Celtic Art for You
Presented here is a collection of celtic art. Arts of beauty for the wall, or to wear. Celtic apparel includes tank tops and sleeveless t's; white, yellow, green and black t-shirts; shirts that fit snugly; sweatshirts and long sleeved shirts; intimate wear and more. Also available as framed prints suitable for home or office, mugs, and special gifts for your loved one.
Celtic knots are stylized graphical representations of knots, typically interlocking in an endless pattern. Initially the patterns were plaits, intricately interwoven cords. Characteristic of the Celtic knot is that every line creates a woven pattern, alternating going over and under the other elements of the design. While the designs frequently consistent entirely of a series of closed loops, some forms may open to free ends.
Creating the intricate designs can be therapeutic, disengaging the mind from everyday worries, turning creating the precise and repetitive design into a kind of focused mantra. Knots are mathematical patterns, with spiral designs, or maze patterns. Explore the symbolism of knot work. It is a form of language, with visual, non-verbal elements.
Celtic knots are often referenced by descriptions such as clove-hitch, shoelace knot, and pretzel knot. The simple triquetra, (Trinity knot), is a single strand, wrapping into and onto itself, such that it forms a three-sided design. It gives the impression of a flower with three petals, drawn as one continuous line. The Lover's Knot, or the Eternity Knot, consists of two unbroken loops that are intertwined and inseparable from each other. A particular knot may be have several name labels attached, and similar knots may bear the same names. The Josephine Knot (also popular in macrame) was named after a french queen. It is also known as Full Carrick Bend, Sailor's Knot and Anchor Bend. The ends have to be on opposite sites and the crossings always are alternating up and down and up and down. Another popular form is the is a King Solomon's knot.
Some theories suggest that such patterns originated because of religious prohibitions against depicting actual animals of nature. While the designs are certainly pre-Christian in development, they were soon integrated into early Christian manuscripts and artwork. One of the earliest examples of true knotted designs in the Celtic manner appears in a fragment of a Gospel Book (Durham Cathedral library) created in 7th century northern Britain. Complex knot work patterns were used in many Celtic manuscripts, such as in the Books of Durrow, Kells, and Grimbald of St. Bertin. Later works incorporated stylized animal figures into the design. Some Wiccans assign the creation of celtic knots with magical properties.
Copyright by Diane Blackman and the artists of the items featured here.
No text or art may be used without written permission from the copyright holder.