Seychellois artist launches line of enamel mugs with scenes from island nation

The talented sailor, fisherman, graphic artist, painter and latest designer Michael Bouchereau-Arnephie. (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)

(Seychelles News Agency) - A well-known Seychellois artist has launched a collection of paintings on enamel mugs depicting his passion for the island nation’s environment and culture.

Michael Bouchereau-Arnephie has used his artistic talent on traditional enamel mugs known in Creole as ‘Lanmok Emaye," which were used by locals in the past. The mugs, which are on sale at SCR 250 ($18), are already catching the attention of collectors and those looking for a unique Christmas gift.

“The enamel mugs are actually a trend in western countries now and to bring it back to Seychelles is like reviving an old soul. We all in the past had something that we grew up with but I added an extra touch of Creole artwork and a dash of humour,” said Bouchereau-Arnephie. 

The designs promote the traditional dances, traditional houses, artisanal fishermenBouchereau-Arnephie.  (Michael Bouchereau-Arnephie) Photo License: CC-BY

The artist added that the collection has been done in a new style he started to develop a few months ago which also has cultural aspects. 

The designs promote the Sega and Moutya dance, two popular traditional dances, traditional houses, artisanal fishermen and various other aspects of the Seychellois Creole way of life.

“Seychellois in general love and appreciate the value of their culture and to them, it’s something they can relate to,” said Arnephie.

The artist is doing the promotion of his new collection mostly on Facebook, a few international sites and at his kiosk at Beau Vallon, a district in the north of the main island Mahe.

Michael Bouchereau-Arnephie considers his new initiative as a cultural and touristic product that can be appreciated by all ages and hopes that in the near future he can apply the artworks on a larger variety of products.

Hailing from the southern Mahe district of Anse Boileau, Bouchereau-Arnephie has not only studied fine art but also worked as a freelance fashion designer in Melbourne, Australia for well-known clothing brands such as Hang Ten, Ocean Breeze, Amco Jeans, and Slazenger Sportswear.

This is the second successful initiative of Michael Bouchereau-Arnephie after he launched his first clothesline depicting the fish of Seychelles two year ago.

The ‘M Arnephie Seychelles brand’ boasts a collection of beachwear including t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, board shorts for men, shorts for the ladies, as well as the beer can and bottle holders, mouse mats and coasters. The illustrations printed on the show the artist love and passion for sports fishing. 

After this new venture, the artist said, “I am looking forward to 2018 and I have a feeling it will be a very interesting one indeed.”