Winnipeg artist partners with puzzle-maker for special project

Winnipeg artist Gloria Wall has partnered with puzzle-maker Villager Puzzles to create a special jigsaw puzzle project. The collaboration was inspired by Wall's guiding principle, a quote by Edward Bok that she read when she was 20. Bok's words, "Make you the world a bit better or more beautiful because you have lived in it," have remained with Wall throughout her design career, which spans over two decades.

Wall's design business, Kate & Birdie Paper Company, has collaborated with various retail brands to create whimsical, hand-drawn illustrations in soft tones and neutral color palettes. The jigsaw puzzle project presented a new challenge for Wall, as each product involves a different design process. The Small Town Holiday puzzle features a cozy winter scene with Christmas details and subtle nods to the Free Press.

During a health crisis that required her to participate in a long drug trial, Wall found herself reassessing her lifestyle and diet. This led her to take time off work and focus on developing new recipes, which she photographs and shares online. Currently, Wall operates from her private studio at home, offering one-on-one consultations for new creatives and founders.

She is also considering creating a line of home textiles or wallpaper, embracing a slower pace and the freedom to experiment with different projects.