Celtic Design: Spiral Patterns

by Aidan Meehan

The oldest and most characteristically Celtic type of design, spiral patterns illustrate vividly the continuity between pagan and Christian Celtic art. Spirals are a constant presence, from the art of Late Stone Age Central Europe, through megalithic temple sculptures, the La Tene bronzes of the Gauls and Britons, and Pictish jewels, to the marvellous system of Celtic art's golden age in the early middle ages. Aidan Meehan gives detailed practical advice on how to adapt that living tradition to the demands of modem craft and design, with the aid of abundant illustrations.

Genres: Art, Art Design, Reference, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1993

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

چقدر اطلاعات دقیق و ظریفی راجع به انواع طرح ها و مقایسه دوره ها و کارکرد های طرح هاشون داشت.
یه سری قسمت ها واقعا مداد میگیری دستت و تلاش میکنی طرح ها رو بکشی. بعد از خوندن کتاب دیگه طرح ها برات یه سری دایره داخل و کنار هم رندوم نیستند، یه سریشون مفهوم میگیرند و دنبال پیدا کردن پترن‌هاشون میوفتی.
حس میکنم باید پرگار و کاغذ شطرنجی بذارم دم دست و به یه سری عادات گذشته‌ام برگردم.
۲.۱۴۰۴

[Anna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a total impulse buy at my favorite used book store, but I'm so glad I found it! Meehan has put together a wonderful reference book, a detailed look at one of my favorite art forms, and to make things even better, all the text appears to have been written in uncial calligraphy! Beginning the book, I made the mistake of trying to draw some of the designs. Freehand. In pen. I'm laughing at myself now. These are complex, mathematically-precise works of art, which should not be attempted without a compass, grid, and a great deal of patience. However, even if my attempts are replicating these designs were unsuccessful, by the end of the book I had gotten much better at "reading" Celtic spiral art. Sure, your eye can *take in* a double spiral triskele in an instant, but (at least for me) it takes concentrated study to really get inside the pattern, break down its component parts, and really understand how it all came together. A great reference book for artists, especially those interested in fantasy illustration. I'll be keeping it on my art shelf for a long, long time.

[Holly Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent scribe reference

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really useful and interesting book that gives the history and techniques to draw a vast number of spirals.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meehan's books break down different aspects of Celtic design. A fascinating and helpful read for those looking to make Celtic designs.

[Morvling Bookink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know whats really going on but I appreciate the intensity of research and looking at the Pictish pictures.

[Kelly Flanagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Lots of diagrams and explanations. Really shows you how to do each type of spiral, where and when it's from and explains how they can be morphed.

[Amy Lucey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and presented well.