Sterling Crawford, 'Acacia Tree'

Catalogue Essay

Introducing ‘Acacia Tree' a limited edition fine art print replicating the original painting by Sterling Crawford. The centerpiece of this artwork is the iconic Acacia tree, symbolizing renewal and a brighter future for rhino. Representing the poignant moment when rhinos are relocated, or rewilded, into regions of Africa where they once faced local extinction, ‘Acacia Tree’ is the third and ultimate painting in the ‘REWILD’ series.

In September 2023, with support of the South African Government and secured emergency funding, the largest conservation organizations in Africa, African Parks, purchased the world’s largest rhino breeding farm, Platinum Rhino.

African Parks has the ambitious, transformative mission to rewild the 2,000 southern white rhinos over the next decade. This endeavor represents one of the largest continent-wide rewilding projects ever undertaken for a single species.

Rewilding is the process of returning animals to their natural habitats and ecosystems. African Parks' rewilding operation involves relocating the rhinos to well-managed protected areas across Africa in order to establish or supplement strategic populations, ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

“The scale of this undertaking is simply enormous, and therefore daunting. However, it is equally one of the most exciting and globally strategic conservation opportunities." - Peter Fearnhead, CEO of African Parks

The purchase of Platinum Rhino by African Parks represents a significant turning point in the world of rhino conservation. It offers hope for the survival and flourishing of the southern white rhino and marks the beginning of the most critical decade for rhino conservation.

The Artist

Sterling Crawford is a documentary artist and founder of Stall Three Studio.

Sterling, b. 1997, lives and works in Greenville, South Carolina. Graduating from the College of Charleston with a degree in Finance in 2019, she worked for a San Francisco startup Financial Technology company for four years before her true calling led her towards the world of art and entrepreneurship.

With an unwavering passion for the arts and a deep-rooted desire to make an impact, Sterling established Stall Three Studio. Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, innovation, and achievements, she harnessed the power of art to explore and reflect upon these ever-changing phenomena. Through her unique blend of artistic and analytical lens, she embarked on a mission to infuse purpose and meaning into her art by researching and documenting stories to raise awareness of important issues and highlight inspiring stories.

Sterling continues her education and development in the world of art through various courses, recently receiving her certificate in Art as a Global Business through Sotheby’s Institute of Art.