Laurence Gartel: Art and Puzzles on Shashibo

Laurence Gartel has impacted the world with his art. His art might not be in a typical place when you think about Puzzle Day or even Puzzle Month, but it's being seen by millions of people around the world and it's on a cube. Puzzle Art isn't something you might think about. It's seem. Perhaps even expected. It is time to think what puzzles are actually artistic. Showcasing different art forms on puzzles has always been seen, but do we actually discuss it?

Laurence Gartel Pushes the Art Boundaries of Puzzles

Usually, we think of cardboard pieces spread across a giant table. The jigsaw puzzle has an image that we put together one piece at a time. But what if a puzzle could fit in your hand? What if it was a moving piece of fine art? That is exactly what happens when you pick up a Shashibo magnetic puzzle cube that has Laurence Gartel's art. He has over a dozen Shashibo products with his art on it. Millions of kids are introduced to the idea of art and puzzles in a whole new way.

Shashibo is an Intriguing Puzzle

I recently took a Shashibo on a flight as I was needing something to do during the bumpy flight. If you have traveled lately, you know those airplane seats are tiny. There is barely room for a laptop or a book. I pulled out my puzzle cube and started flipping. Even in that cramped space, I found my flow. The magnets clicked. The shapes shifted. I was not just solving a puzzle. I was creating art in a space no bigger than a soda can.

"Art and puzzles is the advancement of thought and creativity," said  Laurence Gartel talking about his Shashibo cubes. "Puzzles are interactive and there is an element that is a joy of engagement."

Art + Puzzles

Whether you play with one Shashibo or combine four cube puzzles, it is all about the sensory experience. Laurence Gartel is a legendary digital artist. He has spent his career pushing boundaries. Now he has brought his vibrant vision to the Shashibo. Each cube in his line is a masterpiece. It offers a wonderful intro to the world of art for kids and adults. You can tell speaking with him that the Shashibo magnetic puzzle cubes are important for him too.

"You want people to engage with something in your hands besides you phone," says Gartel. "When you take 3, 5, or even 7 cube you can make beautiful structures using my different designs. It's delightful."

The cubes combine beautiful colors with the best of puzzles. You are not just looking at a picture. You are feeling the art change under your thumbs. The "clack" of the magnets is satisfying. The way the images align is like magic. It turns a quiet afternoon into a world of discovery. According to Gartel, it takes him about a month to create the perfect image, but don't expect him to spill his formula on such amazing designs as he is tight lipped on his "secret sauce".

Shashibo is Small Puzzle Offering a Big Reward

Shashibo is the perfect puzzle for family fun. Parents and kids can sit together and explore. There are no right or wrong answers. You just fold and find. It is a great way to bring people together. You can pass the cube back and forth. You can race to see who finds a new shape first. It makes the world of puzzles feel alive and fresh.

The Gartel designs make every twist a new surprise. One minute you see a splash of neon. The next you see a complex digital pattern. It keeps the mind sharp and the hands busy. This is about the joy of creating something beautiful while you play. Honestly, I was so impressed with Laurence Gartel's Shashibo cube as it blends art into a puzzle that is natural upon first look. Kids will have art in their hands ready to play before they even figure out this could help them learn.

Puzzles are Changing for the Better

Puzzles are ever evolving and between the challenges they offer and the fun we discover, the combination of art, images and design, puzzles keep us stimulated. They are becoming more tactile and more artistic every day. That's why I think Laurence Gartel's art images on a puzzle is a great way to celebrate Puzzle Day and Puzzle Month with the whole family. Keep your eyes on the art and your hands on the cube. There is so much more to discover in this series.

Find out more about Shashibo Magnetic Puzzle Cubes and try them for yourself!