Family Reunion 1000 piece Cobble Hill puzzle Review

Cobble Hill is one of my favorite brands. I love the fun pieces and bright colors. That being said, I don’t find a lot of Cobble Hill images that I really want to do. Not because there is anything wrong with them, I just do not like puzzles with birds or animals, and they have a lot in their catalog. Everyone has their puzzle preferences, right? 😊

Suffice it to say, I was so excited to see the release of Family Reunion. It was unique, it was colorful, and it is an image with history. I always appreciate some symbolism.

This one was a CHALLENGE. I loved every minute of this puzzle, but it was very difficult and I was so proud to have completed it. First of all, Cobble Hill cannot really be sorted, because they are all random shapes. I tried to sort by color, but that was also a problem. There are so many similar colors that I couldn’t do that either.

I actually started with the couple in grey at the top, then the sky. I sorted all the yellow pieces into a tray and from there I looked for any distinctive features on the pieces (flowers, buttons) and placed them on my board.

I was so happy when it all came together. Even more so, when I read the artist’s message. I had to go back and look at my puzzle to see all the things I missed and understand why they were a part of the image.

Artist Statement about Family Reunion: I draw much of my strength from the knowledge of my ancestors who paved the way for me and made it possible for me to be here today.  The two people in the haze on the hill represent all of the ancestors of long, long ago that you’ve never known yet are intrinsic to your every breath.  Then I thought about the family members that I have recently lost, who helped shape and mold me to be the person I am today.  So, the second tier of the painting is the traditional funeral march. What most people don’t notice about this piece is the green shadow figures marching in the opposite direction of the funeral march. They are heading to the hill to join all the ancestors who are waiting to greet them. The third tier of the painting represents the entire cycle of life which is pretty much the same for all of us. In the center the couple represents family home and children.  Spiraling out on all sides from the center couple are all the elements of life and living. Fellowship, spiritual life, education, vocation, military, play, happiness and sadness, which we all encounter in the cycle of life. The border represents fabrics of Africa. As the mother continent, these fabrics are interwoven throughout all of our lives. In the truest meaning, this painting represents all families, all over the world. It represents the cycle of life. 

This will probably be one of my favorites of 2022. When you do a lot of puzzles as I do, it’s always nice to see something different. This was different. Rich in history, symbolism, and meaning, it is a puzzle and brand I will recommend to anyone who likes a challenge.