(785) 614-2650 [email protected]
Uncork the Color
Celebrating a Creative, Joy-filled Life

Thoughts On:

“Forever Thine”

"Forever Thine"

(click to enlarge)

(Find this print in my shop – click here!) 

“Forever Thine” is the second colored pencil drawing that I produced for the “Enduring Roots” series.  As I began this piece, I was really excited to explore Celtic designs and crosses.

 

I started planning the composition by using Adobe Photoshop to combine three photos that I had taken of the Rebecca’s World dahlias growing in my garden.

 

One of the 'Rebecca's World' Dahlias used in "Forever Thine"

(click to enlarge)

One of the 'Rebecca's World' Dahlias used in "Forever Thine"

(click to enlarge)

One of the 'Rebecca's World' Dahlias used in "Forever Thine"

(click to enlarge)

Next, I looked at the symbolism of dahlias so that I could begin to think about the message I wanted to focus on with this drawing.  Dahlias symbolize commitment and a bond that lasts forever.

So, I thought about how that symbolism could relate to Christ or to my Christian faith, since my goal with each drawing is to share something of the light, love, and hope of Christ.  What came to mind for me is that once we have placed our faith in Christ, we are His forever.  We are part of His kingdom and made sons and daughters of God.  It’s a commitment and a bond that lasts forever.  As Romans 8:37-39 reminds us, nothing can separate us from His love.

With that focus of being Christ’s forever in mind, I began to look at what kinds of designs and Celtic motifs would help to communicate that message.

 

Claddagh Ring

(click to enlarge)

One of the first symbols that came to mind was the Irish Claddagh.  This traditional Irish symbol represents love, loyalty, and friendship.  The hands symbolize friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown symbolizes loyalty.
I struggled for quite some time to figure out how to work this symbol into my composition in a way that would blend with the other Celtic designs I would use.  I ended up leaving out the hands, but was able to come up with a way to work in the heart and crown.

 

Claddagh-esque Crown & Heart

(click to enlarge)

Cross-knot on the Arms of the Celtic Cross

(click to enlarge)

Center Cross-Knot

(click to enlarge)

Then I began looking for some traditional Celtic knots that incorporated a cross shape and/or that referenced the Holy Trinity.  Celtic knotwork can symbolize eternity and the interweaving of the physical and spiritual paths of our lives – the evidence of God’s hand at work in our lives (read more here).  So, the Celtic knotwork in this drawing reinforces the never-ending bond we have with Christ.

I chose to incorporate two different traditional knots that contained cross shapes.

I also incorporated some Trinity Knots, or triquetras, and variations of them to symbolize the Holy Trinity.
Simple Trinity Knot

(click to enlarge)

Variation on a Trinity Knot

(click to enlarge)

Maze/Key Pattern

(click to enlarge)

The circle or wheel on the Celtic cross contains a maze pattern (also called a key pattern).  Maze patterns can symbolize the twists and turns of life’s journey.  So, in the context of this drawing, it reinforces for me the fact that our bond with Christ will remain no matter what we may face on our journey through life.
Hopefully, all of this symbolism combines to help communicate that we will not be separated from Christ’s love for us and that our bond with Him will last forever.  For me, it also speaks of my commitment to Christ – that no matter where my life’s journey may lead, I will remain committed to Him and continue to trust in Him.

One of the great things about art is that each piece “speaks” to people differently.  I’d love to hear your thoughts or feelings on this piece.  Just leave your thoughts in the comment box below or send me an email from the “Let’s Chat” page.

Thanks for spending part of your day with me!

Leave a Comment

%d bloggers like this: