The 1500 Piece Springbok "Space Station," Artwork by Robert Blair Martin.
"Space Station", Springbok Puzzle by Robert Blair Martin.
A Christmas Tradition
One of the Christmas traditions around our household is putting together jigsaw puzzles.
Honestly, it's probably more of an obsession of mine that has become a holiday tradition. Christmas is about the only time of year that I have "spare time" to work on such an otherwise non-productive task.
We set up a card table in a corner of the living room, where family members get "sucked in" from time to time by the challenge of finding that obstinately hiding piece.
We always suspect that the dog ate a piece, or that the one we're looking for was vacuumed up last time the puzzle was out. Incredibly, almost always, we get down to the final moments and -- sure enough -- they're all there!
Puzzling takes your mind off troubles and cares.
I thought I'd share with fellow "puzzle freaks" out there my all time favorite jigsaw puzzle, the spectacular "Space Station" by brilliant puzzle artist Robert Blair Martin.
Martin is one of my heroes because he creates incredibly intricate, fun, and imaginative scenes with hundreds of cartoon characters engaged in amazingly diverse activities.
His "Space Station" puzzle depicts what is effectively a huge city/shopping mall in space.
Springbok Space Station (my original photo)
Today I Learned And Was Saddened...
Mr. Martin apparently passed away about ten years ago, leaving the world poorer for his absence.
"Bob was widely known for and happiest when creating lavishly detailed cartoon depicting very funny, often absurd situations that drew the observer into an exploration from one zany point of view to another. He loved most creating fantastic puzzles."
May you Rest in Peace, Bob Martin!
I hope to meet you In the Glory one day and thank you personally for providing me with many happy Christmastime hours.
