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foxvox — Celtic Knotwork Puzzle Square
Published: 2005-02-16 01:57:41 +0000 UTC; Views: 4410; Favourites: 18; Downloads: 71
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Description
This is my first foray with combining Celtic Knotwork with techniques similar to the ones that M.C. Escher used. Also, I added a distressed look that kind of makes this look like a block print, if you look at it just right - LOL.Related content
Comments: 37
It's beautiful and too love Escher! I featured this in today's journal entry
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I absolutely love this. I recently made a celtic design for my brother's blog for lent. I was thinking of making a really elaborate design for Easter. Something like this. This is so beautiful, and it's much better quality than my work.
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Thanks! I guess like anything, the more you do, the better you get? I'm sure your brother's blog will look great, and there's nothing like the gift of art though!
Kristen
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Hey Thanks!! (I just ordered this design on a tote bag - I can't wait to see it!)
Kristen
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Thanks for the 
appreciatively,
Kristen
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A lovely idea that was brilliantly executed _ as usual.
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Whoa, this picture is really wicked, complicated stuff but I like, You are very good at this type of thing, I give you props, it is a very interesting art form.
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Thanks! *grin* I think this kind of art form must have more 'left brain' type elements to it, but also a lot of big-picture type perspective too. It's quite a switch when I do more color-based acrylic abstract painting with no actual FORM, to say the least.
In any case, it appeals to me at the moment for whatever reason!
have a great day,
Kristen
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Have I told you your work amazes me lately? I wish I had responded earlier about what showed up on my watch list lol.
This one is the best. When you mention escher, and puzzles I thought of jigsaw puzzles, and how awesome this would be as an actual puzzle (the DA print service lets you make things into puzzles). The circles are worked in fantastically well.
Also have to mention it - Have you ever thought of making up a celtic knotwork color book? Some of your black and white work would be great for that
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Sometimes due to time, I too just check out the art in my watchlist without writing comments. 
Puzzles... I haven't thought of that - but you're right. Okay - I found the dimensions I need for the puzzle, but you don't happen to know offhand how many pieces they come in, do you? (I'll probably find that info SOMEWHERE, but the DA FAQs are a little skittish and inconsistent at this point - LOL.
I actually DO have a knotwork coloring book!!! But it's old and has only my older designs in it, and only ten of those. It's something I should really create anew.
Thanks for all the terrific inspiration - you've given me a lot of things to ponder about here! BTW, you've got a really fun sig line - I hope the weather's being kind to you up there. Someday I'll get my butt in gear and do some more writing myself - at the moment, my S.O. is more of the writer, but he does fantasy type fiction too - good for you guys!!!
Kristen
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No problem about the watch list, once it gets to about 200+ I finally decide it\'s time to get some editing done lol ^^ can\'t reply to all the work on the watchlist, but those that I do I try to give constructive comments to... still sometimes it doesn\'t feel like enough. There are so many very talented people on DA, and leaving comments sometimes doesn\'t feel like enough :sigh:
I found the link to DA\'s spec list on image sizes (I virtually memorized this one because ti\'s nearly impossible to find in the FAQ)
FAQ #132: What are the minimum image sizes for each product? - faq #132
Puzzle Info Specs:
Minimum Excellent
10.5x13.5 1575x2025 3150x4050 1.29:1
As for the pieces I found some information here FAQ #337: What are the base prices on prints and other products?
Puzzle - 252 Pieces 10.75 X 13.75 Inches $9.95 $19.95
I\'ve been curious to try that one myself with a few things, though I\'m going to try to make up some postcards on a few images yet (I figure it\'s a pretty cheap way to get my art out there... that and since the prints service is virtually free why not lol ^_^)
I\'d love to see the coloring book ^^ some of your images would make great mandalas to meditate on.
I wonder if Dover publications is looking for such a colorbook. ^^ I\'ll pass along any info if I find it.
Thank you for the compliment on the sig
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I know what you mean about there being so much talent here and so much to see. I have a slow dialup connection that really frustrates me in this regard - DOH!
Thanks for the info on the Puzzle Specs - I wonder how long it would have taken me to find THAT?
Sometimes I think that's all Art is... practice that usually comes with some kind of result. It being perpetual self/skill development and all!
Kristen
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Oh WOW... the contract between the green and black really add to that multi dimensional feel.. WoW.. How did you do the color? Is this by hand?
