Rice Plantations of the Waccamaw

Rice Plantations of the Waccamaw is a one-of-a-kind watercolor and mixed media work by acclaimed Lowcountry artist Maura Kenny, blending history, geography, and textile tradition into a deeply meaningful tribute to the Waccamaw River region and its people.

Part of Kenny’s ongoing Rice Plantations of the Waccamaw series, this piece maps the river system of Georgetown County within South Carolina’s coastal zone. The flowing design of the waterways forms an almost vascular pattern across the surface, offering an aerial view of the Waccamaw and Pee Dee Rivers as they move west and south of the Waccamaw Neck. Layers of watercolor washes are enhanced with table and kosher salts, creating organic textures that echo the vegetation and terrain of the Lowcountry landscape.

At the heart of the composition is a “ghost-like” figure of a woman feeding turkeys, inspired by an archival photograph from Dean Hall Plantation held in the University of South Carolina’s collection. Painted on transparent yupo paper, then carefully cut and stitched onto the river map, the figure represents the many women who labored on rice plantations—honoring their creativity, strength, and endurance. The hand-sewn stitching reflects both their daily work and their lasting legacy.

Measuring approximately 22" wide by 26" high, this original artwork is professionally matted and custom framed in soft gray wood by Gray Man Gallery and is ready to hang. Thoughtfully curated and rich in cultural and historical significance, Rice Plantations of the Waccamaw is an exceptional opportunity for collectors who value Lowcountry heritage, narrative-driven art, and masterful mixed media craftsmanship.