Jen Delyth
Encyclopedia
Jen Delyth Welsh-born artist and author, is a contemporary Celtic Art
illustrator and author who has contributed to the Celtic folk tradition with her original Celtic art and designs based on Celtic mythology
and symbolism.
, representing (the artist's interpretation of) the interconnection of all things.
Although often misinterpreted as an ancient symbol, the Celtic Tree of Life is perhaps Delyth's most notable contribution to contemporary Celtic Art.
Although most Celtic art today is based on ancient sources, there are some contemporary Celtic artists who consider the Celtic arts culture a living tradition- creating new works, rather than simply reproducing the traditional motifs. Working within a folk-art genre with ancient roots, has created some complications and misconceptions for their new designs - that are not actually available in the public domain
. In the ongoing challenge to protect her own work - especially her popular Tree image - from misuse, Delyth has also been an instrumental advocate for the rights of modern-day Celtic artists, participating in campaigns to promote and protect copyright from infringement, and educate the public on proper uses.
Beyond the Ninth Wave Celtic art and animation, with spoken word by founder/Poet Gilli Smyth
was published by Ninth Wave Productions in 2000. Also featuring music by Michael Masley
, Silver Arm, and Aryeh Frankfurter. Ninth Wave film has been featured with Irish Band Kila
in San Francisco 2001, Trillian Green, and Woodland at Faerieworlds in Veneta, OR.
1992 Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend, Miranda Green
, Thames & Hudson, Frontispiece & Illustration (ISBN 0-500-27975-6)
1992 Animals in Celtic Life and Myth, Miranda Green
, Routlege (ISBN 0-415-05030-8)
1993 Celtic Myths, Miranda Green
, British Museum Press (ISBN 0-7141-2091-X)
1995 Sacred Symbols: The Celts", Thames & Hudson, Illustration (ISBN 0-500-06014-2)
1997 Celtic Crafts: The Living Tradition, David James, Blandford Press, Featured Artist, Illustration & Article (ISBN 0-7137-2663-6)
1997 Parabola: Myth, Tradition and the Search for Meaning
Illustrations
1999 New Visions in Celtic Art: The Modern Tradition, David James, Blandford Press, Featured Artist, Illustrations & Text (ISBN 0-7137-2736-5)
2000 Celtic Journey, EarthTone Records, CD Cover and Artwork (ASIN: B00004RCUO)
2000 Beyond the Ninth Wave, Ninth Wave Productions, Artwork, Animation, Audio, Production (ASIN: B000FSY94A)
2002 Mandala Journey to the Center, Bailey Cunningham, DK Publications, Chapter Frontispiece (ISBN 0-7894-9740-9)
2002 Renaissance Magazine, Vol. 5, #3, Issue 19, Featured Artist
2002 Ravens, Mad Mama Moon, CD Cover and Interior Artwork
2005 Riddle on the Mountain, Daryl Burkhead, Dog Earred Press, Concept & Design Inspiration (ISBN 0-9668289-5-X)
2005 Theatr ná nóg, a touring, Welsh production of Melangell - Theatre Poster Design
2006 Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel, Frank MacEowen, New World Library, Cover Illustration (ISBN 1-57731-541-3)
2007 The Four Branches of the Mabinogi
: Celtic Myth and Medieval Reality, Will Parker, Bardic Press, Cover and Inside Illustration (ISBN 0-9745667-5-6)
2008 Celtic Folk Soul - Art, Myth & Symbol: Amber Lotus Publishing, Cover, internal Illustrations, Text, Design (ISBN 1-60237-116-4)
2008 Originally Blessed - 25th Anniversary of Matthew Fox
's Original Blessing:Creation Spirituality Communities Creation Spirituality, Illustration and Text
2000 - 2008 Celtic Mandala Calendars, Journals & Datebooks: Amber Lotus Publishing, artwork, design and text (ISBN 1-56937-759-6) (ISBN 1-885394-58-6) , (ISBN 1-60237-057-5) , (ISBN 1-60237-113-X), (ISBN 1-56937-693-X)
1994, 1996 Herbst Theatre Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1997 60th Street Gallery Group Show, Oakland, CA
2000 American Celtic Art Exhibition, Milwaukie, WI
2001 American Celtic Art Exhibition, Cincinnati, OH & Chicago, IL
2002 Earth Gallery, Solo Art Show, Garberville, CA - Jen Delyth Art and Animation
2006 Bridging Heaven & Earth Group Show, http://www.heaventoearth.com Santa Barbara, CA.
2006 Bridging Heaven & Earth, http://www.heaventoearth.com television broadcast - Animation and Artwork
2005-2007 Faerieworlds Festival
, Featured Artist - Main stage screening of Beyond Ninth Wave animation & artwork.
