Artist Statement

Maine is a long-term project on the history of the Tourtillott family’s journey from France to Rhode Island to Maine and eventually over to Illinois and Wisconsin. It started as a way to overcome loneliness, longing, and a desire for kinship. Over a decade ago I started researching this history. I’ve traveled to Maine, Illinois, and around Wisconsin. I’ve contacted Historians, research libraires, and historical societies in search of any traces of my family, their lives, the occupations. These images reflect the time spent in Maine searching for my ancestors, searching for cemeteries and gravestones, and creating a metaphysical bond to those people. This November I will return to Maine going deeper within my research and taking time to contemplate the journey, the time, the hardships of my ancestors. Connecting with them through my thoughts, actions, and meditations.

Captain Abraham Tourtellotte served his time in the Revolutionary War while living in the state of Rhode Island. Upon completion of his service, he was giving land in Maine and moved his family their shorty after. From Bangor Maine to Ellsworth, Castine, and Maxfield the Tourtellotte family moved, lived, and died. The Tourtellotte family having lived on the coast of La Rochelle did learn the seas especially Abraham Tourtellotte Sr. 1655-1706 who is presumed lost at sea with his oldest son Gabriell. Because of this I do hold a focus on sea towns and marinas.

This project is meant to end as a book documenting my research and my connections and emotions through photography. It will be a way to honor the lives of all and to acknowledge their efforts that brought me life.