Artist Spotlight: Darlene Kulig

One of the benefits of collaborative projects, is interacting and learning from amazing people and artists from across the country. We thought it would be fun to peel back the veil and introduce you to the artists who provide the background canvas and inspiration for our transformative puzzle experiences.

This month, we're thrilled to introduce you to Darlene Kulig, the Toronto artist behind our upcoming Bridge Across Fraser River puzzle and our beloved Beach Walk puzzle. 

When asked about the overarching message she hopes people take away from her art, Darlene’s answer is simple yet profound: "We need to celebrate beauty in life!" This sentiment is woven into every brushstroke and translates beautifully into the joyful experience of solving her puzzles.

What was the inspiration behind the art featured in your Beach Walk StumpCraft puzzle?

Beach Walk puzzle holds a very special place in my heart. The inspiration for it came from a beautiful location on the North Shore of PEI, near Cavendish, a place I had the pleasure of visiting. The painting, originally titled 'Beach Walk Pink and Pale Green Sunset,' was created as a tribute to my French Canadian mother, Jacqueline Kulig. Pink, for me, represents unconditional love, and in the painting, my mother is forever present in the ever-changing sky as I walk my own path. She was also a passionate gardener, so you'll find flowers, hearts, and stabilizing marram grass woven into the landscape, serving as reminders of cherished memories and the places we shared. It was a joy to collaborate with Jasen to honor my mother's memory and the beauty of Prince Edward Island.

Are you a puzzler? What does the perfect puzzling moment look like to you?

Oh, we've absolutely become puzzlers, especially in recent years! It's become a cherished tradition in our family. The perfect puzzling moment for me definitely involves a holiday or special family gathering. You'll find us gathered around our kitchen table – that's truly the sweet spot – with all of our adult children.

It's not just about solving the puzzle, though that's wonderfully satisfying. It's about the atmosphere it creates. There's a wonderful hum of conversation, laughter, and shared discovery. It's a slow, peaceful activity that just invites connection and a bit of playful creativity. You know, we're all looking at the shapes, finding the whimsical pieces, and marveling at how the image comes together. It's a beautiful way to connect, to pause, and just celebrate being together, which really aligns with what I hope my art brings to people's lives too – joy and connection.

How does it feel to experience your artwork transformed into a puzzle?

It feels wonderful! For me, it is an honour and a privilege to share the beauty of our land and to work with a Canadian publisher. 

It's such a unique way for people to engage with my art. When I solved my own Beach Walk puzzle, it really highlighted how different the experience is. It turned my head around and upside down from my banked experience of problem-solving cardboard puzzles. I found myself having to allow the puzzle to show me the solution... and explore each beautiful shape before I let it direct me to its rightful place. The StumpCraft puzzle experience offers a completely new way to discover the art, piece by piece, and it's truly a delight.

What are you working on these days? What is fresh and alive for you at the moment?

Oh, there's always so much vibrant activity in the studio, which keeps things incredibly fresh and alive for me! I paint every day, and I'm always thinking about creative solutions and pushing the boundaries of how paint can be applied and experienced. I truly dream about my painting, which is intentional!

Right now, I'm especially excited about our upcoming puzzle with StumpCraft, Bridge Across Fraser River. That piece was directly inspired by my memorable ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train – I truly wanted to capture the magnificence of trains on bridges, the powerful story of the Salmon Run, and the stunning jewel tones of Lake Louise. It's one of many wonderful journeys I've put into art - you can see me taking a photo from the train if you look closely!

In addition to that, I'm deeply immersed in a massive commission of a Georgian Bay Sunset. It's been a fantastic experience, working closely with the client, who has truly 'enrolled' me in her vision. This collaborative process allows us both to share in the creative journey, which is something I really love about my work – creating something that moves people and brings beauty into their lives through a shared experience.

Thanks Darlene. Let's wrap this up a little differently. Can you highlight 5 worthy shares that somehow relate or connect to the "why" of your artistic practice?

That's a wonderful way to connect things! My artistic practice is all about celebrating the beauty in life and creating work that uplifts people and fosters connection. These five shares really resonate with that 'why':

A video worth watching: The film 'Puzzle' (2018).

This movie beautifully captures the transformative power of discovery and the unexpected joy that comes from putting pieces together, whether in a puzzle or in life. It perfectly mirrors how I feel about my artwork being transformed into a puzzle – it gives people a whole new way to experience the piece, much like discovering a new part of themselves. It's about finding beauty and connection in surprising places.

A book worth reading: 'Reflections on Silver River' by Ken McLeod.

This book, for me, speaks to the quiet contemplation and inner journey that both creating and appreciating art can offer. It’s about being present and finding depth in moments of reflection. My paintings aim to bring a sense of grounding and peace, inviting people to pause and reconnect with the present, just as this book encourages.

A concept worth understanding: Wise Compassion.

My art is a deeply personal process, but it's also a shared experience. 'Wise Compassion' requires courage connects to the idea that we're all on this journey together. My hope is that my vibrant colors and energetic strokes bring a sense of joy and empathy into people's lives, fostering a connection that transcends the canvas. It's about recognizing and celebrating the shared human experience.

A quote worth repeating: 'We are all in the same boat.'

This quote is fundamental to why I create. It speaks to our shared humanity and the universal emotions and experiences that bind us. When people look at my art, or solve one of my puzzles, I want them to feel a sense of belonging, knowing that beauty and joy are accessible to everyone, regardless of where they are.

A piece of advice worth passing on: 'Only offer advice when solicited.'

This might seem a bit different, but it really speaks to how I want my art to be experienced. I don't want to tell people what to feel; I want my paintings to create a space for individual interpretation and emotional response. This advice reminds me to let the art speak for itself and to trust that it will resonate with each viewer in their own unique way, bringing them joy and beauty without imposition.

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