Anne Emmanuelle Marpeau’s shadow boxes capture the spirit of life along the coast of Maine. Her models, which the artist calls “ex-votos” – a nod to offerings once placed in churches and used in prayer for safe voyages – depict scenes of everyday life in coastal communities. Marpeau is native to France but after visiting and spending time in Maine was taken with the rich coastal history. Her work tells the story of sailors, shipwrecks and storms. Her shadow boxes show boat builders, rough seas, marine life and classic Maine iconography like lighthouses and craggy rocks.
Marpeau has received awards from the Mystic Seaport Museum including an Award of Excellence and Thomas M. Hoyne III Award. She has found much inspiration on North Haven and her work often features scenes from the island.