Sometimes I come across a true gem at the thrift store, a look back into time, back into pop culture, and this puzzle is one of those finds.
These kids hanging out at the park with their gigantic heads and doll like eyes are very reminiscent of Gig Keane’s work, (there’s no signature so I think it’s only inspired by her style).
Her work just captures a style that was so prevalent in the late mid century, this kitschy, cutesy, and creepy aesthetic. You often found it in home decor but obviously my favourites are the puzzles. Hopefully we remember Jungle Kittens and Puppy Puzzle – Bucky. Those two images were actually painted by Gig Keane and again, seeing as there’s no signature at the bottom of this picture, I imagine that this image was done by another artist that was inspired by her work.
This kid is really giving me Pennywise from the most recent It movies, his plump red lips and that giant noggin with the innocent but sinister vacant stare. Even his dog knows there’s something truly wrong with this kid!
This is a Jaymar puzzle from a line of theirs called “The Adorables” I’ve seen one other puzzle from this series online, it features the same boy but a different girl and dog, (which fits my Pennywise theory!) The other image is of the two kids in a rowboat and the boy is looking at the painter head on with the exact same expression, it’s definitely very sinister!
These seem to be quite rare and Jaymar maybe only released two images from this series, I’m not totally sure. But Jaymar was releasing puzzles from the 1940s up to the 90s, this one has to be from the 1960s and she has held up really well. The quality of these older ones is so good, I do love them, and I often forget how much I like them, until I assemble one and remind myself of the excellent quality!
Another one of my favourite Jaymar finds is the Five Clawed Dragon.
I was so happy that this puzzle was complete, it is definitely a keeper for the time being, it’s just too special to give away for now.
Sweet dreams everyone.
thepuzzlesivedone 