Stewart Steinhauer’s large granite sculptures at a roadside exhibition site in northeast Alberta are drawing attention from passersby. The 73-year-old artist, born and raised on the Saddle Lake Cree Nation reserve, set up the display to showcase his significant works and promote Indigenous culture.
The massive stone sculptures, weighing 62,000 kilograms each, are valued at nearly $1.7 million collectively. Steinhauer, a stone sculptor for over five decades, caters to a diverse clientele, focusing on community-centered installations in public spaces like community centers, parks, universities, and airports.
His unconventional approach involves lending his sculptures to communities, shouldering all costs and liabilities, with the hope that they will eventually be purchased by locals. Despite lacking formal training, Steinhauer’s son, Ben Steinhauer, emphasizes the lasting impact of his father’s work in preserving Indigenous heritage for future generations.
Steinhauer attributes his creative process to a spiritual connection with the Rock Grandmother, following Cree teachings that advocate for communication through art. Jackie Bugera, director of Bearclaw Gallery in Edmonton, praises Steinhauer’s work for its relevance and contribution to Indigenous art discourse. She sees the roadside exhibit as a significant step towards reconciliation efforts in Canada.