Sonja Griffin Evans is a self taught artist, born and raised in the Low Country of Beaufort, South Carolina and currently resides in Pensacola Florida. Evans is relatively new to the Gullah arts community. She has always admired the arts, but only recently began painting as therapy. In doing so she has discovered that she has a natural ability to express stories and memories of growing up on the Sea Islands in her work.
Gullah is a language and culture which evolved from the thousands of enslaved Africans who were brought to the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia in the 1800's.
Evans discovered her painting ability as an adult, after reconnecting with her childhood love of drawing. Like traditional Gullah artist before her she paints on canvas, tin and wood to tell her wonderful stories. Evans includes a story card with each of her paintings, which tells these amazing stories, bible scriptures or inspirational quotes.
One is immediately aware that most of the figures in Evans' paintings are faceless. "Once I put a face on, the character is limited," Sonja says. "Without the face, the figure creates a mystery that draws you into the painting. The viewer imagines what the person in the painting is thinking and uses his or her imagination to become more involved."
Evans thanks God for orchestrating so many people to help uncover such a wonderful gift.
