The Soul in the Grain: The Life and Legacy of Štefan Siváň In the quiet, rolling landscapes of Babín, Slovakia, a profound artistic voice emerged from the humble traditions of folk craftsmanship. Štefan Siváň (1906–1995) was not merely a carver; he was a storyteller who used wood as his medium to capture the very essence of the Slovak spirit. Born into a life shaped by the rhythms of rural existence, Sivan’s journey began far from the prestigious art academies of Europe. His early years were marked by the solitary discipline of creating Bethlehem scenes—intricate wooden nativity sets that he…