David Jungquist  - BIO

Where it began...
David Jungquist's journey is one of extraordinary cultural fusion and artistic passion, shaped by a life that has spanned continents, traditions, and disciplines. Born Jung Gweehak in Pusan, South Korea, David's early years in Seoul gave way to a transformative chapter when he was adopted by an American family in Bedford Hills, New York. Immersed in both English and Hebrew, he experienced a bar mitzvah at 13 and became a U.S. citizen at 16. These formative years—rooted in nature’s beauty and cultural exploration—fueled his artistic soul, leading to a Ford Foundation grant and honors at Pratt Institute, where he made a promise to honor his Korean heritage.
 
My sculptures from year to year is a mystery to me. I do not want to know what I will create a year from now. My life has always been one of amazement and surprise.
 
His path as a sculptor was honed under masters like Toshi Odate and Mauro Spadacini, earning him the Italian nickname “povaronni” (the dust maker) during two decades he spent carving marble in Pietrasanta. Simultaneously, David embraced his love of the outdoors, teaching skiing in Aspen during the winters and later establishing his home and studio there with his wife and three children.
 
Along the way, he studied in China to learn Mandarin and became the first American to train Chinese sculptors in traditional Italian marble techniques. His sculptures, celebrated for their conceptual depth and craftsmanship, have been exhibited globally, from China and the Cayman Islands to Italy and the United States, earning awards and inclusion in prestigious collections. "Artists are just born that way," he reflects. "Sometimes you really have no choice. But you can figure out how to have an artistic life—work it out for yourself." David’s life exemplifies the seamless blending of artistry, culture, and a deep connection to nature, with love at the heart of his creative legacy.