(1927-1997)

COLLECTION 1

Evaristo “Risto” Koch was a Swiss painter, inventor, and entrepreneur whose life blended curiosity, craft, and a deep sense of playfulness. Born in St. Gallen, he grew up between Swiss and Italian influences, and carried art and music with him throughout his life.

After years in export and logistics, Risto explored many artistic paths: graphic design, life-drawing, textile work, embroidery. Until he developed his own visual language. In the family’s beloved “Chalet Isa”, he created most of his work: modern, imaginative, full of rhythm and movement.

One of his most distinctive techniques was painting animals and fantastical creatures formed from human hands. Sometimes his own, sometimes the hands of his wife, Irène. He loved turning the familiar into the unexpected: a palm becomes a fox, fingers become wings, a gesture becomes an entire creature. His paintings often feel like little worlds born from touch, imagination, and intimacy.

Risto was also an innovator: he received an international prize for his invention of a coin-operated locking device and was one of Switzerland’s first electric-vehicle enthusiasts.

He passed away in 1997 after a long battle with cancer, leaving behind a timeless body of work filled with tenderness, creativity, and life.

Risto and Irène were my grandparents 💜

Hi! It's Nat, the founder of NUZZLE 🙋🏼‍♀️

It all started during COVID, when puzzles suddenly became everyone’s favorite pastime (mine included). But after a few rainforest waterfalls and 18th-century oil paintings, I thought: "surely there must be more to look at while puzzling?"

So I set out to create puzzles I actually wanted to see on my wall. The kind that blend Swiss design, bold creativity, and a touch of mindful play. And who better than our local talents? That's why we collaborate with local illustrators and artists to turn their work into beautifully crafted puzzles.