Sandi Crawford

About the Artist

I am a single mother, painter and photographer (and sometimes writer) living in Severna Park, MD. My day job is serving as an award manager for a non-profit organization which focuses on international economic development and sustainability in underdeveloped countries.  When I’m not working or traveling, one of my favorite pass times and ways to decompress and relax is creating art. I don’t have any fancy degrees from Art Institutes or Colleges, only a degree in psychology from University of Maryland and some graduate level courses in public policy from Georgetown University. I have, however, been painting, taking photos, building sculptures and drawing for as long as I can remember. I did attend the Massachusetts College of Art for a year and have taken many art classes at Maryland Hall, Glen Echo, and other smaller venues in the DC area. I am and always have been mostly self-directed when it comes to art. I currently serve as an event photographer for the SPCA of Anne Arundel County and love to paint in my free time. I have developed a passion in recent years for painting skateboards and skim boards. Painting animals, mostly dogs, but also other animals are my main interest as well as animal symbolism. I am a dog lover and love volunteering at a shelter and helping save lives. I see dogs in many ways as guardian angels which is evident in several of my paintings which include pictures of dogs with wings. Dogs are so wonderful in many ways. They always know how to make us smile and laugh, they accompany us on our many adventures, they cheer us up when we are down and, most importantly, they show us what unconditional, forever love really is. They are our best friends and loyal protectors and when they leave us, the pain we feel is unmeasurable. I love capturing their spirit and character either in photographs or paintings. Another series of paintings include various Celtic or tribal animals. I am fascinated with animal symbolism and creating new ways to share that fascination with others. Art for me has always been about telling stories. I have always believed that It’s the invisible narrative that accompanies each painting or photograph that can capture interest and express ideas, symbolism, and emotions and, in some cases elicit or provide empathy. Art provides an avenue for self-expression and a way to transfer the pain, anxiety, love and confusion life frequently brings to my door step from my conscious to a real tangible creation. To put it simply, art consistently helps clear the rubble and breathes new life into me.

Artist's Statement

Art provides an avenue for self-expression and a way to transfer the pain, anxiety, love, curiousity, and confusion life frequently brings to my door step from my conscious to real tangible creations.