Ronald Crawford
Ronald T. Crawford’s artwork reflects both the theoretical and physical aspects of his life. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of Calgary (1986) and a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Oklahoma (1978), and he studied in the Arts and Design Program at Red Deer College, as well as in the Studio Winter Arts Program at the Banff School of Fine Arts (now the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity). His record of regional exhibitions spans four decades, and he has accumulated, during that time, extensive sculptural stonework experience that evolved out of commercial preparation of walls, patios, and stairs. His acrylic and plaster on panel paintings blend painterly concerns with the earthy spiritualism of stone to harken Renaissance frescoes.
While in Alberta, Crawford taught drawing, acrylic and watercolour painting classes at Red Deer College, The City of Calgary, and with the Teachers in the Schools Program hosted by the Banff School of Fine Arts (now the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity). On moving to Salt Spring Island, BC, he became a founding member of the Alliance of Salt Spring Artists (1995). He co-directed the Alliance from 1998-1999 and in 1999 he coordinated Eros 99 Exhibition of Art, hosted by Artspring Gallery (Salt Spring Island, BC). He is a recipient of the Fireman’s Tuition Award granted by the Banff Centre for his work in the 1978-79 Studio Arts Winter Program, and a Project Assistance Grant from Alberta Culture. His paintings have received Jurors’ Choice Awards at the Sidney (BC) Fine Arts Show and at Stepping Away, hosted by Artspring Gallery. His stoneworks have been commissioned for Salt Spring Island’s Point Gallery, Artspring Gallery, and Hastings House, as well as for the Sidney (BC) Waterfront Promenade. Crawford’s thirteen Standing Babas, often likened to Canada’s Stonehenge, keep watch over the ocean on a private plot of Salt Spring land to acknowledge British Columbia’s early Southeast Asian Settlers and the tourists who journey to Salt Spring Island for creative and spiritual retreats.
While in Alberta, Crawford taught drawing, acrylic and watercolour painting classes at Red Deer College, The City of Calgary, and with the Teachers in the Schools Program hosted by the Banff School of Fine Arts (now the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity). On moving to Salt Spring Island, BC, he became a founding member of the Alliance of Salt Spring Artists (1995). He co-directed the Alliance from 1998-1999 and in 1999 he coordinated Eros 99 Exhibition of Art, hosted by Artspring Gallery (Salt Spring Island, BC). He is a recipient of the Fireman’s Tuition Award granted by the Banff Centre for his work in the 1978-79 Studio Arts Winter Program, and a Project Assistance Grant from Alberta Culture. His paintings have received Jurors’ Choice Awards at the Sidney (BC) Fine Arts Show and at Stepping Away, hosted by Artspring Gallery. His stoneworks have been commissioned for Salt Spring Island’s Point Gallery, Artspring Gallery, and Hastings House, as well as for the Sidney (BC) Waterfront Promenade. Crawford’s thirteen Standing Babas, often likened to Canada’s Stonehenge, keep watch over the ocean on a private plot of Salt Spring land to acknowledge British Columbia’s early Southeast Asian Settlers and the tourists who journey to Salt Spring Island for creative and spiritual retreats.