SaskScapes - Episode 102 - with Waltraude Stehwien

German Culture Alive - A SaskScapes feature series

This is the fifth in a series entitled "German Culture Alive”, a special "SaskScapes Podcast presents" feature sponsored by the Saskatchewan German Council. Visit the website to learn more about the non-profit organization, its mandate, and outreach.

Waltraude Stehwien’s artistic sensibilities run so deep it is as if they form the very makeup of her DNA.  Her earliest inspiration was her father who was a visionary and a well-respected puppeteer in Germany.  Waltraude wanted nothing more than to follow in his footsteps and she did just that. Her family survived the turmoil of WWII where often they had to hastily relocate, leaving many of her father’s treasures behind.   Her life’s journey eventually brought Waltraude, her husband, and four children to Saskatchewan.  Only a few of her father's puppets made the journey. Waltraude was groundbreaking in bringing the art form to life in Saskatchewan.  Her second passion was a skill she also learned from her father. The art of scissor cutting (Scherenschnitte). Her work is often inspired by the landscape of our province.  Some of her work is currently on tour thanks to the support of OSAC.  

This was a 40-year reunion between Waltraude and SaskScapes host Kevin Power who also shares a passion for puppetry.  The energy in the room during the recording was palpable as the two share insights on artistry in their lives.  This was a meeting of two minds and hearts, and a reunion to remember.

This episode has a part 2 soon to be released,   (Episode 103) featuring Barbara Stehwien (Waltraude’s daughter) who shares the story of her father Fritz (Waltraude’s husband) who was a prolific and successful painter. 

You can learn more about the Stehwien family by following the links below

http://waltraudestehwien.blogspot.com/

http://fritzstehwiengallery.blogspot.com/

https://www.stehwien.art/

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SaskScapes is a podcast featuring the stories of arts, culture and heritage in Saskatchewan. The series is produced and hosted by Kevin Power.  To sponsor your own episodes contact SaskScapes via Twitter, Facebook or email (saskscapes (at) icloud (dot) com for more information.  Reviews in the iTunes store help boost the ratings so be sure to have your say!

Host: Kevin Power