Peace, Love, and Puzzles for All
One of just a handful of Black-owned puzzle companies in the U.S., Oakland-based Unified Pieces is working to close the representation gap in the jigsaw world, piece by piece.
Hello Craftsmanship readers,
This is
, Contributing Editor and longtime freelance writer for this magazine. After wrapping up my current story for Craftsmanship about handcrafted jigsaw puzzles (coming out this Friday), I visited my neighbor for a celebratory drink.“I love jigsaw puzzles,” he said. “You must know about Unified Pieces? The Black-owned jigsaw puzzle company right here in Oakland?”
I didn’t. Somehow, I had failed to connect with a truly inspired puzzle maker—practically in my own backyard. I called them immediately.
“Growing up, I loved puzzles of all kinds,” said Unified Pieces (UP) founder Gamel MEEZY James. “There were many people like me who enjoyed puzzles, but couldn't find much beyond ‘Star Wars’ and girly themes.”
Now in his late 40s, and a designer with Apple, Gamel’s passion has become an avocation. Although UP’s puzzles are machine-made (of eco-friendly materials), their creatively packaged offerings feature spectral artworks by international artists of color.
“We aim to provide a diverse and fascinating array of puzzle images that often go underrepresented,” said James. “Unified Pieces is my answer to the need for more diversity, culture, and contemporary art in the puzzle world.”
Coming soon…
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