Boyne Valley and How Its Ancient Symbols Inspired My Art

Two years ago, I spent six weeks in Ireland, four of which were as an artist-in-residence in the Boyne Valley. For many artists, a change of scenery can be more than just a vacation, and this experience, in particular, was a rebirth of creative energies. That experience stayed with me, and I have been eager to return ever since.

The Magic of Knowth and Newgrange

During my time in Ireland, I spent hours in the Boyne Valley, home to the massive Neolithic tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. These structures are over 5,000 years old, predating both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

What fascinated me most were the lozenge-shaped stones that surround the tomb at Knowth. These are covered in repeated carvings and patterns; some that seem to document the phases of the moon, the passing of months, and the natural cycle of waxing and waning. The way that these ancient patterns interact with one another is mesmerizing, and they have become a focus of my recent work.

New Works Bringing Symbols to Life

I’ve begun a series of abstract pieces that bring these 5,000-year-old symbols and swirls into a more modern medium. One of my recently completed pieces uses a mix of watercolour, inks and acrylic markers to bring a little life and colour to those ancient shapes. The second piece, begun as a pen and ink study, focuses on the square zig-zag pattern and the spiral and circular repetitions found at the Knowth site. This work is also mixed media and incorporates ink, acrylic marker, water colour and pencil crayon to give a feeling for the ruggedness of the carvings.

This isn’t the first time I’ve worked with these symbols. During my time in Ireland, I experimented with a process that brought out the negative space in a piece. I initially started by identifying the positive shapes of the Knowth symbols, but as the piece evolved, I chose to “push them back.” By focusing on and bringing out the negative spaces instead, the composition took on a new life. I quite like how this process highlights the area between the carvings, creating a more organic, flowing feel in shades of green, yellow, and blue.

Ancient Imaginnings, Work Progression (Sheryl Crowley, Mixed Media, 2023)

Chasing Whimsy

Art can be a bridge across time; it echoes and inspires, and I can’t wait to see where these symbols lead me as I prepare to head back to Ireland this March. I find my mindset has shifted, and while I’ve researched a few places and things to do, I really want to remain open to improvisation and whimsy.

I want to be open to wherever I end up wandering, and go where inspiration takes me. It might sound a bit much to some, but truly, that is the heart of my journey: staying open to new possibilities, fresh ideas, and the unexpected sparks of inspiration that only happen when you leave the map behind.