FAQ’s

Q1. Where do your Celtic designs come from?

A1. The inspiration for these designs comes from the carvings, jewelry, and early manuscripts found through the Seven Nations of the ancient Celtic world. Ground breaking research on Celtic art and design was done in the last century by George Bain, whose book, Celtic Art: Methods of Construction, (Dover, 1973) we highly recommend for anyone interested in the craft and science of this art form.

Irish artist Warren Holohan (Ui hUallachan) studied the work of Bain, Courtney Davis, Aidan Meehan, and others until he was able to develop a distinctive style of his own. For the past decade he has been creating a body of work that has drawn critical acclaim and developed a loyal following of admirers. Warren is an inexhaustible student of life and lore and has taken the old myths and legends and woven them into his designs.

Q2. How do these designs get onto the garments?

A1. In 1999, Ink and Essence was formed and Warren Holohan formed, where all of Warren’s designs are meticulously hand silk screened. In 2008 his son Sean, who had been printing part time while getting a B.S. in marketing from DeSales University,  joined the company as a partner. Now father and son, assisted by a talented staff of experienced screeners  produce the goods offered to how here

Q3. Can I get these designs anywhere else?

A1. With very few exceptions, the answer is no. We wholesale a very few of our designs to Kilt makers with whom we’ve formed friendships over the years, but we’ve kept the bulk of these design exclusively at I&E.

Q4. Do you do custom design or printing?

A1. Yes! By all means. We have an active production shop and welcome custom printing. We can also create custom designs exclusively for you, if you like. And, if you’re among those who care about such things, our shop is a union shop - members of Unite Here! Local 1148a. (www.unitehere.org)

Q5. Do you ever accept freelance work?

A5. We would love to, although to date there are so few artists doing this sort of design, we have not had the opportunity to publish any one else’s work. If you have designs you would like to have considered for publication contact Warren via e-mail and send either a web address where he can see your work or attach a low resolution jpeg so he can get a sense of what you’re doing.

Q6. I’ve never done this sort of art before. How can I get started?

A6. A good place to start is by getting George Bain’s book mentioned above. Don’t expect to be able to do it right the first, or even the 50th time – although you may. The key is to develop, first of all, a way of seeing the art. A good solid understanding of geometric and organic shapes helps, but the key is to practice. It’s much like the way young artists learned their craft under Master painters in the Middle Ages. Copy and repeat the knotwork or spirals until you can draw them without looking at the original. Then begin to construct your own designs using what you’ve learned.
            When you reach this point, broaden your study to include some of the marvelous books on ancient Celtic art, jewelry, stone carving and the like. Become alive to the world around you and within you, and draw – endlessly experiment and love what you are doing. Do it for the doing, not for the outcome. The outcome will define itself based on your explorations.
            And make friends – carefully and intelligently – with a person or 2 that share this interest, with your surroundings, with yourself. The ancient Celts were all about harmony and flow in all things. Become a part of that. If you can find someone competent and that person will mentor you, that’s wonderful. Learn from them but do not seek to become them. Find a Spiritual Director because much of this art is spiritually driven.         Spiritual Directors International (www.sdiworld.org) can help you locate a director that could help you.

            Best of all to you in whatever your pursuit may be.

Warren