I sought to create an outdoor sculpture that would invite the observer to interact with it. The idea of creating a puzzle out of stone came to mind but I couldn't justify buying a slab of granite simply to carve it up into pieces. Luckily, my friend Jane decided to renovate her kitchen and replace her granite countertops. When I asked her for them, she gave me a quizzical look and asked what I had in mind. When I told her, she expressed concern for my sanity, laughed, and then agreed under the condition that I haul it away that day.

The core of each piece is a 12" square onto which one (or more) 2.5" circular tabs and/or cutouts are "imposed." The "repurposed countertop" enabled the fabrication of a 4 x 5 piece puzzle with as many uniquely shaped pieces I could concieve. The result is a combination of puzzles - from 2' x 2' to 4' x 5', depending upon how the pieces are arranged.

This piece has invoked several comments - a few worth sharing. Jack, a fellow sculptor, liked the design and suggested that it would make a great backsplash or floor tile pattern. My wife wondered how heavy each piece was and expressed concern on how safe it would be for our grandkids to rearrange the pieces. My friend Sandra inquired if I'd consider using individual pieces as trivets and naming them "the missing pieces."

I welcome the reader's comments, suggestions and inquiries.