Shirley Yang Crutchfield

Your paintings incorporate 14th-century Italian water-gilding. What first drew you to such a meticulous, historical technique?

I’ve always been drawn to intricate details and craftsmanship. Water gilding fascinated me because it’s a centuries-old technique that requires patience, precision, and a deep respect for material and process.

How do you balance the demands of traditional gilding with the freedom of contemporary artistic expression?

It’s a balance of discipline and creativity. The traditional techniques give me structure and depth, while contemporary expression lets me interpret the subject, composition, and mood. I see the gilding as a foundation and a way to elevate my subjects, while the painting itself allows me to tell a personal and modern story.

Shirley Yang Crutchfield | Caroline Herschel

Byzantine, Renaissance, and Baroque influences meet modern fashion in your work. How do you weave these different eras together?

I’m fascinated by the craftsmanship and symbolism of historical art, and I love the storytelling found in fashion. Combining the two allows me to highlight strength, elegance, and personality. I often pull motifs, textures, and forms from historical references and reinterpret them with contemporary colors, fabrics, or styling to create a bridge between eras.

Shirley Yang Crutchfield | Pallas Athene

Strong female figures are central to your art. Which historical or contemporary women inspire you most, and why?

I’m inspired by women who embody resilience, intelligence, and quiet power. Historical figures like Caroline Herschel, the first female astronomer employed by the English royal court, or Zenobia, the Queen of Palmyra, embody perseverance and a strong will to fight. Contemporary women who push boundaries, lead with integrity, and show resilience in their work also inspire me. Their stories reflect the dedication and complexity I aim to capture in my portraits.

Gold leaf gives your portraits a luminous, almost sacred aura. What does gold symbolize for you beyond beauty and luxury?

Gold is about reverence and recognition. It elevates the subject, highlighting their achievements, strength, and dedication. Beyond luxury, it’s a symbol of focus, care, and respect for both the subject and for the craft itself.

Shirley Yang Crutchfield | Queens Triumvirate

You were a technology entrepreneur before becoming a full-time artist. How has that experience shaped your artistic career?

My entrepreneurial background taught me discipline and resilience. Building and scaling a company requires lots of patience and skills that translate directly to managing my art practice, from building relationships with collectors to planning exhibitions and navigating the art world.

Shirley Yang Crutchfield | Swan Lake

What parallels do you see between the entrepreneurial spirit and the process of creating art?

Both require thick skin and persistence. In entrepreneurship, you’re building something from the ground up and adapting along the way. In painting, you start with a blank surface and iterate until the work is complete. Both involve vision, creativity, and a willingness to push through challenges to create something meaningful.