Courtney Davis was destined to become a world-recognized Celtic artist. No doubt about it. He was born on Hallowe’en in Blackwood, South Wales, to a family with strong Irish and Scots roots. It is a place long associated with the Arthurian legends.

Welsh Davis is a self-taught artist who has more than 50 books on Celtic art under his belt and has been widely exhibited in Europe, the U.S.A. and Southeast Asia. His intricate designs are based not on ancient Celtic designs but on his interpretation of Celtic symbolism. He is no doubt right. In all probability the popular Ogham Celtic tree immortalized by Robert Graves is no more than a poetic image evoked by the poet.

For a while, Davis designed jewellery for a major U.K. firm but after a serious operation he began to experience visions of deep loss that seemed prophetic when his father died shortly afterwards. Those visions led to a spiritual journey that continues to this day.

Courtney became increasingly captured by the legends of King Arthur and began to draw prints and cards of the stories associated with the King of Avalon, often edged with detailed Celtic borders.

His continued fascination with the Arthurian legend evolved into a book of black and white prints that became Merlin Awakes. He feels close to Merlin, often sensing that his spirit hovers near his shoulder, guiding his hand. Courtney never pre-plans an illustration. He begins to draw and suddenly finds an image emerging as if some other force were in charge.
More recently he has been turning his creative energy to designing his own line of jewellery, some of which is illustrated here.

If you’d like to know more about Courtney Davis, check out www.celtic-art.com