Saturday 20 January 2018

Happy New Year, Happy 2018!

Halle, Saale, Germany, painted in the 1950s
2018 can be considered a significant year for the Stehwien family as it marks a number of anniversaries. It was 60 years ago that the uprooting of a young artist family was undertaken, in a large and secretive move, or escape, from the former East Germany. The move to the West was due to political reasons and led into an uncertain future for all.
The very picturesque city of Halle was left behind, as were many friends, belongings and many precious paintings. Some of the works, including the one pictured here, were recovered more than 30 years later. An incredible story and incredible treasures.

Doeffingen in the Swabian Valleys



50 years ago, a less secretive uprooting was in the works, from the beautiful Swabian valleys across the ocean to Canada, in the fall of 1968. All along, the paintings captured this Stehwien family history and the many stops along the way.
Saskatoon, Canada, painted in the late 1960s