ARTIST STATEMENT

The beautiful splendor of this world surrounds us continually, but most busy people just drive right by unaware, consumed with deadlines, appointments and any number of daily obligations. My hope is that my paintings might capture a moment in time that will cause the road weary to stop, not only to look, but to see.

“John Crutchfield is more than a marine painter.  His brilliant insight and talents bring the essence of New England even in its quiet stillness, surprisingly full-force with the beauty of life around water. Most importantly, this talented artist renders love for the beauty of this special corner of America perfectly.”   —Joan Johnson, author/playwright

john crutchfield

As a young boy, I was blessed to have spent many summers on Cape Cod at a place called Sandy Neck.  It was a wonderful time of growth and learning. The sights, sounds and the smell of salt air all had a great influence on who I am today and kindled in me a passion for rendering the beauty of this natural world in paint – a passion that stirs my soul to this day.  My love for the sea and these coastal waters led me to join the United States Coast Guard upon graduating from High School. Some of my experiences there helped me to grow in reverent respect for the ocean and its limitless power to stir, and to soothe.

I strive for realism in my work.  It is the ancient calling of those who once recorded human history and moments in time that speak to us through art in a language that needs no translation.  It is a noble cause. For even when my time is done, I will speak to future generations and tell a story of what once was.

I maintain a studio at my home in Middleboro, Massachusetts, where I live with my wife of thirty five years. We are only about twenty minutes from Plymouth and thirty minutes from Cape Cod, where there is no shortage of reference material from which to draw inspiration.

Since 1980, I have owned and operated Crutchfield Signs in Middleboro. My love for art however began long before that. I excelled in art throughout my school years and as far back as I can remember, I was always drawing, or painting in one form or another.  It has been a love affair that spans more than six decades of pushing paint.

In the sign business and my art career, I have educated myself on the nuances of both and have found this to be most satisfying. Countless examples of art are everywhere and if we take the time, we might see something we are drawn to and ask: “What is it I like about this?” or, “How can I do that?”  I take great pleasure in answering those questions, solving those problems and acquiring the skills to achieve success in both.  Indeed, we can learn so much through patient, contemplative observation.

I have been inspired by artists like Robert Duff and Ken Davies of New Bedford, Andrew Kusmin, AWS of Plymouth and other realists, contemporaries and antecedents alike, but my natural ability to paint is a gift from God that is unique to me - unaltered as the Lord made. He guides my hand, bringing forth that which was entrusted to me. 

AWARDS

While I do not enter a large number of shows, my works have received ribbons and awards from art associations around southeastern Massachusetts, including Best of Show for “Europa” at Marina Bay Art Fest in Quincy.  I am a Russell Gallery member of the Plymouth Guild for the Arts, where I have received Honorable Mention and First Place awards for “Early Morning Run” and “A New Day”. Two of my paintings were featured in South Shore Living Magazine and my lettering skills have received notoriety in automotive magazines for work on custom race cars, one of which is still around after fifty years.

My paintings have been on display at Kusmin Gallery and the former Class Art and Antiques Gallery in Plymouth, Sheldon Gallery in Newport, RI, the Plymouth Public Library and in the Senate Lobby of the Massachusetts State House.  I have also done Gold Leaf lettering for the Massachusetts State Auditor, Treasurer, Senate and the Governor’s Office.