Artist Statement - Reframing Dementia.
My grandmother has dementia so it's something I have become more aware of but only over the last few years have I experienced it first-hand.
I was really excited to get a commission that I could get stuck into, a lot of my commercial work is shot with time in mind – good photography is a luxury and expensive. Having a project like this was a really refreshing experience. I was also anxious about who I would be paired with, and I can honestly say I count myself very lucky in that regard.
Spending time with AB and Marlene was like gaining some extra grandparents for the week, they were so accommodating and patient with me. They welcomed me into their life and their home and gave me the access that is so important for a project like this. Being an ex-tour guide and generally just having a thirst for life, AB was so informative and conversation was never a struggle.
I had concerns going into the project that the "reframing" was going to be difficult, but I was so wrong.
AB (Eberhard) Stegenwalner
I moved from Austria to Herm in 1965 as a young man, enjoying a summer season then moving to Jersey in 1966, where I’ve lived ever since. I settled into island life, first working at Kentredder in the foundry. Then, in 1974, I moved to Ann Street Brewery working in the Brew House. Brewing has been within my family; my grandfather worked in the brewery in Freistadt and as a strong boy I was often called in to help.
In the 1980s, planning for retirement and having an interest in history, I obtained my tourism Bronze Badge as a tour guide. Being a tour guide was ideal for me as apart from my interest in local history, I’ve always been a keen walker. I led mostly German tourists on walks from town up the railway walk to Corbiere, returning along the cliff path to St Brelade for lunch then back to town. Another day, we would go from Grosnez to Chateau la Chaire, enjoying a delicious Jersey Cream Tea. I continue to meet up with other ex-tour guides socially once a week.
I still enjoy a daily stroll most days, both with a group or alone – though no longer hitting the 20,000 steps a day I was able to do when I first retired. I think I’ve walked most of the roads in Jersey.
I was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2025 and have kept up a very active life that includes regular attendance at the Société Jersiaise lunchtime talks, going to church, singing, pétanque, bridge, and cribbage – amongst other things. I’m still interested in Parish affairs, and until recently I helped as Parish Roads Inspector in St Helier. I also enjoy cooking and do a range of puzzles on the iPad each day to try and keep my mind active.
Marlene (my wife) and I believe in keeping ourselves busy and maintaining a positive attitude. We have four children and six grandchildren now, and we also value spending time with our family, on and off island.