Shirley Yang Crutchfield is a Chicago-based artist whose powerful, gold-leafed works draw on art history, fashion, contemporary heroines and her own entrepreneurial journey. Her work has won international awards and been recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship and resonance. Shirley uses traditional 14th-century Italian gilding methods to create portraits of women that shine both literally and symbolically with beauty, grit, and timeless strength.

Her work is influenced by Byzantine art, Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary aesthetics, fashion, and the portrayal of strong female figures. Previously as a technology 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.

Artist Statement

In my work, I celebrate leading female characters who embody beauty, strength, and virtue. Each piece is a tribute to the journey behind their glamorous exteriors—an exploration of the hard work, unseen struggles, and relentless battles that propel them to the top.

I aim to capture the essence of what it means to be an icon, revealing the layers of resilience and determination that define these remarkable figures. My paintings reflect their uniqueness and the astonishing qualities that make them stand out, adorned with meticulous details and a golden hue that symbolizes their extraordinary experiences.

Through my art, I invite viewers to appreciate not just the surface beauty, but the dedication and grit that lie beneath. Each stroke is a testament to the hard work it takes to become the best of the best, a celebration of the powerful narratives that shape the extraordinary.