David Singer and related artists

David Singer grew up in Pennsylvania Dutch country, where he was exposed to antiques and folk art. Another influence on his work was his childhood interest in geometric forms. Although Singer had little formal training in art, his polished presentati...more

David Singer grew up in Pennsylvania Dutch country, where he was exposed to antiques and folk art. Another influence on his work was his childhood interest in geometric forms. Although Singer had little formal training in art, his polished presentation and prodigious output made him one of the most respected poster artists emerging from San Francisco in the 1960s. Initially uninterested in making posters, Singer assembled a portfolio of collages that he envisioned as "greeting cards or something." His work was rejected by most of the publishers in San Francisco but gained immediate interest from Bill Graham, the dance-concert promoter at the Fillmore Auditorium. During his Fillmore era, from 1969-1971, Singer created more posters for Graham than any other artist, most notably the double-size final poster evoking the Fillmore experience. Even after the Fillmore closed in 1971, Singer continued to create posters commemorating special events sponsored by Graham. To a great extent, Singer was a transitional rock-poster artist; his works possessed a refinement and polish that would dominate the 1970s rock world. During that decade, he produced significant posters for the Rolling Stones, the Who and Santana. Singer's posters are notable for his use of collage, incorporating thousands of images clipped from magazines spanning several decades. He developed a format that included a stunning variety of lettering styles, applying them in close relation to the theme or subject of a poster. Today, Singer lives in northern California, produces promotional graphics and is writing and illustrating a book. The David Singer Project was created to assist David Singer with the financial burden from the exorbitant medical costs related to a personal illness. In addition to the Vault's contribution, a 52-piece card set hand-signed by some of the best living poster artists around was created and sold, with all proceeds going directly to David....less