BIOGRAPHY:
Sterling Crawford, born in 1997 in Greenville, SC, is a self-taught realistic oil painter with a deep commitment to storytelling. After graduating from the College of Charleston with a BS in Finance in 2019, she embarked on a career in accounting. During this time, she also began accepting commissions for dog portraits and landscapes, which fueled her passion for art. A significant milestone in her early career was a commission for Timbers, a luxury resort group, where she created a painting for their Kiawah Wine Label—now a permanent fixture in their collection. In 2022, Sterling transitioned to being a full-time artist.
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Sterling's nationally collected realistic oil paintings, whether wildlife or portraits, are grounded in thoughtful narratives that respect her subjects and foster a deeper understanding among viewers. Through extensive research, investigation, and storytelling, she aims to connect people to diverse cultures and important issues, raising awareness through her art.
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Her most recent accomplishment is a portrait of her grandfather and Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, which she unveiled at Stall Three Studio's launch event in April 2024. View the portrait here.
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Today, she divides her time between Greenville and her family's farm in Laurens, South Carolina, where the landscape and lifestyle deeply influence her work.
"As a self-taught artist, my journey has been one of discovery and storytelling. My work is not just about capturing an image on canvas; it’s about connecting viewers to places and stories beyond their own experience, whether familiar or unfamiliar. I believe in respecting each subject, whether it’s wildlife or a portrait, and I hope my work encourages others to gain a deeper understanding as well. I draw continuous inspiration from the natural landscape of my farm, as well as through reading, connecting with others, and engaging with diverse cultures during my travels. Often, I gravitate towards painting wildlife, using it as a medium to expose the effects of the illegal wildlife trade."
— Sterling Crawford
EDUCATION:
College of Charleston, B.S. Finance, Charleston, SC, 2019
EXHIBITIONS/EVENTS:
Stall Three Studio, Space Exploration: Past, Present, and Future, Greenville, SC, 2024
Stall Three Studio, Inside Africa, Virtual Exhibition, 2023
Cliffs Resident Outreach Glassy, Greenville, SC, 2023
A Joe Pazdan Memorial benefit for Miracle Hill Ministries, Greenville, SC, 2023
Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery, Traveler’s Rest, SC, 2021
Meyers Center for Special Children, Holiday Luncheon, Greenville, SC, 2020-2021
Mélange Art Studio & Gallery, Greenville, SC, 2020
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SELECTED COLLECTIONS:
Timber’s Kiawah - Ocean Club & Residencies; Kiawah Island, SC
Whetstone Wine Cellars, Napa, CA​