Clemons has always been a collector of things and experiences, moving through the world with a keen awareness of the physical, emotional, psychological, and social fabric of his surroundings and their internalized impact on him. His curiosity leads to inquiry, and with each question, the embers of a need to understand are fanned into an all-consuming drive. Inspiration stirs his mind, and his hands are guided to bring those ideas to life. The resulting works are physical artifacts that embody a personal framework, transforming his internalized experiences into a format that encourages greater understanding and invites dialogue with others.

Primarily, his practice embraces the craft of metalsmithing, using its rich history of techniques and objects to communicate the ideas he is exploring. His metal and mixed media works—whether one-of-a-kind pieces, functional items, or production runs—are typically divided into two main categories: social commentary and process-based work. Creative energy flows between these two poles, with each influencing the other in ways that enhance their ability to elicit emotional responses, convey narratives, and promote conversation.

David Harper Clemons was born in El Paso, Texas, and spent much of his life in Austin, Texas. He began his undergraduate career at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, pursuing a combined degree program in Biology and Art. After two years, he returned to Austin to complete his BFA at the University of Texas, with a primary emphasis in painting. He earned his MFA in Metalsmithing from San Diego State University in 2007. David taught in the Art Department at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock for 10 years, and for 8 of those years, he developed and headed the Metalsmithing and Jewelry Department. He currently lives and creates work in Penland, North Carolina.

His work embraces the craft of metalsmithing and its rich history of techniques and objects. The resulting pieces—crafted in metal, mixed media, and handmade artist books—serve as vehicles for exploring themes of identity and social commentary, as well as material and process-based investigations. His work is included in the collections of the Arkansas Art Center, the National Ornamental Metal Museum, the Yale Contemporary Craft Collection, and the Renwick Gallery.