Artist Cristine Andrew Stuckel (Pisler) returns to childhood community to ‘play’

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I grew up in the heart of Whitewater Country  – Foresters Falls  – but left for Saskatchewan in 1999. I returned to school in 2015 and obtained my fine art degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 2021. I have been creating a body of work that considers the concept of home through the lens of a child. There is something special about our childhood home, and I set out to explore the ‘what’, the ‘why’, and the ‘how’ through art. What I came to understand was that as children we form a very intimate connection to the spaces where we play, imagine, dream, and interact. I believe we come to know things about these places that the ‘grown-ups’ do not. And it’s because we imagined, because we played, and because we dreamed. And so, this summer I am coming home to be a kid again and dig deeper into this idea.

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I will be conducting research, gathering reference material – photos, videos, and sound recordings – that I can use in related work when I return to my studio in Saskatchewan following my visit. Lawrie Barton of the Whitewater Historical Society has been instrumental in assisting me to make the necessary arrangements before my arrival on June 26. Folks will see me around town dressed in various childhood garments engaging in self-portraiture, recording my thoughts and emotions as I revisit the places where I played as a child.

Community engagement will also factor into this project. I would love the opportunity to interact with people in the town – young and old, those whose roots stretch far back in time as well as newcomers to the area. I will be conducting interviews with willing participants, recording their stories, and sharing memories of our town. On Canada Day, I will lead a project where together we will create a large collaborative drawing of the town. Everyone is welcome to add to the mural – drawing their homes, or other places in the town, the pond, trees, roads, etc.  No art experience is needed for this. All the different skill levels and styles will be beautiful. We will add words to the drawing – the memories, thoughts, and experiences of the current residents.  I am happy to engage with those interested about the project and my work, and of course, about Foresters Falls and area.

Follow along on my Instagram page: cristineandrewstuckelart or Facebook page: Cristine Andrew Stuckel Art. Anyone interested in being a part of the project, please reach out either through social media or email CASi.creations@gmail.com

Cristine Andrew Stuckel

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