Deep Dive: Bridge Across Fraser River by Darlene Kulig
Posted by Jasen Robillard on
Artist: Darlene Kulig
Puzzle Design: Jasen Robillard
Dimensions: 36 cm x 21.6 cm
Piece Count: 346
Difficulty: 3 out of 5
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
— Marcel Proust
"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin."
— Tony Robbins
About the Artist
Darlene Kulig’s paintings are bold and joyous, whimsical and eye-catching. Her work is described as semi-abstracted spirited landscape and each painting is dotted with her signature, effervescent champagne bubbles. Her Canadian landmark and landscape paintings are reminiscent of a time spent at a lakeside cottage, a hike through an Ontario woodland, the majesty of the mountains in the west, and the beauty of the red sand dunes in the east.
Originally from Ottawa, Darlene moved to Toronto to study at the Ontario College of Art & Design. She worked as a Graphic Designer for 20 years and also ran her own own studio where she developed her strong work ethic and a solid tool box. The designer in her loves simple shape and bold colour while the painter in her explores light, rhythm, and personal connection.
As a member of the Etobicoke Art Group and the Neilson Park Creative Centre, where she studies and paints, you can find her work in galleries across Canada and the United States, as well as in private collections around the world.
Oh, and Darlene LOVES trains:
I have wonderful childhood memories of growing up with the train tracks in my back yard, waiting for the train to go by so we could wave at the passengers and the driver in the caboose. I have memories of "taking the tracks" to walk to school. Growing up in Ottawa, a special family outing was a trip to the Science and Technology Museum to see the trains - and of course the crazy kitchen.
As a Canadian, I understand the historical importance of Canada's railway in the development of our nation. As a Canadian artist I am humbled to have the
privilege of seeing, experiencing and painting some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Links
Darlene Kulig's Artist Website
Darlene Kulig's Instagram Profile
Rocky Mountaineer - Truly Moving Train Journeys
The Power of Bridging by John A. Powell
Natural Life in the Fraser Valley
Moving Pictures, classic Canadian rock album released by Rush in 1981
Jasen's Puzzle Design Notes
One of the greatest joys in crafting StumpCraft puzzles is the profound opportunity to truly connect with artists, their compelling art, and the deep wellspring of their inspiration. When Darlene and I discussed the art selection for our next collaboration, her firsthand experience on the Rocky Mountaineer train journey immediately captivated my imagination. Her vision to honor the engineering marvels of bridges and trains, alongside the powerful experiences of movement and flow captured within Canada's breathtaking landscapes, sparked a design with transformative aspirations.
The heart of "Bridge Across Fraser River" lies in the iconic Canadian National Railway (CNR) Cisco Bridge, a stunning testament to human ingenuity nestled just a few kilometers south of Lytton, British Columbia. What makes this location so uniquely compelling is the dramatic interplay of two rail giants: the CPR and CNR lines crisscross at this very point, with the painting capturing the view looking north from the nearby Canadian Pacific Railways (CPR) lower rail bridge lookout. It’s a breathtaking juxtaposition of human engineering against the rugged, challenging natural terrain.
All Aboard!
As I immersed myself in Darlene's art and this incredible Canadian setting, a number of profound themes emerged, shaping every cut and curve of this puzzle's design.
Navigating Life's Transitions
Life is a series of continuous transformations. Having witnessed my own children embark on their distinct journeys into adulthood, Darlene's art provided a rich canvas to explore the emotional landscape of such transitions – not just from a parental perspective, but from each unique personal viewpoint. This puzzle invites you to reflect on your own passages, recognizing that every transition is an integral part of growth.
Moving Pictures of Perception
It's easy to get caught in a 'still frame' in life, fixating on a singular idea, feeling, or belief. Yet, what we perceive isn't always reality. The reflections we see on glass or water, or the shadows cast on cave walls, can often be deceptive. This design theme is playfully inspired by Canadian music icons Rush and their 1981 album "Moving Pictures". Through the shadow puppets and extensive train set whimwham (with extra window frames) the design encourages you to try on different ways of seeing, to allow new perspectives to move you and move through you. This puzzle challenges us to look deeper, to question our first glance, just as Darlene’s art gently encourages a slower, more intimate interaction.
Bridges of Resilience and Connection
Much like trains navigating through towering bridges and dark tunnels, our emotions and circumstances can often feel like daunting passages we must traverse. This puzzle serves as a powerful reminder that these difficult moments are the necessary bridges or tunnels in our lives. To truly move forward, we need to keep moving all the way to the other side. Avoiding these passages leaves us mired in those 'still frames,' rather than embracing the flow of life. Bridges, in their essence, are powerful symbols of hope and progress, spanning obstacles and uniting what was once divided, fostering connection and resilience.
Trusting the Unseen Foundations
To successfully navigate any passage, it's crucial to trust the process and the context we find ourselves in. Just as a massive bridge relies on deep foundations and countless intentional acts of support, trust in life often requires recognizing the profound, often invisible, forces of nature, and the intricate, hidden structures of support built by those who came before us. The act of puzzling itself becomes a mindful exercise in trust and a practice of flow – trusting the design, trusting that each unique piece has its rightful place, and allowing the journey to unfold.
Whimsy List
As with every StumpCraft puzzle, "Bridge Across Fraser River" is imbued with a custom-cut design that includes unique whimsies and hidden 'easter eggs' that tell a story within the art. Keep your eyes peeled for these special pieces as you embark on your own journey across the Fraser River.
- 5x Golden Maple Leafs
- 4x Bald Eagles
- 2x Shadow Puppets
- 2x Sturgeons
- 2x Bobcats (adult & juvenile kitten)
- 2x Mountain Goats (Billy & the Kid)
- 2x Hares
- 2x Long-tailed weasels (one is peeping over some bushes)
- 2x Train onomatopoeia
- Emotional Support Sasquatch
- Stellar Jay
- Yellow bellied marmot
- Black bear
- Great Blue Heron
- Traveler with suitcase
- Mule Deer crossing
- Fleur de lys
- Train set, with extra windows as a tribute to Rush's "Moving Pictures"
We truly hope this puzzle provides a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience, inviting you to connect with Darlene's vibrant art and discover the layered meanings within each carefully crafted piece. Happy puzzling!
