Patricia Elaine Sabreee (formally Patricia Elaine McFadden) is an artist whose vibrant and evocative works spring from the rich soil and enduring traditions of the Gullah people in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Her art, which she classifies as Expressionism, is a powerful visual narrative of her upbringing in Lake City—a small town known for its farming, dusky flatland, and deep cultural roots.
Beyond the paint and canvas, Sabreee herself radiates a soft-spoken, positive energy that immediately draws people in. Her welcoming nature ensures that every interaction feels infused with warmth and connection. This gentle demeanor mirrors the love of her life: her creative work and her profound dedication to her heritage. Meeting her is often described as feeling the genuine love she pours into every piece.
From Sharecropper Fields to the Canvas
Born into a family of fourteen siblings, Sabreee’s youth was defined by the demanding work of a sharecropper’s farm. Her parents instilled in their children the profound value of hard work, a strength essential for survival in the tobacco, cotton, cucumber, and corn fields that stretched for what seemed like endless rows. This arduous life, though challenging, provided the iron foundation of a strong work ethic that fueled a fierce desire for education.
A typical day for the McFadden family began before dawn, often at 3:00 a.m., curing and unloading tobacco. The long hours working in the sun-drenched, seemingly unending fields—an image frequently revisited in her paintings—instilled the patience and endurance required for a tedious process like suckering tobacco.
An Educator and An Artist’s Awakening
To escape the toil of the fields, Sabreee pursued education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from South Carolina State University and a Master’s of Education from Southern Wesleyan. It was during her time at S.C.S.U. that her passion for painting was ignited, largely inspired by her professor, the famous Batik artist Dr. Leo Twiggs.
For twenty-two years, Sabreee devoted herself to teaching Art, primarily at the high school level. She found a special connection with older students, valuing their independence as thinkers. However, after years spent promoting her students’ art, a “compelling urge” beckoned her to pursue her own creative destiny where art was flourishing. This led her to move to Charlotte, North Carolina, a pivotal decision in her artistic journey.
The stunning piece, “The Waves of Courage,” featured in this article, exemplifies her work.
Sabreee’s Gullah Art: A Visual Storytelling
Upon blossoming as a full-time artist, Sabreee’s style began to garner attention. Her work, marked by bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and featureless yet expressive individuals, drew comparisons to the prominent Charlestonian artist Jonathan Green, who is celebrated for resurrecting the Gullah culture. This comparison, recognizing her own deep appreciation for the Gullah way of life, served as both an immense compliment and a confirmation of her path.
The stories behind Sabreee’s paintings are personal memories made universal:
- Fishing off the river bank or swamp land.
- Working tirelessly in the crop fields.
- Children running and playing outdoors.
- The warmth of neighbors gathering for conversation and music by artists like Aretha Franklin and James Brown.
She feels an emphatic force urging her to visually expose this “low country story” to the world, painting a legacy of family, community, and the resilience of the Gullah people.
A Partnership in Persistence
In June 2010, Sabreee embraced the toughest decision of her career: leaving teaching to pursue art full-time. She remains an early riser, working on her paintings daily at 4:00 a.m. Her goal is clear: to educate the world about the richness of the Gullah culture and become an established artist.
Her success is championed by her daughter, Oshuin (aka Faridah), who serves as her business partner and the backbone of Sabreee’s Gullah Art Gallery (formerly “Sabree’s Gallery of the Arts”). Oshuin, a Culinary Artist graduate, prioritized her mother’s dream, managing the website, researching events, and promoting/selling the art alongside her. This dedication reflects the meaning of Sabreee’s chosen name: “one who perseveres until the job is done.”
As of December 2022, Sabree officially updated her artist name to “Sabreee” to further embrace and express the uniqueness and prosperity of that original meaning.
Bring the culture of Gullah into your home with Sabreee.
Her custom originals are designed with the perfect color scheme for your home. She is often found at Ma Daisy’s Porch in Bluffton Tuesdays and Sundays. Or visit the Gallery Online at Sabreee’s Gullah Art Gallery – Sabree’s Gallery of the Arts (sabreesgallery.com)
A Special Thank You
Sabree would like to express a warm thank you to the Bluffton Gullah Market for the exposure of her works and the friendly atmosphere.