The Art of Donna Sams
The Lowcountry has long inspired artists with its natural beauty, but Donna Sams sees what others overlook: the imperfections of natural beauty.
While beachgoers search for pristine seashells, Donna looks for the broken ones. Cracked by time, shaped by waves, and bearing the marks of hungry seagulls, those imperfect seashells become Donna’s models. To her, those features aren’t flaws; they’re proof of resilience, transformation, and a never ending cycle of life.
Her Grounded series takes this perspective further, highlighting fallen azaleas, camellias, and gardenias—flowers that have left their branches and begun a new phase of beauty in decay. What others dismiss, Sams elevates by capturing the fleeting moments of change.
Donna’s technique merits a mention: she renders her subjects in gouache. A water–based media, that is
similar to watercolor, gouache is semi-opaque, which provides the artist with the range of precise calligraphy, flowy textures and striking pops of color.
A Beaufort resident for nearly 45 years, Donna’s love for the Lowcountry has only grown—now shared through the wonder of her grandchildren as they explore the marshes and forests together, collecting inspiration along the way.
Her work is on view at Thibault Gallery (815 Bay Street, Beaufort, SC) and can be found on Instagram @donna_sams and Facebook @Donna Sams.
