Ranging from slightly hilly to flat, the Coastal Plain landform is the result of millions of years of rising and falling sea levels. The area's rural landscape is a combination of farmland, wetland, and forests with population centers are in Florence, Sumter and Orangeburg. Fishing at Lake Marion is one South Carolina's largest tourist attractions. Hydropower from Lake Marion and other lakes and rivers in the Coastal Plain greatly impact the economy and environment of the region.
Meet artists from the Coastal Plain area of South Carolina below. Please note many of the web videos include transcripts. The artists are trained professionals who often use tools not considered safe for inexperienced users. Please review the safety disclaimer.
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Is topiary an attempt to control nature or a form of expression using a nature-based medium? The word topiary is derived from the Greek root word, topias, meaning ornamental garden. An account by...
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A typical Phil Greene canoe is a Spotlight of exotic and indigenous woods that were cut, sanded, carved and refined for six months or more. The canoes combine sculptural details with practical design...
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The city of Sumter invited artists to experiment with nature-based art during its the Art in the Park event. Nature-based art is sculpture that uses natural materials, often materials found on-site...
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Jimmie is a self-taught craftsman, who initially picked up the art of fashioning vines and branches into wreaths and baskets while caring for an ailing parent. He honed his art and moved into the...
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Pearl Fryar, a local gardener in Bishopville, South Carolina describes the kind of trees and bushes he grows in his topiary garden. Most common topiary plants are evergreen and have small, dense...
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In June 2002, an 18th century Cherokee canoe was found in the cold clear water of the Chattooga River. Early Cherokee canoes called dugouts were burned and scraped out of single tree trunks. The...
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Jimmie’s upbringing fostered creativity and resourcefulness. His joy in his family history is palpable. In his world, nothing is wasted. Every simple thing is treasured for the value of its inherent...
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The sculptures of Art in the Park ranged from the whimsical to the sublime. Nearly all sculptures involved pine needles, one of the most abundant materials on the landscape. Constructions included a...
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Finished hulls appear as rich warm-toned boats encased in a layer of glass. The finish is the result of hours of sanding and polishing the epoxy layers on the outside of the hull. A fairing board is...
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Hedges and trees in Pearl's garden appear to flow and weave into one another, often making it difficult to see where one plant ends and another begins. The effect is created by tying the tips of...