2006 Madden Arts Center, http://www.decaturarts.org Group Show, Decatur, IL
- Contemporary American Celtic
2007 Irish American Heritage Center, http://irish-american.org Group Show, Chicago, IL - Contemporary American Celtic
2008 Talisman Gallery, http://www.talismangallery.com Portland, Oregon - Solo show, Giclee prints and original paintings. Screening of Celtic Art video, Book Signing
2008 Kathleens's of Dublin, Portland, Oregon - Art Show, Screening of Ninth Wave animation video, Book Signing
2008 Field's Books San Francisco - Book Reading, Showing of Fine Art Prints, Book signing
2008 Faerieworlds Festival
, Eugene, Oregon Featured Artist
Celtic art
Celtic art is the art associated with the peoples known as Celts; those who spoke the Celtic languages in Europe from pre-history through to the modern period, as well as the art of ancient peoples whose language is uncertain, but have cultural and stylistic similarities with speakers of Celtic...
illustrator and author who has contributed to the Celtic folk tradition with her original Celtic art and designs based on Celtic mythology
Celtic mythology
Celtic mythology is the mythology of Celtic polytheism, apparently the religion of the Iron Age Celts. Like other Iron Age Europeans, the early Celts maintained a polytheistic mythology and religious structure...
and symbolism.
"You may already be familiar with the artwork of Welsh artist Jen Delyth, who has done more than any others (aside from England's Courtney Davis and original Celtic art revivalist George Bain) to bring the ancient interlace designs, spirals, patterns and imagery of the Celts to modern awareness. As it turns out, Delyth is also an excellent writer and is well steeped in Celtic folk-lore, mythology and mysticism. Her stunning artwork and words vividly express the beauty, power and spirit of nature, as seen from the perspective of Celtic tradition. - Dirty Linen Magazine Book Review July 2008
The Celtic Tree of Life
Delyth is the creator of the contemporary Celtic Tree of Life design that has become a popular Celtic folk-art symbol. Delyth created the Celtic Tree of Life in early 1990. This contemporary design - not found in antiquity - describes in the language of Celtic Art patterning, the symbolism of the Tree of LIfeTree of life
The concept of a tree of life, a many-branched tree illustrating the idea that all life on earth is related, has been used in science , religion, philosophy, mythology, and other areas...
, representing (the artist's interpretation of) the interconnection of all things.
The symbolism of the Celtic Tree vividly comes to life in (this) design by Celtic artist, Jen Delyth. Their branches reach high into the heavens. Their roots dig deep into the Earth.
Yet all are woven together, signifying the connection between all things in the Heavens and the Earth.
The Celtic Tree of Life, as interpreted (here) by Welsh artist Jen Delyth, shows a concept of the cosmos in which the universe is in the form of a tree whose roots and branches join. religioustolerance.org
Although often misinterpreted as an ancient symbol, the Celtic Tree of Life is perhaps Delyth's most notable contribution to contemporary Celtic Art.
Many of Jen Delyth's patterns, like her trademark Tree of Life, have such an iconic resonance that they seem instantly familiar. They are the visual equivalent of a folk song, drawing from us some connection with a mythic marvelous past. Although her work is original and of our time, many have erroneously come to believe they are of ancient origin, so strongly do they resonate with the timeless quality we associate with our Celtic forbears.
Pat Fish, Celtic artist - 2004, Santa Barbara http://www.luckyfishart.com/jendede.html
Although most Celtic art today is based on ancient sources, there are some contemporary Celtic artists who consider the Celtic arts culture a living tradition- creating new works, rather than simply reproducing the traditional motifs. Working within a folk-art genre with ancient roots, has created some complications and misconceptions for their new designs - that are not actually available in the public domain
Public domain
Works are in the public domain if the intellectual property rights have expired, if the intellectual property rights are forfeited, or if they are not covered by intellectual property rights at all...
. In the ongoing challenge to protect her own work - especially her popular Tree image - from misuse, Delyth has also been an instrumental advocate for the rights of modern-day Celtic artists, participating in campaigns to promote and protect copyright from infringement, and educate the public on proper uses.
