Photographer Karen T. Bartlett traveled extensively throughout this chain of tidal and barrier islands along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and northern Florida to capture the timeless beauty and a lifestyle that incorporates the centuries-old traditions of the distinct Geechee/Gullah African-American culture that is unique throughout these islands. The arts, cuisine, historic architecture and plantations, as well as the local shellfish harvesting are reminiscent of an earlier age. Her photographic journey began off of the Charleston coast moving south from Sullivan s, Folly, and Edisto islands, to Kiawah, Hunting, Port Royal, Hilton Head, and Daufiskie islands along the coast of South Carolina and continued south to Tybee Island, the nature preserve and marshes of Melon Bluff, Sapelo, St. Simons, Little St. Simons, Jekyll, and Cumberland islands of Georgia and Amelia Island off of Florida. As is evident in Bartlett s photos, the sandy white beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush botanical spaces make these islands some of the most pristine and inspiring places on earth.
