Eric Demarchelier launches new exhibit — and his inspiration is an island
In A Moveable Feast, Ernest Hemingway purported the clear and good advice, “Write the truest sentence you know.” For local artist Eric Demarchelier, that advice translates to painting, too.
“I love Shelter Island. When I’m on Shelter Island, it’s the more natural things I see. When I lived in France when I was young, I lived near Sainte-Adresse,” says Eric of the town where, in 1867, Claude Monet was inspired by scenes around the seaside resort to paint some of his most famous works. “He was my inspiration.”
But eventually, that inspiration would become the island he’d call home.
“”I do this,” he says, “because I love Shelter Island.”
He and his wife, Catherine, first came to Shelter Island when they still owned and ran Demarchelier Bistro on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. One of their chefs — fellow French ex-pat and long-time Island resident Marcelle Iatone — told them about the quiet little town in eastern Long Island when they were looking for a summer getaway. They made their first visit nearly 50 years ago, and fell in love with the peace and natural beauty. Immediately, Demarchelier found it inspiring.
