This is a complex Celtic art "Carpet Page", a bit like the full page decorative panels found in illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells or the Book of Lindisfarne. The image combines designs I originally drew on paper with others that I created entirely on my computer, using Adobe Photoshop.

    The central design is a very ancient one called a "Triskelion" - a three-armed spiral. During the Middle Ages a variation on this pattern was adopted as the symbol of the Isle of Man, which lies between Britain and Ireland in the middle of the Irish Sea. The island was of tremendous strategic importance in those days, since a navy based there could dominate the passage between those two islands. These days it mainly seems to be a nice place to take a vacation.

    Surrounding the triskelion are a variety of spiral patterns, fretwork, gripping beasts, and knotwork borders in an overall design that recalls a piece of jewelry.

    This image is available as a poster, and as an archival print, from the Celtic Art & Retro-Futuristic Design site. The central circular panel is also available on a wide variety of products including shirts, sweatshirts, greeting cards, and boxes.