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Thanks - I was going for something like that! (Originally the green was a teal color, which looked nice, but not as striking as the green.) I hand drew the 'piece', scanned it, and then copied it in photoshop layers and then colorized and distressed it there.
Some of the angles didn't work perfectly in this piece, but I'll know better what works and what doesn't for next time!
and thanks for the
Kristen
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Thanks - I was going for something like that! (The green was originally a teal, which looked nice, but not as 'striking' as the green.) I drew the piece by hand (black ink), and then scanned it, played with it in photoshop, copied it three times, and then put it together and altered the color, etc.
Next time I'm going to be a bit more exact, but now I know what works well and what doesn't... so far...
Kristen
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Dang! I swear that first reply didn't post! Oh well, now you two different versions of the same message - how lucky are you?
oops,
Kristen
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LOL.. I'm extremely honored.. I've done that sooo many times. Art Trade Cards.. Is it something I specifically can ask the printer about.. And I'm not sure that small the detail would show up.
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Artist Trading Cards are the exact same size as standard baseball card and other trading cards, so you could probably ask the printer about ATCs in that context, if you want.
One of the limitations of the small format is, of course, the level of detail that's see-able, yes - that can be a problem! (BTW, do you use Illustrator? Or do you draw your images by hand? I'm curious. I only have Photoshop, but someday want to get Streamline (which I hear will vectorize and smooth line drawings) and am curious about how other artists do this type of thing.)
Kristen
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I'll have to ask about that.. That would be my main concern, the level of detail, but that wouldn't be as big an issue with B&W images, which is basically where they all start out.
I actually use (in this order) graph paper (design stage), regular paper (refining stage), and then photoshop. I had done a lot of things by hand, but then a guy here on deviantart explained to me how the pen tool worked. I've gotten to where I can pretty basically eyeball knotwork on paper now without graph paper, and I'm beginning to do the design work from the start in photoshop. Although, I'm still partial to watercolor paper and sharpies. *hehe* I never got the hang of illustrator and have never even heard of Streamline. I'd like to start thinking of maybe carving with this style..
BTW, how did you get started with celtic knotwork?
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Ahhh, the pen tool... I only started playing with that just about a week ago - was too busy playing with the other tools that I used more often, I think. (If you still have any helpful links for the pen tool, I'd love to see them if you had a chance to pass them along!) I should really look into it. I love the look you get with your designs!
I usually draw the grid by hand, since I then erase the grid before I scan it - this also helps when I'm doing 'irregular' shapes. Like you though, I'm also getting the hang of doing knotwork sans grid/graph paper. Guess if you do enough of anything it gets ingrained. (I also see knotwork in my sleep sometime - LOL!) If I remember, you did a few 'carved' designs a while back that I thought turned out really nice?
Right - nothing like good old fashioned paper and marker though! The smells, textures, and feel of the pen.... but I digress. *grin* (Pardon me - I'm a penaholic - heh.)
How did I get started? Well, I had George Bain's Celtic Art - The Methods of Construction book for a long time before I ever tried it myself And I did a lot the hard way before I learned of the grid method (his way never made sense to me.) And I started doing it when I was making mandalas I'd do a pizza-slice of art work and then copy it and go from there - everything after that is an evolution of learning and practice and adopting new ideas, etc. Also, I've always loved geometry and shapes and art, and am half-Irish-American, etc. - I suppose that might be the 'why'.
You?
(It's really nice connecting with someone on this level - a virtual coffee house meetup! Although I don't drink coffee - hot chocolate works too.
Kristen
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I've seen Mr. Bain's books.. I'll be honest, I never understood them either. I prefer hand drawing things, but with an 8 year old and work and everything.. I rarely have the time to sit down and "draw".. Photoshop gives me a lot of leeway to draw for 15-25 minutes, save and go do Mommy things. And I agree.. texture is everything when it comes to paper and ink.. Ever tried those acrylic inks? Oh man.. picture the depth of colors of indian inks without the seepage.. they float on top of the paper. I've not scanned any of the pieces I've done with the acrylic inks. Mostly because those have been special pieces that have gone to people.
Yeah, I agree about the grid method. Once I saw it done that way, it was like everything clicked into place. I'm still completely awed by certain types of works. I don't understand spirals at all, but I'm trying to. You, and BWS.. really really awe me.
