Eclectic award winner

REBECA KUROPATWA

Dr. Deborah Schnitzer arrived in Winnipeg in 1988 to take on the role of director of the writing centre of the then-new University of Winnipeg writing program. A wordsmith by nature, Schnitzer persisted in her literary path, becoming a professor of English at U of W, where she teaches today. She is also a filmmaker, writer and activist. Recently, she was presented with the Margaret Lawrence Award for Fiction for her 2009 novel An Unexpected Break in the Weather.

Her creative endeavors are many and diverse. “I’m interested in exploring a variety of media, blending genres,” she told the Independent. “Everyone has their own definition of what an artist is. Each person is wired differently.” To this end, Schnitzer has added filmmaker to her list of titles and her first foray into movie-making brought more accolades, when her 2010 short film, Canoe, won the Grand Remi Award for best experimental film and video at this year’s WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival. Canoe was also one of 14 films that screened at Canada Film Week in Accra, Ghana.

“I got into filmmaking through my colleague, Shelagh Carter,” said Schnitzer. “Canoe is the third project we’ve worked on together. I’m working on an idea for the fourth, based on a novel I wrote called Jane Dying Again that comes from real-life experience of my partner who is living with an incurable illness. My work with Shelagh is an organic, ongoing partnership of inquiry.

“Shelagh directs and makes films,” she said of her complementary partnership with Carter. “My role is to look over the end of the story and find the emotional journey and the images from these – concrete objects that could hold that reservoir. Once you commit yourself to a creative process, all sorts of opportunities arise.”

As co-director of the Institute for Literacy and Transformative Learning at U of W’s Global College, Schnitzer has played a significant role in the university’s Experiential Learning Initiatives Network, which provides hands-on experience in university-community partnerships, exploring the university as a site of peacemaking.

Schnitzer has received several academic honors for her efforts, including U of W’s Clifford Robson Award, and she was named a National 3M Teaching Fellow in recognition of her dedication and innovative teaching.

“In English literature, I focus a lot on interactive analysis, something I use in a variety of ways,” she said of her methods. “I’m interested in everything. That’s just my nature, being a constant traveler, a synthesizer. I look at things in a holistic way, constantly looking for connections.”

Although Schnitzer said she loves everything about classroom dynamism, she sees the classroom space as portable. “It can be in any environment, it’s boundless and versatile,” she explained. “I’m excited by the process of discovery, and can’t be without the voices or actions of my students. It’s reciprocal learning that’s inspiring and instrumental. The classroom holds promise, important conversations, ensured safety, criticism and creative engagement.”

Schnitzer described herself as passionate about many issues – from human rights and social justice to community service and action, literacy and equal rights. Her interests also include gardening and the environment. “I’m committed to stopping the degradation of the environment we’re living in,” she said of her involvement. “I feel accountable to the larger, compelling picture.

“The way I see it is, if you’re here [on this earth], then do something,” she said of keeping busy. “I’m baffled by the continuing injustice, but marveled by the work of others. My way is all about education, action, care and creativity. ‘Doing’ and ‘acting’ are very important to me. It’s all about finding how to be in community. No solution is easily actualized, but I’d rather be working toward something than doing nothing at all.”

And Schnitzer has her own definition of what makes an artist. “It’s about being with one’s own voice, being open to all its registries, being still with that, and being willing to be taught by your own resources. It’s an opening for me – being taught by others and myself – the idiosyncrasy of each person’s vision, and way of doing or seeing things.

“I’m a short person, just trying to hold the pieces together,” she continued. “I know I’m profoundly limited, but I’m encouraged by the efforts and effect made by those who’ve gone before me, and do the best I can with that.”

Schnitzer has just completed the first draft of a new novel, which she expects will hit the stands next year. “It will be dedicated to my husband, a child of Holocaust survivors,” she noted. “Through my own work, I’m better able to understand other people’s art and to be taught. It opens my heart valves and animates me.”

Rebeca Kuropatwa is a Winnipeg freelance writer.

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