COURTNEY DAVIS

A comprehensive design source book of all types of Celtic spiral designs by leading exponent of Celtic art, Courtney Davis. The 101 spiral designs cover the whole history of Celtic design from the earliest examples found on rocks and ancient stone monuments to Courtney Davis's own celebrated modern interpretations. With spiral designs from the famous Celtic manuscripts such as the Lindisfame Gospels and the Book of Kells and from intricate Celtic jewelery. The 101 spiral designs are all hand painted by Courtney Davis and printed in full colour. Each is accompanied by a black and white version of the same image on the adjacent page-perfect for scanning or photocopying for use on readers' personal art, design or craft project. The introduction gives a brief history of the Celts and an explanation of the birth and development of their artistic style with particular relation to spiral designs.

A comprehensive design source book of all types of Celtic spiral designs by leading exponent of Celtic art, Courtney Davis. The 101 spiral designs cover the whole history of Celtic design from the earliest examples found on rocks and ancient stone monuments to Courtney Davis's own celebrated modern interpretations. With spiral designs from the famous Celtic manuscripts such as the Lindisfame Gospels and the Book of Kells and from intricate Celtic jewelery. The 101 spiral designs are all hand painted by Courtney Davis and printed in full colour. Each is accompanied by a black and white version of the same image on the adjacent page-perfect for scanning or photocopying for use on readers' personal art, design or craft project. The introduction gives a brief history of the Celts and an explanation of the birth and development of their artistic style with particular relation to spiral designs.

Available at a new low price! Intricate, richly colored, and full of symbolism, Celtic art has inspired painters, woodworkers, needleworkers, and other craftspeople for centuries. These exquisite designs--including 50 superb color plates--will continue the tradition, stimulating creativity among professionals and amateurs alike. Chosen by Courtney Davis, one of the most acclaimed Celtic artists working today, the designs include knotwork borders, key patterns, spirals, zoomorphic figures, crosses, and ornamental initials suitable for calligraphers. Some are classic; others are modern but steeped in Celtic style, including one album cover. In addition, Davis provides background throughout, incorporating legends and prayers, and explaining the symbols' meaning and origins, so that artists will have a greater understanding and appreciation of the glories of Celtic culture.

The early Celtic artists in Britain and Ireland drew upon an even more ancient tradition and heritage to create beautifully patterned jewellery, metal work and carvings. The arrival of Celtic Christianity transformed their artistry into the glorification of God and can be seen in the magnificantly illustrated manuscripts typified by the Book of Kells, Book of Durrow and the Lindisfarne Gospels. Drawing upon these strands, the noted modern Celtic artist Courtney Davis celebrates in this book the "art of the scribe", presenting afresh the intricacy and beauty inherent in the Celtic ornamentation. With examples from the famous manuscripts and gospels and other works, he reinterprets in graphic detail the skills and intricacies of the Celtic scribes and their comptemplative but highly creative lives.