never wavered. In his free time, often late at night, he created stunning works in pen & ink, etchings, water colors, oils, and designed his first bronze sculptures. 1980 gave Copher the freedom to do what he loved most: his art. He made his debut in a one man show in Coconut Grove, Florida. The show featured his western themed bronzes and oil paintings, it was a great success. It spurred Copher to expand his vision, scope, and life experience for his art. He took to the road – spending a year in San Francisco painting and sculpting, followed by two years in Miami, Florida where Copher added photography to his expansive list of talents.After a trip to the mountains of southern Mexico, Copher was inspired by the brilliance of the Mayan culture. He designed and produced his acclaimed “Mayan Kings” bronze sculpture series. In 1985, Copher was awarded a grant by Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) to illustrate a major anthropological textbook – featuring tools, vessels, and implements used by the ancient Mayans.
