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BEAUFORT, Ga. (WTOC) – Artist transforms childhood wisdom into cultural legacy with “Gullah Gold” collection celebrating ancestral traditions
Sonja Griffin Evans heard a saying often in her Gullah Geechee household while spending weekends with her grandparents: “If uno ain’t know where uno come from, then uno ain’t know where uno go.”
At the time, she didn’t understand the weight of those words or the responsibility they carried.
“I was being passed down the responsibility of culture keeper,” Evans said.
Growing up in the Gullah Geechee community, Evans didn’t realize she was different until someone pointed out her distinctive Geechee accent. It was a moment that would eventually shape her identity and artistic purpose.
“People would tell me I spoke funny. They said, ‘you’re one of those Carolina Geechees.’ And I said, well baby, I sure do love a lot of rice,” Evans recalled with a smile.
With that knowledge came a deeper connection to her ancestors and a responsibility to preserve their legacy. Evans taught herself to paint, initially as a form of therapy while battling depression.
“I started painting in 2005 as a form of therapy. I was going through a bout with depression, and God said, ‘I have something so much more for you,’” she said.
That “something more” became a body of work spanning nearly two decades. Her paintings are vibrant and textured, each one capturing scenes from the daily lives of her ancestors. Today, her work appears in history books, documentaries and at national parks. She has even been invited to France to share the stories and culture of the Gullah people.
Evans’ latest collection, “Gullah Gold,” continues her mission to honor the past. The title references the sweet grass baskets that have been central to Gullah culture for 300 years.
“For 300 years, sweet grass has been Gullah gold,” Evans explained.
The collection highlights the rich tradition of sweet grass basket sewing, which once served as a primary source of income for many Gullah families. The intricate craftsmanship required to create these baskets reflects the skill and ingenuity of Gullah ancestors.
Pieces from the “Gullah Gold” collection are now on display at the Red Piano Art Gallery, where Evans’ work hangs alongside other paintings available for sale. Each piece serves as a visual testimony to generations past.
“This is an ode to the legacy of our ancestors,” Evans said.
Throughout her artistic journey, Evans has maintained a consistent message for every viewer of her work: understanding ancestral heritage shapes personal identity and future direction.
“My ancestors were not slaves. They were agricultural engineers and masterful craftsmen who were enslaved because of their intelligence. They were masters of their field,” she said.
Evans said that recognition of ancestral contributions is essential to preserving cultural identity.
“We are all benefactors of our ancestors, and it’s up to us to be good stewards of what we’ve been given,” Evans said.
With each brushstroke, Evans continues to honor the past and preserve Gullah Geechee culture for future generations, understanding where one comes from to shape where one is going.
Evans will be at the Fripp Island Art Guild on Feb. 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. She will host an event at the Red Piano Art Gallery from 5-7 p.m.
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