Celtic Knot Drawing Journey
I have three art-related passions: drawing meditatively with Zentangle patterns, playing with Celtic Knot designs, and making fun and useful drawing journals.
I draw nearly every day and enjoy all the wonderful patterns in the tangling universe (check out tanglepatterns.com). When I first began, I was a little afraid of color and drew purely in black n’ white for nearly 2 years. There is something that happens to your art soul when you draw every day and try new things. Color crept into my art and now it is a consistent part of my tangled tiles.
Another passion of mine is drawing Celtic Knots. I find that inking in the knot grid to be just as relaxing and stress releasing as any Zentangle tile I have worked on.
I first became interested in Celtic Knots about 20 years ago, but back then I didn’t think I could draw. Since Zentangle came into my life, my outlook and interest in drawing has changed completely. I now realize that I CAN draw and that I am an artist!! Quite the transformation!
Around 2015, I found a book and a few YouTube videos and started to play with Celtic Knots on my own. Most of the knots I practiced were based on a grid and I found that I spent so much time setting up the grid that there wasn’t much time left for drawing the knot.
Eventually, I developed a template and a method of teaching drawing Celtic Knots using specific language to help the learner understand where to place the next line. You might have had a chance to draw with me at Tangle Island in Parksville, the Rocky Mountain Zentangle Retreat in Colorado Springs, or in one of my online knot classes.
In case you don’t know, Celtic knots are typically made up of interwoven lines that create various shapes and forms, such as spirals, squares, and loops. These knots have been used for various purposes throughout history, including in illuminated manuscripts, stone carvings, jewelry, and other forms of artwork. They have a rich symbolic significance in Celtic culture, often representing themes like eternity, interconnectedness, continuity, and spiritual beliefs. Some Celtic knots have specific meanings associated with them, while others are more abstract and open to interpretation.
Here are some common symbols found in Celtic art and their potential meanings:
- Triquetra: Also known as the Trinity Knot, this symbol consists of three interlocked loops, often seen as a representation of the Holy Trinity in Christianity. It can also symbolize concepts like unity, eternity, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
- Spirals: Spirals are a common element in Celtic art, and their exact meaning can vary. They are often associated with growth, evolution, and cyclical patterns found in nature.
- Knotwork: Intricate knotwork patterns are a hallmark of Celtic art. They can symbolize the interconnection of life and eternity, as well as the continuity of existence.
- Crosses: Celtic crosses, characterized by a circular ring surrounding a cross, combine Christian and Celtic symbolism. The circle represents eternity and the endless cycle of life and death.
- Animals: Animals such as birds, serpents, and hounds are often depicted in Celtic art and may carry symbolic meanings. For instance, birds could symbolize freedom or communication between the earthly and spiritual realms.
- Trees: Trees, especially the Oak and the Yew, were revered in Celtic culture and often symbolize wisdom, strength, and the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
- Mazes and Labyrinths: The symbols can represent journeys, challenges, and the search for meaning in life’s complexities.
- Sheild Knot: A protective symbol often used to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
- Circles and Crosses: Circles represent eternity, cycles, and wholeness, while crosses within circles (Celtic cross) combine Chrisian and Celtic beliefs.
As you can see, Celtic Knots have a rich history and interesting symbolic meanings. If you are interested in learning to draw Celtic Knots you can check out my classes page to find a wide range of options:
- Celtic Knot Basics – learn how to set up the grid and draw simple knots. You are encouraged to gradually add complexity in the design.
- Celtic Knot Bookmarks – this class gives you a chance to explore more barrier designs and make bookmarks for yourself, friends, and family.
- There are other grid-based courses available such as Overcoming Celtic Knot Barriers, Knotted Shapes, Celtic Crosses, and of course the 50 Day Adventure, drawing 50 knots in 50 days (going at your own pace of course!)
- Celtic Knots in the Round – learn how to set up the round grid with a compass and protractor and then draw the knot design in pencil so that you make all the designs while you can still erase.
- There are many other courses with knots in the rounds such as Knotted Dream Catcher, Triquetra Ing Mandala, Crazy Circular Knots, and Steampunk Knots.
Thank you for reading through my article about Celtic Knots. The next one will discuss knots in other cultures, so stay tuned.
Have a great day!
Nancy