With no beginning or end, the knot in Celtic art symbolizes interconnectedness and eternity. The Endless Knot Plaque's original design features two intertwined knots of light and dark blue weaving together into a whole. A poem etched into the plaque (written out below) frames the knots and speaks to their union. Perhaps representing two loved ones, their lives as joined as the knots, this wall hanging is perfect for a wedding or anniversary.
The creation of the plaque is quite labor intensive, and carving and glazing alone take tens of hours to complete! First, I shape the plaque from a single slab of stoneware clay. I meticulously hand carve each line of the woven design and each dot of texture on the background into the surface of the clay using a series of small, metal tools. Then, using individual letter stamps, I impress the poem onto the border of the plaque.
After the design is complete, the piece is allowed to dry for a couple weeks before it is fired for the first time. The long drying time allows all the moisture to be removed from the clay without causing warping or distortion of the plaque. After the first firing (bisque firing to around 1900oF), I hand glaze the plaque with brushes, and fill the lines between the knots with glaze using an adapted syringe. The piece is then fired for a second time to about 2200oF to ensure long-lasting beauty and durability.
After the piece is removed from the kiln for the final time, I attach rubber bumpers on the back to protect surfaces, and string picture wire to allow for easy hanging.
Interested in purchasing the Endless Knot Plaque? Check out the Blue Willow Studio Shop.
| Knot Poem Come walk with me a little while. Let your life weave into mine. And for a time, our paces match O’er grassy dell or rocky patch, My hand in yours, our paths entwined. Come dance with me from year to year, As Summer fades and Autumn falls; As Winter’s maw ensnares the land With icy breath and frosty hand, ‘Til Spring again reigns over all. Come bide with me a little while. The road runs on ‘neath weary feet, And fleeting days wind swiftly by, Binding us with knot and tie, ‘Til endings and beginnings meet. ~Suzanne Banks |  |
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