Published works
Published works include Books, Book Cover and magazine illustrations, Music and Theatre Illustration and the popular Celtic Mandalas Calendar, Journals and Greeting Cards. Also featured as invited guest on television, festivals include and events across the country. Jen’s prints and paintings have been exhibited with solo and group shows internationally, including with the Contemporary American Celtic art group, of which Delyth is a founding member, touring the States during 2000 and 2007. Delyth also established her business Keltic Designs which showcases her original designs on everything from Fine Art Prints and textiles to heirloom tapestries.Collaborations
Celtic Folk Soul - Art, Myth and Symbol illustrated and written by Jen Delyth contains examples of ancient and contemporary poetry. With a foreword by Scottish musician and author Robin WilliamsonRobin Williamson
Robin Williamson is a Scottish multi-instrumentalist musician, singer, songwriter and storyteller, who first made his name as a founder member of The Incredible String Band.-Career:...
Beyond the Ninth Wave Celtic art and animation, with spoken word by founder/Poet Gilli Smyth
Gilli Smyth
Gilli Smyth is a musician who performed with the bands Gong, Mother Gong and Planet Gong as well as several solo albums and albums in collaborations other members of Gong...
was published by Ninth Wave Productions in 2000. Also featuring music by Michael Masley
Michael Masley
Michael Masley is known for his musical work on the Hungarian cymbalom. His unique method of playing the instrument comes from his invention of the bowhammer, a cross between a fiddle bow and a dulcimer hammer, attached to the finger with a ring...
, Silver Arm, and Aryeh Frankfurter. Ninth Wave film has been featured with Irish Band Kila
Kila
Kila or KILA can refer to:* Kíla, Irish folk band* Kila, Kozani, Kozani Prefecture, Greece* Kila Marr, a xenologist in the fictional Star Trek universe* Kerala Institute of Local Administration...
in San Francisco 2001, Trillian Green, and Woodland at Faerieworlds in Veneta, OR.
Illustrations
1991 Surfinary: A Dictionary of Surfing Terms and Surfspeak, Trevor Cralle, Ten Speed Press. Illustration (ISBN 0-89815-422-7)1992 Dictionary of Celtic Myth and Legend, Miranda Green
Miranda Green
Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green FSA is a British archaeologist, who is Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University....
, Thames & Hudson, Frontispiece & Illustration (ISBN 0-500-27975-6)
1992 Animals in Celtic Life and Myth, Miranda Green
Miranda Green
Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green FSA is a British archaeologist, who is Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University....
, Routlege (ISBN 0-415-05030-8)
1993 Celtic Myths, Miranda Green
Miranda Green
Miranda Jane Aldhouse-Green FSA is a British archaeologist, who is Professor of Archaeology at Cardiff University....
, British Museum Press (ISBN 0-7141-2091-X)
1995 Sacred Symbols: The Celts", Thames & Hudson, Illustration (ISBN 0-500-06014-2)
1997 Celtic Crafts: The Living Tradition, David James, Blandford Press, Featured Artist, Illustration & Article (ISBN 0-7137-2663-6)
1997 Parabola: Myth, Tradition and the Search for Meaning
Parabola (magazine)
Parabola: Where Spiritual Traditions Meet, whose founder and editor was D.M. Dooling, began publishing in 1976 as a quarterly magazine on the subjects of mythology and the world's religious and cultural traditions. It is published by The Society for the Study of Myth and Tradition, a not-for-profit...
Illustrations
1999 New Visions in Celtic Art: The Modern Tradition, David James, Blandford Press, Featured Artist, Illustrations & Text (ISBN 0-7137-2736-5)
2000 Celtic Journey, EarthTone Records, CD Cover and Artwork (ASIN: B00004RCUO)
2000 Beyond the Ninth Wave, Ninth Wave Productions, Artwork, Animation, Audio, Production (ASIN: B000FSY94A)
2002 Mandala Journey to the Center, Bailey Cunningham, DK Publications, Chapter Frontispiece (ISBN 0-7894-9740-9)
2002 Renaissance Magazine, Vol. 5, #3, Issue 19, Featured Artist
2002 Ravens, Mad Mama Moon, CD Cover and Interior Artwork
2005 Riddle on the Mountain, Daryl Burkhead, Dog Earred Press, Concept & Design Inspiration (ISBN 0-9668289-5-X)
2005 Theatr ná nóg, a touring, Welsh production of Melangell - Theatre Poster Design
2006 Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel, Frank MacEowen, New World Library, Cover Illustration (ISBN 1-57731-541-3)
2007 The Four Branches of the Mabinogi
Mabinogion
The Mabinogion is the title given to a collection of eleven prose stories collated from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales draw on pre-Christian Celtic mythology, international folktale motifs, and early medieval historical traditions...
