Polarization Puzzle 
by Guest Writer Roberta Shore

We invite you to read Roberta Shore's review on the following jigsaw puzzle. Since she has discovered the advantages of jigsaw puzzling, she has reviewed/journaled several that will be available on this website.  Amazon Link

Polarization Puzzle

A John Simpkins Painting Pomegranate
Ribbon Cut
1000 Pieces

Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

Polarization Puzzle - Roberta's Review

Roberta-Profile
Polarization Puzzle

A John Simpkins Painting Pomegranate
Ribbon Cut
1000 Pieces

Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

Polarization Puzzle

A John Simpkins Painting Pomegranate
Ribbon Cut
1000 Pieces

Finished Dimensions: 27” x 20”

My Confident Newbie Difficulty Rating: Medium to Hard

“About Pomegranate Polarization: Animal and human, light and dark, earthly and spiritual, John Simpkins’ artwork is a study in contrasts and comparisons, and the edges between them. Simpkins is the sole human resident of an Oregon ghost town at the edge of Steens Mountain and the Alvord Desert. This 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle features a magical polar bear, replete with symbols and radiating a calming presence.”

Just Wow! I keep staring at this mesmerizing, mysterious painting. I think this bear with wings is holding the earth. Hopefully keeping it safe. Of course it is open to your personal interpretation. The only thing I know for sure is it made for a very enjoyable puzzling experience!

Quality: Well, very loose piece fit is the only negative. I know it can be annoying, but I could ignore it here. I pretty much put this together piece by piece, so sections falling apart was not an issue. The sturdy box is fairly large and contains only a resealable bag of pieces. The full illustration is on the box top and is an excellent color match to the pieces. There was little puzzle dust. The sturdy pieces are a nice thickness and totally matte. There were no false fits. The pieces just fell into place. None were damaged or in any way stuck together and none were missing.

Getting started: Find the edge pieces and sort by color. I did a very deliberate sort: grays, browns, blacks, turquoise, orange, pinks, head features, lightest white, white with design, blues, coat trim, coat fabric shades and designs - twenty four 7” square trays with one layer. I didn’t bother to sort every tray by shape — color and design specifics played the major role. The frame went together fairly easily, offered enough color information to get started, and a bit of unwarranted worry about false fits because of the dark areas.

Construction: I began the build from the edges in, leaving just the outline of the bear and its coat. I thought at first that part (about half the puzzle!) would be very difficult and take days. My sorting was clearly the key to making this a rewarding and (for me) a very quick finish.This was not an easy puzzle, the dark areas and the coat deserved at least a medium difficulty level. This is my favorite illustration style. If it had taken longer to find and place every one of those coat pieces, I would have still had fun doing it! But if you are not fond of large areas of similar color or design, the hard rating is also fair.

Final thoughts: This was possibly the most satisfying puzzling experience I have had so far. Yes, I finished it faster than expected, but it was more than that. The piece quality was exceptional, the finished product so curious, so beautiful in its mystery. I’m going to enjoy it on my puzzle station for a while before taking it apart. It is one I will do again.

My ratings: Quality A-, Fun Factor A+



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About: Pomegranate, Unveiling the Artistry in Every Piece

Step into the world of Pomegranate, a renowned jigsaw puzzle brand that has been captivating puzzle enthusiasts for decades. Join us as we delve into the biography and history of Pomegranate, exploring their commitment to art, their extensive collection of puzzles, and the diverse range of artistic expressions they bring to the puzzling world.

A Passion for Art and Puzzles

Pomegranate's story began with a deep passion for art and a desire to bring masterpieces to life through jigsaw puzzles. Founded in 1968 by a group of dedicated art lovers, Pomegranate embraced the idea of merging the worlds of art and puzzles, creating a unique and enriching experience for puzzle enthusiasts.

Artistic Diversity and Alphabetical Artists' List

One of the distinctive features of Pomegranate is their extensive collection of puzzles featuring artwork from renowned artists. From contemporary masterpieces to classic works, Pomegranate carefully curates a diverse range of artistic expressions. What sets them apart is their dedication to showcasing the artistry of individual artists, as evidenced by their alphabetical artists' list.

Pomegranate's alphabetical artists' list is a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. It includes prominent names such as Charles Adams, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, Johannes Vermeer, and many more. This comprehensive list allows puzzlers to explore the works of their favorite artists or discover new ones, adding depth and variety to their puzzling experiences.

Beyond Puzzles: Calendars, Notes, and Gifts

While Pomegranate is widely known for its exceptional puzzles, their artistic offerings extend beyond just jigsaw puzzles. Pomegranate also produces a range of calendars, note cards, books, and other artistic gifts. These products celebrate the beauty of art in various forms, allowing art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in creativity throughout the year.

Their calendars showcase stunning artworks, providing a visual treat month after month. The note cards feature carefully selected images that can be shared with loved ones or treasured as small pieces of art. Pomegranate's dedication to promoting artistic expression in various formats makes them a beloved brand among art aficionados.

Quality Craftsmanship and Puzzling Experience

Pomegranate is committed to delivering puzzles of exceptional quality. Each puzzle is meticulously crafted using thick, durable materials to ensure a satisfying puzzling experience. The precision-cut pieces fit together seamlessly, creating a seamless image that captures the essence of the original artwork.

Exploring the Pomegranate Collection

Pomegranate offers a wide range of puzzle sizes and piece counts, catering to puzzlers of all skill levels. From compact puzzles with fewer pieces for beginners to intricate and challenging puzzles for experienced enthusiasts, Pomegranate ensures that there's something for everyone.

Whether you're seeking serene landscapes, vibrant abstracts, or captivating illustrations, Pomegranate's collection has it all. Each puzzle showcases the artistic vision and attention to detail that makes Pomegranate puzzles a joy to assemble.

Where to Find Pomegranate Puzzles and Gifts

Pomegranate puzzles and artistic products can be found in various art galleries, museum shops, and online retailers dedicated to jigsaw puzzles. Puzzlers and art lovers alike can explore their vast collection, select their favorite artists or themes, and embark on a creative journey that combines art appreciation with the joy of puzzling.

Conclusion

Pomegranate has solidified its position as a premier brand in the world of jigsaw puzzles, celebrating the fusion of art and puzzling. With their dedication to showcasing the works of renowned artists and their commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, Pomegranate continues to inspire and captivate puzzle enthusiasts around the globe.

So, delve into the artistic wonders of Pomegranate, piece together their masterpieces, and experience the sheer delight of artistry in every single puzzle piece.

(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)