David Erdman was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and raised in a creative environment of art and building things (father owned paint & hardware company). Growing up on Pewaukee Lake he spent his formative years on the water, building and sailing watercraft of all sorts. David was introduced to Sculpture at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and after graduation went onto study Architecture at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. He then returned to Milwaukee and worked for Collings Engineering and Stevens Construction.

Erdman became a major figure in the marine industry, a career and lifestyle spanning 40+ years. This experience has greatly influenced his artwork. His wood sculptures often embody the energy, fluidity, and curvature of sailing vessels. 

Erdman's award-winning sculptures are represented by Reinert Fine Art (South Carolina), Artist Design Consultants (Cincinnati), and M A R A Art Gallery (Sarasota FL). The artist maintains an active studio on the Gulf Coast of Florida, where the wind and water inspire and energize him daily.