As for me.. the "why", hrmmm.. When I was 9, my mom gave me a Jim Fitzpatrick book to keep me quiet in church. I was just in love. I was also always drawn to geometry, shapes, art.. particularly symmetry. When I doodle, everything winds up symmetrical for some reason, and you see alot of that in the stuff I do. But my love of knotwork really comes from a love of the mythologies and cultures it comes from. I find the gaelic mythos and norse idiomas much more satisfying than the standard greek/roman epics. And the knotwork is much more symbolic for those kinds of things. I think that's why the Jim Fitzpatrick books really affected me because it was not only an introduction to this widely fascinating artform, but also a very exotic mythology, storytelling.. Which for a kid from backwater Tennessee was something really different.
Sorry.. that's a bit lengthy, but it is quite a bit like having coffee with someone. And honestly hot chocolate works better too.
Tosha
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I have NOT tried the acrylic inks (barely have space to occasionally pull out the watercolors at the moment - DOH!), but I've REALLY been itching to try them - I've seen some examples of their use and just love the vibrancy. I'll probably be moving them closer to the top of my list now.
Yeah, Bradley's work is just tres cool.
"geometry, shapes, art.. particularly symmetry" - Ditto here! I always just thought it was because I was a Libra - ROFL! I love the subtle story aspects as well. Specifically, I think I immersed myself in Irish FaeryTales for like three years straight, absorbing the 'feel' of the tales. I love the ancient mythologies as well, and carved stone (and underground passages) hold a specific thrall for me - the artistry really encompasses that 'vibe' as it were, I think. I haven't read through any Fitzpatrick books yet though - maybe another thing to put on my list though!
Another round of hot chocolate here please!
Kristen
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You should check out Fitzpatrick.. he has a website with most of his illustrations on it.
I'd talk longer, but it's been a long day. Check, please! My treat
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Thanks for getting the check - I'll buy next time - heh.
have a great weekend,
Kristen
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Hahah.. I'm already back. Ever worked with rice paper? How does it take ink, do you know? A woman I work with wants me to do a design on rice paper, and to be honest, it scares me...
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Now you're REALLY out of my area of so-called expertise - heh - sorry! I've seen and appreciated rice paper, but never worked with it myself.
I get scared like that too - I think it's a kind of excitement in a way. Are you going to get some 'practice' rice paper and see what happens, as a way of easing yourself into it?
On the other hand, congrats on being commissioned - is it a celtic piece she wants?
Cool!
Kristen
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Actually, it's the woman I did Peggy's Burden for.. She wants a particular aspect of it singles out.. and she's provided the rice paper.. got about a 3 foot roll of it at work I keep forgetting to bring home.. (She's a big Michael's Art Store fan). So, I've got plenty for practicing (althought I want to have enough left over for me).. We'll have to experiment.. and no.. as far as commissioned, no money involved. She's a good friend, and it's not payment enough for the crock pot she gave me.
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(Sometimes I think it's a good thing I don't live TOO near a Michael's myself - heh.)
Sounds like an adventure in rice paper then, indeed! Good luck with that - post your progress if the spirit moves you - I'm still very interested, if still very ignorant.
Can't put a price on a good crock pot - true,
Kristen
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Is this vector work? The lines are so smooth! That's a challenging idea and your solution is quite interesting (obviously you didn't go for the easiest or most obvious solution). The eye is led endlessly around... It also does look like a block print, at least that's the original impression I got.
If I may venture one comment: if I'm not mistaken, you added the coloured areas in the background after creating the knotwork? The black area looks like you tried to fit it in as best you could, and as a result it has awkward angles. Maybe a sinuous edge as opposed to straight edges would have been more adapted? Just an idea. Great work as always
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This is hand-drawn and scanned and then played with in Photoshop. I did one piece and then copied it and altered the colors and 'distressed' it. You're right - they didn't fit together perfectly (almost - LOL - part of the trouble is that the form was inexact to begin with, and then I had to hand-trace it - a few steps removed.) and I think next time I'm going to forego any acute angles that would prevent extra spacing between the pieces. And yes, a sinuous edge is on the list too, and maybe circles as well.
You've got a great eye!
Kristen
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I absolutly love celtic knotwork, not only is it part of my heritage but I love the way it looks. I am constantly drawing tattos with knotwork in them.
Great job, a beautifull piece you have here.
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Oh my gosh. I LOVE IT. I'm Celtic (and obsessed with anything Celtic), but I'm also in love with Escher's work as well.
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Wow - thanks for such an enthusiastic comment! *grin* Glad you like it so much! I'm going to try to do more escher-esque kind of stuff in the future - I guess we'll see how that goes - LOL.
Thanks for the
Kristen
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