Artist Profile Shirley Crutchfield

Artist Statement

In this piece of work, I depict hard work and dedication through hand-woven details of the dress. I employed the traditional 14th-century Italian water gilding technique, “doratura a guazzo” to layer the gold, using homemade clay bole and gesso. Staying true to my own rationale, I invite viewers to appreciate not just surface beauty, but the dedication and grit that lie beneath.

Artist Biography

Shirley is a Chicago-based artist who integrates her dynamic career as a tech entrepreneur with her passion for creating art. In 2024, she was honored with the “Best in Show” prize from the La Grange Art League, recognizing her exceptional talent and vision. Shirley started her career as a successful tech founder and executive. She sold her company to follow her childhood aspiration of becoming an artist.

Her work is influenced by Byzantine art, contemporary aesthetics, fashion, and the portrayal of strong female figures. Previously as a female entrepreneur navigating a competitive industry, Shirley’s experiences inspire her to create narratives that highlight the hard work, tenacity and perseverance required to reach the top.

Shirley successfully employs the traditional 14th-century Italian water gilding technique, “doratura a guazzo,” in her art, acquired from Master Guilders worldwide. This expertise allows her to craft astonishingly detailed works adorned with 24K gold leaf, elevating her paintings in realms of beauty and significance. Through her art, her detailed craftsmanship and use of materials, she celebrates the strength and resilience behind success, inviting viewers to appreciate the stories that lie beneath the surface.