Lisa Boykin Adams - Colours - 24x30" acrylic on canvas
In the heart of Camden, South Carolina, where the lush landscapes of the agrarian South meet the traditions of hunting, fishing, and southern architecture, resides a gifted artist whose work bridges the gap between conventional and nontraditional styles. Lisa Adams, an artist, and preservationist, has been chosen as the featured artist at this year’s Camden Horse & Hound Expo 2023, captivating audiences with her unique blend of nature-inspired artistry.
Adams’ deep-rooted connection to the rural southern landscape is evident in every brushstroke. Her childhood was a tapestry of days spent on the Wateree River, surrounded by the swamps, and learning to swim in the richly dark waters of Boykin Mill Pond, where snakes, fish, alligators, and birds thrived harmoniously. Growing up at her family’s homestead, Wannah Plantation, she was exposed to a complex history that would go on to shape her artistic journey.
The seeds of her artistic expression were sown early, as she observed the archaeological digs at Historic Camden, a place where her mother served as the first director. These early memories and experiences have left an indelible mark on Adams, finding their way into her artwork even today. Her pieces are a testament to her fascination with history, nature, and the architectural heritage of the South.
In recent years, Adams has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing the story of her husband’s family home, Wavering Place, which echoes the imagery of her own childhood at Wannah Plantation. The captivating blend of natural beauty and architectural charm, from the unique Japanese beetles on fig trees to the grandeur of the buildings, continues to fuel her creative spirit. Adams embraces the challenge of interpreting these familiar images in unconventional ways, resulting in art that defies artistic norms.
Her artistic journey is enriched by a diverse background that includes a BFA from the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her professional career has spanned the realms of interior design and art. From her work as a commercial architectural designer in New York to owning her decorative arts studio in Charleston, Adams’ artistic trajectory has been one of continuous exploration and growth. Her portfolio includes projects that range from museum designs to architectural restoration, each contributing to her versatile and distinctive style.
Among her notable accomplishments are the hand-painted lamps she crafted and sold nationally, earning recognition in publications such as Coastal Living, Gotham Magazine, and Southern Living. Her artwork has been showcased in the Federal Reserve Bank’s collection and in galleries across South Carolina, Florida, Washington DC, and New Orleans.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Adams’ commitment to preserving history and her community is evident. Her efforts in restoring Wavering Place and her involvement in heritage preservation have earned her consecutive preservation awards from Historic Columbia and recognition from the Richland County Conservation Commission.
As the featured artist at this year’s Camden Horse & Hound Expo, Lisa Adams invites attendees to immerse themselves in a world where the intricate connections between art, nature, and heritage intertwine. Her artwork for this year’s expo is available for silent auction.
Exploring Nature’s Canvas: Lisa Boykin Adams, Featured Artist at Camden Horse & Hound Expo
In the heart of Camden, South Carolina, where the lush landscapes of the agrarian South meet the traditions of hunting, fishing, and southern architecture, resides a gifted artist whose work bridges the gap between conventional and nontraditional styles. Lisa Adams, an artist, and preservationist, has been chosen as the featured artist at this year’s Camden Horse & Hound Expo 2023, captivating audiences with her unique blend of nature-inspired artistry.
Adams’ deep-rooted connection to the rural southern landscape is evident in every brushstroke. Her childhood was a tapestry of days spent on the Wateree River, surrounded by the swamps, and learning to swim in the richly dark waters of Boykin Mill Pond, where snakes, fish, alligators, and birds thrived harmoniously. Growing up at her family’s homestead, Wannah Plantation, she was exposed to a complex history that would go on to shape her artistic journey.
The seeds of her artistic expression were sown early, as she observed the archaeological digs at Historic Camden, a place where her mother served as the first director. These early memories and experiences have left an indelible mark on Adams, finding their way into her artwork even today. Her pieces are a testament to her fascination with history, nature, and the architectural heritage of the South.
In recent years, Adams has dedicated herself to preserving and sharing the story of her husband’s family home, Wavering Place, which echoes the imagery of her own childhood at Wannah Plantation. The captivating blend of natural beauty and architectural charm, from the unique Japanese beetles on fig trees to the grandeur of the buildings, continues to fuel her creative spirit. Adams embraces the challenge of interpreting these familiar images in unconventional ways, resulting in art that defies artistic norms.
Her artistic journey is enriched by a diverse background that includes a BFA from the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Her professional career has spanned the realms of interior design and art. From her work as a commercial architectural designer in New York to owning her decorative arts studio in Charleston, Adams’ artistic trajectory has been one of continuous exploration and growth. Her portfolio includes projects that range from museum designs to architectural restoration, each contributing to her versatile and distinctive style.
Among her notable accomplishments are the hand-painted lamps she crafted and sold nationally, earning recognition in publications such as Coastal Living, Gotham Magazine, and Southern Living. Her artwork has been showcased in the Federal Reserve Bank’s collection and in galleries across South Carolina, Florida, Washington DC, and New Orleans.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Adams’ commitment to preserving history and her community is evident. Her efforts in restoring Wavering Place and her involvement in heritage preservation have earned her consecutive preservation awards from Historic Columbia and recognition from the Richland County Conservation Commission.
As the featured artist at this year’s Camden Horse & Hound Expo, Lisa Adams invites attendees to immerse themselves in a world where the intricate connections between art, nature, and heritage intertwine. Her artwork for this year’s expo is available for silent auction.