Simon Stokes – The Story Behind the Pictures (and the Puzzles)
Simon Stokes started life as a farm kid in Western Australia’s South West, growing up on his parents’ sheep and grain property near Collie. His early years involved plenty of red dirt, sheep, and the occasional tractor mishap — not exactly the obvious path to becoming an artist.
Eventually Simon swapped paddocks for a city boarding school in Perth, which was a bit of a culture shock for someone used to horizons wider than the neighbour’s fence line.
His roots run deep in WA. His father’s family has long ties to the Murchison station country, while his mum’s side were long-time owners of the Mumbullup pub near Collie — meaning Simon grew up surrounded by good stories, big landscapes, and the occasional colourful character.
Before discovering graphic design, Simon spent years travelling Western Australia working with Elders Pastoral and later representing an animal health company in Geraldton. Along the way he developed a deep appreciation for the landscapes and communities that make the state so unique.
While studying graphic design at Curtin University, Simon discovered photography — and the camera quickly became his constant travel companion.
Years of wandering WA (and the occasional overseas detour) filled his camera with big skies, quiet moments, and landscapes worth sharing. Today, many of those images live on as QPuzzles, turning Australia’s scenery into something you can slow down with, piece by piece.
And if one piece goes missing… Simon probably blames the dog.
QPuzzles is proud to offer some of Simon's stunning work in jigsaw puzzle form. Own a piece of photographic art showcasing the animal kingdom, scenic Australian landscapes, and panoramas photographed by Simon Stokes. Available in various sizes, including 1000-piece puzzles and 500-piece puzzles.
Crafted using eco-friendly materials and kid-safe inks, these puzzles are proudly made in Australia, with a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Browse the range below.
To see more of Simon's work, visit his website, Facebook and Instagram