: Celtic Myth and Medieval Reality, Will Parker, Bardic Press, Cover and Inside Illustration (ISBN 0-9745667-5-6)
2008 Celtic Folk Soul - Art, Myth & Symbol: Amber Lotus Publishing, Cover, internal Illustrations, Text, Design (ISBN 1-60237-116-4)
2008 Originally Blessed - 25th Anniversary of Matthew Fox
Matthew Fox (priest)
Matthew Fox is an American priest and theologian. Formerly a member of the Dominican order within the Roman Catholic Church, Fox is now a member of the Episcopal Church....
's Original Blessing:Creation Spirituality Communities Creation Spirituality, Illustration and Text
2000 - 2008 Celtic Mandala Calendars, Journals & Datebooks: Amber Lotus Publishing, artwork, design and text (ISBN 1-56937-759-6) (ISBN 1-885394-58-6) , (ISBN 1-60237-057-5) , (ISBN 1-60237-113-X), (ISBN 1-56937-693-X)
Exhibitions
1991 International Celtic Conference, Swansea University, UK1994, 1996 Herbst Theatre Gallery, San Francisco, CA
1997 60th Street Gallery Group Show, Oakland, CA
2000 American Celtic Art Exhibition, Milwaukie, WI
2001 American Celtic Art Exhibition, Cincinnati, OH & Chicago, IL
2002 Earth Gallery, Solo Art Show, Garberville, CA - Jen Delyth Art and Animation
2006 Bridging Heaven & Earth Group Show, http://www.heaventoearth.com Santa Barbara, CA.
2006 Bridging Heaven & Earth, http://www.heaventoearth.com television broadcast - Animation and Artwork
2005-2007 Faerieworlds Festival
Faerieworlds
The Faerieworlds Festival is an annual music and arts festival currently held annually in Oregon. The festival's primary theme is the "realm of the faerie"...
, Featured Artist - Main stage screening of Beyond Ninth Wave animation & artwork.
2006 Madden Arts Center, http://www.decaturarts.org Group Show, Decatur, IL
Decatur, Illinois
Decatur is the largest city and the county seat of Macon County in the U.S. state of Illinois. The city, sometimes called "the Soybean Capital of the World", was founded in 1823 and is located along the Sangamon River and Lake Decatur in Central Illinois. In 2000 the city population was 81,500,...
- Contemporary American Celtic
2007 Irish American Heritage Center, http://irish-american.org Group Show, Chicago, IL - Contemporary American Celtic
2008 Talisman Gallery, http://www.talismangallery.com Portland, Oregon - Solo show, Giclee prints and original paintings. Screening of Celtic Art video, Book Signing
2008 Kathleens's of Dublin, Portland, Oregon - Art Show, Screening of Ninth Wave animation video, Book Signing
2008 Field's Books San Francisco - Book Reading, Showing of Fine Art Prints, Book signing
2008 Faerieworlds Festival
Faerieworlds
The Faerieworlds Festival is an annual music and arts festival currently held annually in Oregon. The festival's primary theme is the "realm of the faerie"...
, Eugene, Oregon Featured Artist
See also
- Celtic artCeltic artCeltic art is the art associated with the peoples known as Celts; those who spoke the Celtic languages in Europe from pre-history through to the modern period, as well as the art of ancient peoples whose language is uncertain, but have cultural and stylistic similarities with speakers of Celtic...
- Celtic knotCeltic knotCeltic knots are a variety of knots and stylized graphical representations of knots used for decoration, used extensively in the Celtic style of Insular art. These knots are most known for their adaptation for use in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts, such as the 8th-century...
- Celts or Modern CeltsModern CeltsA Celtic identity emerged in the "Celtic" nations of Western Europe, following the identification of the native peoples of the Atlantic fringe as "Celts" by Edward Lhuyd in the 18th century and during the course of the 19th-century Celtic Revival, taking the form of ethnic nationalism particularly...
- Celtic mythologyCeltic mythologyCeltic mythology is the mythology of Celtic polytheism, apparently the religion of the Iron Age Celts. Like other Iron Age Europeans, the early Celts maintained a polytheistic mythology and religious structure...
- Celtic RevivalCeltic RevivalCeltic Revival covers a variety of movements and trends, mostly in the 19th and 20th centuries, which drew on the traditions of Celtic literature and Celtic art, or in fact more often what art historians call Insular art...
- Welsh peopleWelsh peopleThe Welsh people are an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales and the Welsh language.John Davies argues that the origin of the "Welsh nation" can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain, although Brythonic Celtic languages seem to have...
- Tree of LifeTree of LifeThe tree of life in the Book of Genesis is a tree planted by God in midst of the Garden of Eden , whose fruit gives everlasting life, i.e. immortality. Together with the tree of life, God planted the tree of the knowledge of good and evil . According to some scholars, however, these are in fact...