Irene Tison
We couldn't be happier about bringing you the art of Irene Tison! She is a true child of the Carolina low country and it seems her heart will always be there. Irene grew up immersed in the Gullah culture of the area along the coastline of South Carolina. The Gullah and the Geechee people are descendants of Africans that were captured and brought to the Atlantic coast to work as slaves on Southern rice plantations. From slavery to today, these relatively isolated communities have nurtured and maintained a distinct cultural identity.
Irene Tison had a happy childhood as the youngest in a large hard-working family. Her parents gave all the children a strong and loving family foundation. As a young girl, Irene developed a deep and lasting bond with her mother, who played an integral part in her love of art. She watched her mother draw pictures after the day's work was done, and soon she was doing the same. Although resources were scarce, Irene's mother always did what she could to support Irene's artistic interests. You can see the results of that love and encouragement in Irene's beautiful paintings.Irene's brightly colored work is filled with memories of life in the Gullah culture. Some of the scenes are her own personal memories, and some are memories that her mother and father shared with her in their stories. The paintings transport us directly to the heart of the low country. This is a place where the blinding heat of the sun and the steamy sweat of hard work give way to the cool wisteria-sweetened breeze of a shady path. Here the joyful parade of hats and dresses catches its breath in the moist air of a song-filled church. We are reminded of the warm touch and fresh smell of line-dried sheets, the excitement of spring, and the exhaustion of summer.There is a story of growing up in the South in every one of Irene Tison’s paintings. As she shares her stories, she hopes that you will feel the joy she finds in her heritage, and the love she holds for her family.
Estill, SC
To learn more about Gullah Geechee culture, try these links:
The Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor was designated a National Heritage Area in 2006. This is the Corridor’s official website.
A website for students, teachers, and parents, created by South Carolina ETV.
News and events blog for the Gullah Geechee community and those interested in Gullah Geechee culture.
An article by Ken Otterbourg for National Geographic, October 2014
"LOW COUNTRY MEMORIES"
Paintings by Irene Tison
from our recent show
GOLDEN HARVEST
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
*check availability*
MARY BELL'S BARNYARD
36" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
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LONG ROAD HOME
16" x 12"
acrylic on canvas
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SHRIMPING
20" x 16"
acrylic on canvas
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CHOOSE AN ARTIST
FROM THE LIST
WARRIOR WOMAN
24" x 36"
acrylic on canvas
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THE FELLOWSHIP
40" x 30"
acrylic on canvas
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SAVANNAH RIVER
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
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GULLAH GALS
14" x 11"
framed size 16" x 13"
acrylic on canvas
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TISON FEED AND SEED
30" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
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GRANDPA AND GRANDMA
24" x 36"
acrylic on canvas
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OUT FOR FISH DAY
30" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
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CHURCH GIRLS
30" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
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FIRST MORNING LIGHT
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
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MORNING TALK
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
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Read Irene Tison's stories of growing up written in her own words
Now available on Amazon
Questions about an item or an artist?...ready to buy?...
HARVESTING THE GOLD
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
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CORNER STORE
36" x 24"
acrylic on canvas
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PICKING COTTON
28" x 22"
acrylic on canvas
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SUNSHINE FISHING
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
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SHRIMPING IN THE CREEK
24" x 18"
acrylic on canvas
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A SPRING DAY
16" x 12"
acrylic on canvas
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MARY B PICKING OYSTERS
16" x 12"
acrylic on canvas
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JULIA MAE SHRIMPING
IN THE CREEK
16" x 12"
acrylic on canvas
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GULLAH CHRISTMAS
50" x 31" X 1.25"
(size when open)
triptych painted on all sides
acrylic on hinged wood panels
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View of the back
when closed
In this 6-sided painting, the artist illustrates the evolution of the Gullah people to Christianity from African capture to present day celebration of Christmas.
View of the front
when closed
We will be glad to check any painting's availability with the artist.
