It is impossible to be in a bad mood at the beach,” declared Whitney Walker-Gill. After speaking with Whitney about her love for art and passion for this island, one could also conclude that it is impossible to be in a bad mood when in her company. A local native, growing up and vacationing in Wild Dunes shaped Whitney’s devotion to all things Lowcountry. As the oldest of seven siblings and 10 cousins, Whitney joyfully recalled her extended family’s annual vacations at the Grand Pavilion. “We rented the same house year after year and would crash weddings, dancing on the pavilion and making our way into the wedding reception videos.”
Currently the director of operations and social media manager at Carolina One Vacation Rentals, Whitney recounted her father, co-owner Win Walker’s advice during her first hurricane shift: “Write it all down!” Whitney made it through the hurricane and continued to thrive on the island in real estate, family life and art alike.
While traveling to New York City on an eighth-grade school trip, Whitney said she realized that one could do art for a living, prompting her to attend the Art Institute of Charleston, where she graduated with a degree in graphic design. Preferring to work with recycled and thrifted canvases, sustainability is important to Whitney. “I love the ocean, and love to support local; what I paint is strictly coastal, strictly Lowcountry,” explained Whitney.
From vacationing in her hometown every summer to venturing to New York City earlier this year to see her artwork featured on a billboard in Times Square, Whitney is soon to embark on an adventure that promises to be a dream realized. Five of Whitney’s pieces will be on display this month at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. One of her paintings to be displayed at the Louvre was rendered on a recycled canvas Whitney found on Waterway Boulevard. You can also find Whitney’s artwork displayed with other artists in a coastal coffee table book called “The Art of Saltwater.”
Husband Jay and son Baylor share Whitney’s affinity for all things saltwater related, as do Folly and Finn, the family’s beloved beach-loving dogs. “Our house looks like Lisa Frank threw up in it,” laughed Whitney. “Every wall is a gallery wall and seashells and surfboards are everywhere. I am truly an island girl, and I love showing people why the island is so special.”
Whitney, Jay and Baylor enjoy dining at IOPizza, Lawrence’s Seafood Company, The Co-Op and The Outpost, while also relishing time at the beach and in the water together. Whitney continued, “I am deeply faith and family-centered. My work draws from memories and snapshots of my childhood – my little brothers and sister playing in the Wando River’s creek beds, fishing from jon boats, surfing after school and the everyday magic of Lowcountry life. My vision is simply to ease anxiety and depression and offer a breath of calm.” We feel the calm, Whitney. Keep shining your brilliant light.
By Laura Fogarty
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